Chapter 33 – Zython

Rhino leaned back in his oversized chair, the leather creaking under his massive frame. He was a mountain of a demon with a face that looked like it had taken a few rounds with a cheese grater, but his eyes sparkled with humor. The absurdity of the situation seemed to amuse him more than it should.

Anastasia wasn't amused. She crossed her arms and fixed him with a glare that could slice steel. Rose stood a step behind her, equal parts wary and determined. This wasn't exactly the welcoming committee they'd hoped for.

"I'm not here to waste time, Rhino," Anastasia said, her voice sharp. "I need answers."

Rhino chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that filled the room. "And I suppose you think you're the first angel kid to come knocking on my door, demanding answers? Sweetheart, demons don't give those away for free."

"I'll pay," Anastasia said, leaning forward, her voice firm. "Just tell me how someone can be erased from existence. Gone, like they never even lived."

Rhino's laughter stopped abruptly. He studied her, his smile fading into something more serious. "Erased from existence? That's no small feat, angel. Takes power. Real power. The kind that can rewrite the rules of the game. You're asking about something most demons wouldn't dare even whisper about."

Rose stepped forward, her voice shaking but steady. "It's my brother, Dylan. He's gone, and I need to know how and why. We have to find him."

Rhino scratched his chin, his eyes narrowing as he mulled it over. "Dylan, huh? Hate to break it to you, but a first name is like a fart in the wind down here. Demons hiding as humans don't exactly come with name tags. You got anything else to go on?"

Anastasia pulled out her phone, scrolling through her pictures until she found the one she was looking for. It was old, taken back when she and Dylan were still together—a snapshot of happier times. She held it out to Rhino.

"This is him," she said. "Dylan."

Rhino leaned forward, squinting at the screen. Then he froze. For a moment, there was complete silence, and then he threw his head back and roared with laughter.

"Oh, this is too good!" he bellowed, wiping tears from his eyes. "You dated him? A Type VI demon? That's hilarious! Tell me, princess, did he ever get all moody and brooding on you? Classic Zython."

The color drained from Anastasia's face. Rose looked like she'd just been hit by a truck.

"Excuse me?" Anastasia snapped. "What are you talking about? Zython?"

Rhino grinned, his teeth sharp and gleaming. "Dylan, sweetheart, wasn't exactly the boy next door you thought he was. Zython is his real name. One of the big players down in the underworld. Third in command to Lucifer himself. Your ex is kind of a big deal."

Rose stumbled back, her hand flying to her mouth. "You're saying Dylan was... a demon? This whole time?"

"Not just any demon," Rhino said, still grinning. "A Type VI. Dangerous, cunning, and damn near untouchable. You girls sure know how to pick 'em."

Anastasia felt like the floor had dropped out from under her. Dylan—no, Zython—had been lying to her the entire time. And now, somehow, she was supposed to find him again.

"Where can we find him?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation.

Rhino's grin faded. "You don't just go knocking on Zython's door, princess. He's not exactly the welcoming type. But if you're serious—and I mean really serious—there's someone who might point you in the right direction. Name's Zander. He's one of ours."

"And where do we find this Zander?" Anastasia asked, her tone biting.

Rhino hesitated, his jovial demeanor replaced by something darker. "He's in a part of town your kind doesn't usually walk into. The demons there? They're good at staying hidden. Your father's been hunting them for years, but they've got a system. Zander's one of the best informants I've got, so if you want his help, you're gonna have to make me a promise."

"What kind of promise?" Rose asked warily.

"That no matter what, Zander doesn't get hurt," Rhino said firmly. "He's my guy, and if he gets so much as a scratch because of you two, it's open season on you two. Clear?"

Anastasia nodded, though her mind was already spinning with doubts. "Fine. What else?"

"You're gonna need to bring something to the table," Rhino said, leaning forward. "Zander doesn't work for free, and he sure as hell doesn't trust angel brats like you. Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight."

He reached under the table and pulled out a small cloth bag, tossing it to Anastasia. The bag jingled as it landed in her hand.

"What's this?" she asked, opening it to reveal a handful of strange, dark coins.

"Obol," Rhino said. "Currency of the underworld. To Zander, that's as good as gold. Give him that, and he might just hear you out."

"Pennies?" Anastasia muttered, frowning at the coins.

Rhino smirked. "Not just pennies, princess. Obol is valuable down here. But if you don't want it, feel free to try your luck without it. Just remember, you'll owe me a favor later."

Anastasia hesitated, then nodded. "Deal."

Rhino's grin widened. "Good luck, girls. You're gonna need it."

As Anastasia and Rose turned to leave, Rhino called after them. "Oh, and one more thing. If Zython catches wind of what you're up to, he won't just sit back and wait. He'll come for you. And trust me—when he does, you'll wish you'd never started this little crusade."

Anastasia smirked. "That's what I'm hoping for."