Her apartment was a little lonely since Sunset's mother had decided to make her permanent home in Faerie with her now-husband; Sunset's father was something like royalty and couldn't make his home in the human realm, so they compromised. Mimi would raise sunset in the human world and let her be a normal kid. Romulus would be as present as he could in his daughter's upbringing and he often attended parent teacher conferences and important events. Sunset and Mimi vacationed in the fae realm during summer breaks and Sunset grew up learning about both sides of her heritage.

As far as they could tell, except for her eyes that turned a startling amethyst when in Faerie, the Fae gene missed her. But it turned out she was just a late bloomer due to her human blood. Sunset felt like she'd had to go through puberty twice. At first her empathic abilities made her go through wild mood swings as she'd pick up and internalize emotions that weren't hers. Her mother had taken her to several doctors before having her father arrange an appointment with a Fae physician. To the Fae, it was a normal occurrence in adolescents and it was easily apparent that Sunset had developed an Ability.

She half-smiled, half-grimaced as she relived the bittersweet memory. Her father had been so happy that she was more like him and his pride overjoyed her... but suddenly she'd been a bit of an outcast with her human peers as well as her fae ones. A few years later and she was still playing catch up.

She shook her head and sat at her dressing table. Taking a deep breath, she let her eyes fall closed and concentrated on Faerie. When she opened her eyes again, she was sitting in her room on the other side of the veil. She still wasn't sure how they were able to make a vortex or portal or whatever it was in exactly the same spot but she never cared for the science behind the magic, just that it worked.

Crossing her suite, she quickly made her way out and to the library. Time moved differently here and she didn't want to be late or miss her... meeting? Date? Sunset shook her head. She just didn't want to be late.

It was easy to find the book she needed ‐ something like a paranormal encyclopedia - and flip to the correct section. "Demons," she murmured out loud and set to soaking up all she could in just a few hours.

The time passed quickly and she reread her notes as she returned to her room to cross back over to the human realm.

*Low level Demons are said to each be associated with one of the seven “Deadly Sins” They tend to be rather one dimensional in their need to live by, and spread their given sin.

Higher level Demons, however, may represent multiple, or even all of the sins at once, though they usually still have a “primary” sin, for which they have the strongest affinity. They can also be far more multifaceted, forming their own beliefs and desires.

While Demons are often depicted as “evil,” it’s possible that this is more of a “nurture” over “nature” matter, as Demons raised outside of the Infernal Dimension have been known to carry many different ideals and alignments.

Like other races, the abilities Demons develop are usually hereditary. However, High Level Demons are sometimes capable of “consuming” the abilities of other creatures, adopting them for their own.*

That last bit gave her a bit of pause, but she quickly pushed it away. She'd seen a glimpse his interest and curiosity in her ability. She hadn't felt anything malicious in that

She wondered what sin she was dealing with in Zoran as she went about her bedtime ritual. It had only been a few hours in Faerie but it was almost midnight once she crossed back over. Years of travel back and forth had taught her that the best way to deal with the extreme jet lag was to always sleep when the sun went down.

Hopefully, she mused as her eyes closed, she'd be able to push her own sins to the back of her mind lusting over him wouldn't distract her too badly. Her subconscious laughed at her as she dreamed about rippling muscles covered in tattoos all night.

Zoran was planning to pay a visit to the business sector after leaving the coffee shop. His intention was to finesse his way into a few new business partners. But the opportunity that had fallen into his lap was far more tempting and he couldn't turn it down! He made his way back home, pulling up to his estate in half an hour. His home was far from small, but for a man of his means, it could still be considered modest. On the outside, at least.

In truth, Zoran was a fan of the finer things. He didn't care for status symbols though. Human's opinions of him mattered less than dirt. But luxury was something he enjoyed to no end. Fine furniture, art, cooks, and servants. Zoran was no stranger to comfort. It made for an interesting contrast to the regular, every day clothes he wore out, or the simple Nissan Maxima he drove. He was definitely a complex man.

