Along all the time Udo spoke to Maria, Kai didn't let his eyes off them. She was the archetypal 'rich man's girl' - good manners, good looks, but in the end, the inside was meek and soft even though it was encased in a beautifully-painted shell. He knew more of these cuties than he could count on both his hands. But a soft smile appeared on his lips as he watched them converse. These three were pretty girls, and he, as a being ascended from the fiery pits of hell, knew more of human lust and greed than most. Though Asmodeus was an expert in that subject,<span style="font-style: italic">his</span>focus was the hunger of avarice...<br/><br/>"Maria is a good friend of mine..." Annika remarked silently to Kai, for a moment looking down into the glass of red wine she received in the meantime.<br/>"She's a charming lady for sure." he nodded, raising his glass, gracefully hold between three of his fingers, hidden in the black glove. He leaned in and whispered to her ear, "But there's one more charming this evening."<br/>She chuckled, covering her lips with the tips of her fingers, blushing.<br/><br/>It, though, seemed that Maria lost the officer's attention for a moment, which the man used to turn to the other two.<br/>“Have you known Kristof long, Herr Drechsler?” Annika requested, giving Kai a glance with a softly raised brow.<br/>He smiled at Udo's reply. "Wonderful company needs two to be enjoyable. You cannot credit others for what is your good work for a share just as fair as mine, Herr Drechsler." he replied, raising the white wine to his lips, but doing little more than dipping his lips into it.<br/>"I must agree with you, Herr Drechsler." Annika spoke quietly, a smile of her own curling her plump lips. "I've known him for years already. He still surprises me sometimes... So much that sometimes I wonder what more tricks his suit's sleeves hide."<br/><br/>Then something else hit his mind.<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Kai, wherever you are, there is something urgent I need to share with you.</span></span>Asmodeus' voice echoed inside his mind. It was loud like a siren, and right after, the entire content of his friends' conversation barged into his mind. He grew pale once more, maybe even more than before, and his hand was almost shaking as he put the glass of wine onto the counter.<br/>"I'm honestly sorry... But it seems I might have to excuse myself for the evening..." he shook his head, shutting his eyes tightly. "I'm really not feeling well, and it appears that the wine has not helped." he took his hat, and gave Annika a short glance. "All apologies. I wish you all a beautiful evening to be remembered... And I hope we will all meet each other soon."<br/>Maybe sooner than they thought.<br/><br/>With that, he bowed softly to the company, and turned over to make his exit.<br/><br/>And who followed him? Annika didn't move from his side, just quietly excusing herself as well.<br/>"Kristof, are you alright?" she requested, taking long steps to catch up with him. He nodded to her. "It's nothing. It would be better for you to return to your friends, or go to sleep, Annika. The night's going to be nearing its end soon... It is unfit for a lady to linger here at this time." he tried to persuade her, giving her a look that once could almost mistake for concerning.<br/>With a sigh, she nodded. His words were convincing... "I suppose you are right. I'll... Good night then. Hopefully you will feel better tomorrow." she smiled softly at him, and in one of the branching corridors barred left, disappearing between the rows of doors.<br/><br/>Finally, he got to be alone, and he sped up, like a bullet bursting through the hallway. It wouldn't take him long to get in front of Room 32.<br/><br/>Taking his hat off once more, and this time, there was no trace of his usual tranquil expression underneath it, he stepped before the door.  The presence of the angel was making him feel bad, worse than bad, but his thoughts were all fired up, and that kept his attention off it.<br/>"I hope I didn't miss anything." he remarked coldly, crossing his arms on his chest.<br/><br/>All was just a front, right?<br/>Could this game of chess get any more interesting?