As if on cue, a wisp of shadow pulled Veronica into the alley. The mist curled around her legs, her torso before materializing into a humanoid female that looked like a hybrid of a human and a bat. She smiled, her teeth triangular fangs, her red eyes glowing with delight. "You know too much, girl," she hissed excitedly. "My lord wishes for your death, and he shall have it!"

Suddenly the alley was enveloped by shadow, lit only by a single street light. There was the sound of shoes on concrete. "I knew if I waited long enough, one of you demons would make a move."