It's a problem less often than you think. Two of my friends, the ones who've been helping me deal with this, are Heartrenders. Usually, they can just lower the demon's heart-rate until it passes out.

[ Usually. But then, usually they found Nikolai before he was seconds away from murdering someone. ]

I suppose it wouldn't be too suspicious, if I framed it like that. Just a casual survey about powers, no motives in particular... Because I really would like to keep all this discreet, if I can.

[ Nikolai's smile goes frayed at the edges. He curls and uncurls his scarred fingers and adds, with fake brightness: ]

In my experience, people don't tend to react all that well to things they don't understand. I'd really rather not be burned at the stake if I can avoid it.

[ At least there aren't drüskelle here. That's a small comfort. ]

Do people know about Reapers, in your world? Are they out in the open, or...?