When life turns upside down, sometimes we need a trusted person to help us choose the best path. In Stefan's case, that person was his wife, Genevieve.

The leader learned, months after meeting the doctor for the first time, that her analytical thinking was impeccable. She could solve problems that he had been circling around, in minutes.

Stefan forgets about his fear of being vulnerable when Genevieve is the one beside him. She saw him in his worst, as well as he was her rock during the turbulence. The strong facade of the reliable leader crumbles down once his wife holds him between her arms.

"Did I make the wrong decision?" He asked. His right hand held a lit cigarette as his body leaned against the balcony railing.

Genevieve closed the book she was reading, leaving it on her lap.

"You did the right thing. Since when did fear stop you from fighting?"

He brought the cigarette to his mouth, the smoke he exhaled flew towards the morning sky as he put out the cigarette.

"It's not my destiny that's worrying me, I worry about the lives of those who followed me."

The woman stood up from the chair, the book was no longer her priority.

"You cannot hide them from death forever, I know that won't stop you from trying, yet you should be aware that even the most insignificant decision could lead to tragedy," she stated.

Both remain silent for a moment, enjoying the breeze coming from the south of the headquarters to their little room balcony. It's been months since they left the house they lived in for five years to turn themselves into the keepers of the headquarters.

"Father Zenkin called me last night, he wants to meet today," Stefan informed her, though his tone made it sound more like a question.

"It's there any possibility that he's working with Peters?"

"I doubt it, besides, he's a friend of Casimir's family."

"Then you should see what he wants, maybe it would be helpful for us," reasoned Genevieve. In a quick movement she eyed the watch on her left wrist, it marked the time to start working. "Give the man an opportunity."

The leader shook his head in agreement, she was right, as always. With a simple, yet sweet peck, her wife said goodbye. A yawn left his mouth, he hasn't been sleeping much lately, in a way that made him a little cranky.

To begin his day with a meeting with a priest sounded strange to an atheist man like Stefan. He had enough to reflect on his beliefs when the Devil decided to show up, adding the catholic congregation to the mix couldn't bring pleasant results.

Negative thoughts plagued his mind the entire journey to the arranged location. Similar to a fire that ignited with the tiniest spark, and kept growing until it devoured everything in its path, a simple doubt became an avalanche in Stefan's mind; at that instant, he got dragged by his insecurities.

The salty smell of the sea rescued him from his thoughts. He was attached to that particular smell, as well as the sound of the waves and the singing of the seagulls. The fondness he retained for that place eased Stefan's nervousness and gave him the strength he needed to get out of the car.

Father Zenkin waited for him on the docks. The oldest waved his left hand to get the newcomer's attention.

"Thanks for coming," the parish said, he seemed relieved with his presence. "My excuses for making you come to these old docks, I hope you can understand that I wanted a little bit of privacy."

"Of course, even the clouds have ears these days," Stefan voiced his acceptance. "I don't mind visiting the docks, in fact, I missed them."

Confusion crossed the parish's features, but it was immediately replaced by recognition.

"I almost forgot, you worked as a fisherman before the tragedy. Didn't you?"

"I like to believe that I'm still a fisherman, or that at least I'll be able to return to the sea once this is over," the leader confessed.

"I'll pray for your return to your work. I'll be fast with my petition, I don't want to waste your time," he promised. "Mr. Peters' and his people threatened my congregation. I'm not strong enough to defend them, still, they're my responsibility."

"I'm assuming you want the Protectors to secure the wellbeing of your congregation," Stefan interrupted, already imagining what he was trying to ask.

"Yes, but I won't ask you to do it for free. I'm aware of the risk you'll be assuming by accepting this treat, so I want to give you something in return."

"And that is?"

"The sponsorships of the Mayor. You see, the Mayor is a faithful member of the congregation and he's willing to help in exchange for our security. It's not only about money but also about special permits for searching for information or using the village resources."

"How do I know that you'll keep your part of the deal?"

"I'll arrange a meeting with the Mayor and after you confirm that I'm telling the truth your people will start protecting us."

Stefan analyzed the proposal. To have someone as influential as the Mayor could solve their financial problem, without mentioning that they were running out of places to use for the watch.

"I'll accept the deal," he agreed, extending his hand for a handshake that father Zenkin returned without hesitation.

Sealing the deal marked the time to go separate ways. Both had responsibilities to take care of, so they couldn't take the luxury of consuming any more minutes.

On the drive back Stefan initiated the planning of the new strategy. Even though he required confirmation to begin fulfilling his part of the agreement, he liked to be cautious.

Only five minutes passed when the leader's nostrils were invaded by the strong smell of smoke. On an alert state, he passed the road curve, the velocity of the car slower than usual.

Fire welcomed him, an imponent wall of fire to be more exact. His reaction consisted of hitting the brakes, the vehicle stopped abruptly.

A silhouette stood a few meters from Stefan, yet he couldn't see it with clarity because of the smoke. As the unknown figure got closer he began to recognize certain features.

The abnormal height helped him realize it was a demon. A female demon, he believed, taking into count the feminine curves and long white hair.

"Took you long enough, sweetie," she said after reaching his side, the red eyes seemed even brighter thanks to the car window. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

"Who are you?"

"Some call me Borbala," she introduced herself, "but my people call me boss."

A second look at the demon gave Stefan enough information to conclude that she wasn't a threat, at least for the time being. Taking a risk, he rolled down the car window. Borbala smiled playfully and used the opportunity to lean her upper body against the car's door.

"So," she resumed her talk, "I heard you're having some issues with crazy Peters, and I wanted to offer my sincere help."

"I thought Peters had a deal with your kind."

"He does, but you're more interesting." Her hand tried to reach Stefan's face, but the man's fast reflexes won, making him move away. "You have an interesting group, so many alluring souls follow you. I can't wait to taste them. Yet, for now, I'm willing to give you a rest and we'll take care of Peters if you find something for me."

"We don't make deals with demons." He denied the offer before rolling the window up.

A laugh came from Borbala, she maintained a relaxed posture.

"I like your attitude. Don't worry, I'll let you go today." The demon raised her hand, with a quick movement she commanded the fire. The wall began vanishing. "You have two days to change your mind, if you choose to accept the deal, then search the ancient light for me. I'll see you once the time is over."

The barrier went down completely. Stefan started the engine, his eyes looking at Borbala for the last time before driving away. He focused on the ink decorating his body, he called a reduced number of members, he was gathering them for an improvised reunion.

What do you think about Borbala?