He walked into the house and avoided greetings from his servants who were surprised to see him home so soon. He was focused and had no time for small talk. Through the living room he walked, past the staircase that lead up to the second floor. He took a left past the kitchen, and made his way to the one door none in his home were allowed to pass through. On the other side of the door, was a second staircase; one that lead downstairs.

The floor plan to this house didn't include a basement. It simply detailed a two story home with glass walls. After all, what better way to hide something, than with total transparency? When Zoran reached the bottom of the stairs, he was met with two doors; One to either side.  He walked through the door to the right to find himself in his private library. illuminated with florescent lights that bounded off the marble walls, one wouldn't guess it was located underground. Bookshelves were stacked practically from floor to ceiling. Rows and rows of literature on all sorts of topics, organized meticulously! Near the door was a single desk and chair, with a small lamp. Zoran walked past it and toward the back, where he knew he had information on different types of creatures, as well as different abilities. In five minutes, he returned with a small stack of scripts on Fae, as well as magical Empaths. He had much to review...

The next morning, the Demon would arrive at the Steam Room dressed in a suede blazer, and slacks. Nothing he wore was name brand, but it was all of high quality. His locs beat lightly against his back as he entered the establishment, scanning quickly for his companion. Since it seemed she had yet to arrive, he took a seat, deciding not to order without her. This time, he was far more prepared, and he would have what he wanted...

"Woah, that's trippy," Sunset breathed as Zoran showed her more examples of what his power could do. "I wonder if that's what acid is like," she wondered aloud as she mentally drooled over his tattoos and the flesh that lay under them.  "Or maybe ecstasy..." she added softly before shaking herself and blushing a bit.

"Me? It's nowhere near as impressive and your walls are so thick that I can't show off like you. I'm just a run-of-the-mill empath." She shrugged. "And not a very good one at that," she added under her breath and sighed.

Sunset looked around and took in the few other patrons on the patio and the people walking by on the street. "Much of what I do is just people watching. Body language, especially human body language, is very easy to read. I just pay attention."

Her eyes flicked over Zoran again. He really was a delicious speci-- no. She needed to focus. She filed away several mental snapshots to fawn over later and looked at him closer. He was beautiful, yes, but the set of his shoulders, the way he leaned in towards her, the tilt of his lips, the slight crinkle in the corner of his eye... he was enjoying playing with her, yes. But he also seemed genuinely curious.

"What is it about me that has you so fascinated?" The question was more to herself than him, and she found herself mirroring his posture again. Something about him was equally magnetic to her and it wasn't just his looks.  Vaguely she found herself wondering if he'd let her in to find out.

"I'm not usually very forward or forward at all really if I'm being totally honest. But do you think you'd like to get coffee again some time? Together, I mean. On me. Since I'm asking you." She bit her lip and ducked her head. "No pressure though."

She raised an eyebrow when he (rather rudely) held up a "one moment" finger, and then pointed down at her now boiling cup of coffee. Before she could bemoan him ruining her cup and not his own, he dared her to taste it.

Sunset's eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't seem malevolent as he explained that his ability was part illusion and part controlling the senses themselves. In fact, she'd almost call the look in his eyes playful. Like he was taking enjoyment in toying with her. So she had to assume that the boiling was only visual and the drink itself was untouched.

Maintaining eye contact, she lifted the cup. It wasn't hot as she suspected. She raised it to her lips and took a very cautious sip. The flavor that exploded across her tongue was definitely NOT coffee! She couldn't help but to take another taste. It was like nothing she had ever tasted before. Full bodied and bold like coffee but more, almost like he had taken the subtle notes and turned them up to full blast.

"This is amazing!" Sunset took another sip and set the cup on the table. "So, what you're saying is you changed me and the not coffee, right? That's such a cool ability." She studied him, her head tilting slightly as she thought.

"How far does your control go, exactly? Tweaking my tastebuds is cute but that's a lot of power you have there."

Sunset was impressed despite her nonchalant tone. Being sensitive, she could usually detect psychic attempts, but she had totally missed his. Maybe that meant it wasn't a psychic ability at all. Nonetheless he was a powerful being and she was looking forward to gleaning any information she could about him.

