"No. He doesn't understand. Didn't understand. Real love is...total devotion."

Richard Strand's black eyes fade back to ice blue and he stares skyward, "Not a single damn one of you can see. I used to tell him. I used to tell him stories of heaven and he listened and I still...I still." His eyes fill with tears, "I'm still."

His head is unbearably empty. For the first time Azazel has control of his hands and feet and all of these things he had observed like an animal watching television. His little models and his toys. His first speaking engagements.

My humanity will linger on you. It's a part of you.

"He stopped fighting because he was weak." The demon sounds hurt and disgusted, "I will keep you." I want to find these rich and famous women and know them and watch you suffer."

It's spat out, defiant like a little boy.

"Walk beside me." Azazel gestured, "You are staying with me now Alex. He wants-wanted that."

The older man stared at his hands before his features meet hers, interest flickering across his eyes before boredom sets in. You're not here anymore Richard. This is just Me. For the first time in eternity I am alone inside my head." He licks his lips and realizes he could ruin this figure and ruin her and destroy the world around him.

He does not do that.

"I thought you would ask about me. Not Richard." Azazel rolls his eyes, "I promise you. He is not that interesting."