Erika's entire body shivered…
Her mind seemed to stop at that very moment, and her body tensed up. Her gaze became empty, and she started ignoring the greetings of those closest to her. When Erika stepped out of her office, it was only to confirm whether the demonstrators were still outside the building. Everyone in the office looked at Erika differently. Not like they usually did.
She assumed that everyone in this building—everyone who held positions and power—was the same as her, or perhaps even worse.
"Miss Erika!"
Someone had just entered Erika's office—a middle-aged man who brought her a cup of coffee every morning.
"Yes, is there something, Rob?"
Roberto was a Latin man who had worked in this building for a long time as a servant—one of many in this building.
"You can leave through the back passage; it's safe there. No demonstrators will be around."
Hearing this, Erika smiled. At least there were still good people around her.
"Alright, Rob. Thank you!"
Erika's smile widened, and so did the middle-aged man's.
Erika remained deep in thought. The demonstration outside grew larger and noisier. Tear gas was fired into the air several times, and clashes with the police ensued. But that was not what Erika feared at the moment.
No.
She was not afraid of the barbaric people outside demanding their rights. Instead, she feared the people sitting calmly inside this building—people who seemed peaceful but were far more deadly.
Erika ran the moment she saw the President kneeling before Adzriel, leaving the two of them in the basement.
Not long after, the clock showed five in the afternoon. Erika should have been able to leave early today, but the chaos outside worried her. She was unsure if she could get home safely, especially as a member of this building.
Recalling the hallway Roberto mentioned, it seemed to be the only way out for her.
Slowly, she opened the door—this time, just as shocked as she was earlier in the basement. The President and his staff had gathered in the main hall. As Erika passed through, all eyes were on her, including the President's. It was unusual for him to glance at her as if she were important.
Ignoring those terrifying stares, Erika rushed toward the basement—a place where horror always lurked, including her fateful encounter with Adzriel.
Her steps were hurried as she reached the basement. This time, she refused to stop or look back, no matter what happened. She had to reach her car.
The car door swung open, and Erika quickly got inside, locking the door behind her. Finally, she could breathe freely, resting her head against the seat. But suddenly, a hand covered her mouth, making her scream. Yet, no sound escaped, no matter how hard she tried.
"Shh! Quiet, my dear. Unless you want me to take you right here."
A whisper in her ear.
Hearing that voice, Erika took a deep breath. The grip over her mouth loosened, and the figure beside her moved to the passenger seat.
"I thought you—"
"The President? That old man wouldn't dare touch you. Trust my word."
Adzriel gazed at Erika with a hungry look, as if she were a delicious feast.
"That's terrifying."
"The President…"
Erika shook her head weakly, burying her face against the steering wheel.
"Your reaction to the truth about certain political figures… You find it horrifying, don't you?"
Adzriel moved closer, his eyes now filled with a cold, ruthless gleam.
"But don't be surprised. I am the Prince of Darkness, the Ruler of Hell and Deception. Isn't it logical that I have followers among those in high positions of power?"
Erika nodded. It made sense. Maybe she had been the only one denying it all along—because none of the people in this building were clean.
"You're right. That makes more sense than anything humans say. Sometimes, I'd rather deal with beings like you than humans who speak softly yet manipulate others."
"Or perhaps you're just afraid after encountering my old followers."
Adzriel sneered.
"You appreciate honesty and blunt truth. You prefer raw truth over the sweet lies humans tell, don't you?"
His eyes now gleamed with a cold light, almost filled with respect.
"I understand your preference for creatures like me, my dear. We are powerful, authoritative beings. We do not hide our sins or wickedness. We do not pretend to be something we are not, unlike most humans."
"Are you mocking me? Because I'm human."
Erika shot back.
"Ah, you caught my sarcasm, my dear. You quickly grasp my tendency to speak in sharp, pointed words, don't you?"
Adzriel leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Yes, I'm mocking you. It is my nature to tease and ridicule those I see as weaker or less capable than me."
"Or simply to expose human nature."
Erika countered.
"At last, you understand how my sarcasm reveals human nature. You recognize my words for what they are—a reflection of the truth about humanity, don't you?"
"Yes, my sarcasm highlights and mocks human flaws and weaknesses. I enjoy exposing hypocrisy and self-righteousness, watching them squirm under the weight of truth."
Adzriel's eyes now glowed—not the sapphire blue Erika once admired, but red.
"Now, let's go home, Erika. You wouldn't want to be stuck here all night."
Erika started the car and slowly drove through the path Roberto had shown her, as usual—a dark tunnel, lit only by her car's headlights.
Within minutes, they emerged from the tunnel into a deserted park in the city center. Too quiet—perhaps because everyone was out protesting.
"They are demanding their rights. The workers… Is the government collaborating with the corporations?"
Erika asked while driving.
"You are too intelligent, Erika. Even without me answering, you already know the truth."
Adzriel replied. The sky was growing darker, and in this darkness, Adzriel's true nature became even more apparent—he was not human.
"They're all your followers?"
Erika asked again.
"Yes, of course. Who else could orchestrate their game of money and power for personal gain?"
"They're worse than demons."
Erika spat, unable to bear the sight of the struggling masses from earlier.
"Aish! Watch your tongue, my dear. That's offensive. Besides, I still need your tongue for other things."