He - Zoran - took her hand for a moment as he sat down and for that instant, she could feel... so much. Everything. It was almost like he *was* all five senses all at once. In the same instant his eyes flashed, the colors turned the wrong way. Then he released her hand and sat back in his seat. She blinked. Unconsciously she mirrored his relaxed posture.

The moment left her shaken and feeling like she was in way over her head. She had never expected to meet a demon in Dever but here he was. His nature didn't bother her. Quite the opposite, Sunset was even more intrigued. She took a fortifying sip of her coffee before answering him.

"Yes, empathy is my ability. And yours is... " she paused, pondering the brief glimpse she had gotten.

"Some sort of physical... manipulation? It felt fascinating. Really intense. Of course, it's normal for you so probably not as overwhelming as it seemed to me since I've never experienced anything like that before. Sorry. I'm rambling. I get nervous around pretty people."

Her eyes widened at the realization of what she had just said out loud.  But it was too late to take it back now. 

" I'm gonna stop talking and let you actually answer the question. Is it physical manipulation or am I off base?"

She leaned forward, eyes intent on his. She might be a little intimidated but who knew if she'd ever meet a demon again? She was determined to pick Zoran's brain if he'd let her.

It startled Sunset a little when he stood up and approached her table, a little half smile gracing his lips before he took a sip of his own drink.

She was so fascinated with his black hole of an aura and how he cut through her own like a shark in water that she missed his first words to her. It was so different from the humans that she was used to reading. They were incredibly open and easy to help. This... this wasn't human, she realized.

She blinked up at him as he asked to sit and found herself nodding dumbly. He was even more beautiful up close. Distractingly so. She wanted to run her fingers through his locs. She could look into his tortured eyes forever. And, Gods, his lips...

Sunset mentally shook herself and smiled as he sat. Pure curiosity drove her to offer her hand to shake. Maybe touch would give her abilities a boost and allow her to peek through his wall. "Sunset. Nice to meet you."

It was a good morning for a walk. Sunset  didn't particularly love the city -- too many feels -- but duty called, and it was a nice day. The morning sun warmed her perfectly and she couldn't help but to turn her face up towards it and soak in the rays. She could almost feel the energy soaking in through her pores. Almost better than coffee. Almost.

She popped into the little cafe, and ordered her favorite fancy latte. It was only a few minutes before her name was called and she wrapped her fingers around the cup - a real glass mug, not one of those weightless paper abominations - and headed back outside to snag a good people watching table. But the most important thing first.

She cradled the cup more firmly and enjoyed the warmth seeping into her fingers.  The little leaf the barista made with the foam was so adorable and she couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. She inhaled the aroma coming off the cup and sighed contentedly, her eyes sliding closed gently, before she brought the cup to her lips and allowed herself the first taste of sweet caffeine.

The little ritual had started as a way to reduce anxiety when she was feeling too much.  If there were too many people with too many strong emotions, her protective mental walls crumbled and she was overwhelmed with the invading vibes. It could send her into an almost catatonic state if she went too long without something to ground her in her own body. The first time her mother realized what was happening and shoved a steaming flagon under her nose saved her life. Somewhere over the years, she found that she just enjoyed taking the time to savor her warm morning drink.

After a few more sips, Sunset relaxed into her seat and ever so slowly lowered the mental walls that barred her from feeling others' emotions and let her ability creep outward, picking up on a hint here and a tinge there from the mug, table and chair she was touching, out and over the next empty table. She allowed it to keep creeping, until suddenly, it felt like she had smacked a concrete slab.

There was... nothing. A black hole.
Intrigued, she opened her eyes and found herself locking gazes with the most beautiful man she had ever seen.

The pain evident to her, swirling behind his eyes, took her breath away. But... she still felt nothing. Her head tilted slightly in confusion as she probed further.

She had been sent to the city to expand  her empathic abilities. It seemed she had found the perfect teacher.