She pondered her missing money until she heard the doorbell. She made her way over and opened it, revealing the tall blonde man she had texted earlier.

He looked at her with a soft smile, though his expression had some confusion and concern to it.

"Hey."[/i] he greeted her.

[b]"I brought it." he told her.

"Everything okay?" he then asked. "5 grand is... well, it's no pittance, that's for sure." he commented.

"You all right?"

Zeke looked even MORE confused and concerned now.

"That's... that does not sound good." he told her.

"But sure, coffee is good." he said, stepping inside when she stepped aside to allow him in.

"I mean... needing 5 grand for one thing so suddenly is... already a bit odd." he commented.

"But to lose it? That's... a bit... eesh." he went on.

"And you don't have long?" he then asked her.

"...sorry, maybe I'm paranoid or overly concerned, but this sounds... not good. At all."

"Okay, that's... even more worrisome." Zeke responded.

"Ignoring the entire past few days being a blur, you owe someone money?" he asked.

"5 grand?" he asked further.

"That's... that's... just..." he mumbled, before shaking his head.

"That's a bit exorbitant, isn't it?" he asked.

"And here." he went on, taking a money envelope out of his pocket and handing it to her.

Zeke just sighed again.

"You're welcome." he replied.

"I'm still concerned." he said.

"This activity sounds... suspect... to put it lightly." he went on.

"Are you... in danger?" he asked.

"As in, do you feel that your safety is in jeopardy because of the one you owe this money to?"

"Oh, I see." Zeke responded.

"Well, as long as you're safe." he said.

"I'll do whatever I can to help." he told her.

Zeke was a good friend... as was Azazel... but right now, Erica was thankful for one thing that Zeke had that Azazel didn't.

Naivety.

Azazel would be suspicious about HER and this situation, and would insist on information about this.

Zeke cared for her, but he was one to more often take someone's word at face value, than Azazel.

Zeke nodded and took a drink of it, before smiling.

"Mmm, I can taste it." he said, licking his lips.

"This is... really good stuff." he told her.

"There's a subtle spiciness to it, but it's complemented by a deep and rich flavour." he continued.

"It's quite addictive." he chuckled, taking another big swig.

"Thanks." he told her.

"There anything else I can do to help?" he asked.

"Of course." Zeke responded.

"I'll text you as soon as it goes through." he assured her, before finishing up his drink.

He then set the mug down and looked at her.

"I should be off." he said.

"Gotta get back to work." he chuckled.

"Glad I could help, and thanks for the coffee." he went on.

"I'll see you later." he finished, before getting closer and giving her a hug.

When Zeke left, there was... a bit on his mind.

"Something seemed... up..." he said to himself. "Something was... off... with her..." he went on.

He then paused for a moment, thinking about it, and then sighing.

'Or am I overthinking this because of concern?' he asked himself mentally.

Sure enough, about 15 minutes after that, there was a knock on her door. This one was forceful, and there was a hint of impatience to it, meaning she knew exactly who was there.

And they did NOT sound pleased, if the knocking was any indication.

The man narrowed his eyes at the envelope.

"...it reeks of celestial." he said.

"You had an angel here." he told her.

"What did you tell him?" he asked her, his tone growing angrier.

"Answer me now. And it better satisfy me." he growled, snatching the envelope, demonic flames engulfing it... though it resisted being burned a little, from the miniscule residual mana Zeke had left on it.

What happened next she was unsure of. But before she could blink, he was inside her house, and she had stepped back... he was inside the door, and slammed it behind him. His eyes started to glow red, and she could swear she felt him piercing into her soul, before he sighed.

"...seems it's just coincidence." he mumbled, before shrugging.

"Guess I overreacted." he said further, as the horns on his head formed, and his tail emerged from behind him.

"Regardless, it seems you don't remember." he then commented, before sighing quietly, and chuckling. "So I think I'll enlighten you." he went on.

"You already paid me." he informed her, as the envelope and money disappeared into the flames, burned to cinders.

"3 days ago." he went on.

"...but your debt to me is only BEGINNING to be paid." he added, a cruel smirk playing out on his face.