The world hangs suspended on a single breath, frozen in time.
Only three figures still remain moving in the silent stillness of the Spireline Hotel's executive floor meeting room.
Vaela, Lilith… and Bilial.
"We want to make a deal." Lilith says stepping forward, poised with purpose, her voice as smooth as silk.
Bilial cackles as he approaches. "A deal?" he asks as she straightens his already immaculate lapel. "What could the two of you possibly offer me?"
"Just tell us what you want!" Vaela grunts from her seat.
Bilial turns to her, but doesn't answer. With a flick of a finger, he lifts Vaela in the air like a ragdoll, and pulls her towards him like an invisible hook. She chokes, gasping as he wraps his hand around her throat.
"I take what I want." he says with a calm cruelty. "And you… have nothing."
