Sebastian reclined on his antique sofa, sipping a glass of red wine and savoring the moment.  That was one of the things he enjoyed most about being a demon -- the ability to take a sinful delight in life.  He also enjoyed lording over his human assistant, who was currently standing nearby, ever ready to serve his master.<br/><br/>Lazily, Sebastian held out his empty glass and listened to the satisfying sound of it being refilled.  When it came to satanists, Nicholas was not the most impressive specimen Sebastian had ever encountered.  The boy lacked any true passion for doing evil.  But he was obedient, and Sebastian knew that he’d never need to worry about his apprentice stabbing him in the back.  Besides, Nicholas possessed a wide-eyed admiration for his master that Sebastian enjoyed.<br/><br/>“Do you really think you can do it?” Nicholas asked.  “I mean, corrupting an angel -- no one has ever managed that before.”<br/><br/>Sebastian answered with a nonchalant shrug.  “I have her here, completely in my power.  It’s just a matter of time.”  Yet, beneath his casual demeanor, the prospect thrilled him.  Any demon could kill an angel.  But to corrupt one?  That not only removed an enemy, but gained an ally.  If he managed it, he’d be guaranteed a position on the ruling council.  A position which, in Sebastian’s opinion, had been unfairly withheld from him for a long time.<br/><br/>“Is she pretty?  Can I see her?”<br/><br/>Laughter burst from Sebastian’s throat.  “Yes, she’s very pretty.  More beautiful than your human mind can probably imagine.  But I don’t think you should see her just yet.”  Rising from the sofa, Sebastian walked over to a full length mirror and admired his reflection.  He liked to work all of the seven deadly sins into his daily routine.  And in this particular area, he had a great deal to be arrogant about.  He was a devilishly handsome man, with long dark hair and skin the color of bleached ivory.  Only his eyes, pale blue like two frozen lakes, hinted at the coldness in his soul -- if demons could be said to have any souls at all.<br/><br/>Glimpsing his apprentice’s disappointed expression in the mirror, Sebastian laughed again.  “But don’t worry, you’ll meet her eventually.  It’s possible that a game of ‘Good Cop, Bad Cop’ may be called for.  And since no one could ever mistake me for the Good Cop…”<br/><br/>Dismissing Nicholas with a wave of his hand, Sebastian took a key from his desk drawer.  Then he walked through his home until he reached the room where his angel was imprisoned.  No drab and damp dungeon for her.  He’d given her his own bedroom, with its mural of heaven painted on the ceiling.  (Before going to sleep every night, Sebastian enjoyed making obscene gestures at God and all His angels.)  Indeed, the angel might have felt like an honored guest if Sebastian hadn’t also stripped her, put on iron collar around her throat, and chained the collar to the bed’s headboard.<br/><br/>After turning the key in its lock, Sebastian pushed open the bedroom door.  “Hello, my dear,” he greeted cheerily.  “Are you awake yet?”