Previously: She looked at him, the raw emotion in her gaze cutting through his usual defenses. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alastor nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his own feelings. "I'll always protect you, Lumina. No matter what."

"It surprises me that none of the neighbors say anything even though they clearly hear it." Alastor questions. Lumina shrugs.

"It's New York, dude."

Chapter 14: Please don't make me say it..

(TW: Abuse, Childhood Truama, hints of Sexual Abuse)

Alastor paced back and forth in the dimly lit hallway of the Hazbin Hotel, his mind a turbulent storm of unfamiliar emotions. The thought of Lumina's terrified face haunted him, gnawing at his insides in a way that he couldn't ignore. This human girl had somehow managed to crack through his icy exterior, and now he found himself grappling with feelings he never thought he'd experience.

He approached Husk, who was nursing a drink at the bar, his usual stoic demeanor marred by a flicker of apprehension. Alastor loomed over him, his voice low but not as menacing as usual. "Husk, we need to talk."

Husk looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "Alastor? What's the deal?"

"You told Lumina about your deal with me," Alastor began, his tone surprisingly restrained. "And while I should be furious, I find that I am... not."

Husk blinked, clearly taken aback. "You're... not mad?"

Alastor shook his head, his expression tight with the effort it took to control his usual wrath. "No. Excuse me.."

Before Husk could respond, Alastor turned and strode away, his mind set on seeking out the one person who might help him navigate this emotional labyrinth.

Husk stood there a little dumbfounded, but took his chance to embrace the moment.

Alastor found Charlie in her office, busy with paperwork. She looked up, her face brightening with a smile as she saw him. Charlotte Morningstar was a very emotionally forward person, she wasn't afraid to show her emotions (even though it'd help her, she can take down The Vees but doesn't and it pisses me off). She and Vaggie are a lovey dovey couple.

'I can't believe what I'm about to ask her..' The Deer Demon thought.

"Alastor! To what do I owe the pleasure?" She greeted, in her usual cheerful way.

Alastor hesitated for a moment before closing the door behind him. "Charlie, I need your help... with something personal."

Her curiosity piqued, Charlie gestured for him to sit. "Of course, Alastor. What's on your mind?"

He struggled to find the right words, his usual eloquence failing him. "Suppose someone, hypothetically, was experiencing... mushy feelings for another. Feelings that are quite foreign and unwelcome. How would one deal with such a situation?"

Charlie's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Alastor, are you talking about yourself?"

Alastor's cheeks darkened with an uncharacteristic blush. "Perhaps."

Charlie clapped her hands together in excitement. "Oh my gosh, you have a crush! Who is it?"

Alastor quickly shushed her, his brow twitching in irritation, his ears flicking back. "Use your inside voice, I'd hate for anyone to know about this!" He sighed, feeling more exposed than ever. "It's Lumina, and before anything more, you must know that she's a human."

Charlie's eyes widened in surprise. "She's a human? Alastor you brought her here while my father was here, do you know how dangerous that was?" She yells quietly.

Alastor of course knew that, but considering the disguise on her worked to the point where Lucifer couldn't tell she was actually human. (He definitely did, Lucifer ultimately doesn't care, he just didn't want a human to die in Hell.)

Alastor nodded. "Yes, and you mustn't tell anyone. Especially not your father."

Charlie nodded earnestly. "Of course, I promise. She quickly became a best friend. But wow, Alastor, this is... big. How long have you felt this way about her?"

He looked away, his discomfort palpable. "Long enough. But I fear I have ruined any chance I had with her. I frightened her, ..I hurt her…and now I feel... remorse."

Charlie's expression softened with understanding. "Alastor, it's not too late. If you really care about her, you need to apologize sincerely and show her that you're willing to change. For her at least."

"But I don't know how to do that," Alastor admitted, his voice almost a whisper. "I've never... felt this way before. I don't know what I'm doing."

Charlie smiled gently. "Just be honest with her, Alastor. So you fucked up…Tell her how you feel, and why you acted the way you did. If she means that much to you, you'll find a way to make it right."

Alastor nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "Thank you, Charlie. I appreciate your advice."

Charlie placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Good luck, Alastor. And remember, it's okay to feel these things. It means you're growing."

As Alastor left her office, he felt a strange mix of determination and fear. He knew what he had to do, but the thought of facing Lumina again, of confronting his own feelings head-on, filled him with a sense of vulnerability he wasn't accustomed to. But if it meant a chance at making things right with Lumina, he was willing to try.

Alastor strode purposefully through the dimly lit streets of Hell, his thoughts tangled in a web of unfamiliar emotions. He had faced countless horrors and foes, yet the idea of mending his relationship with Lumina filled him with a strange sense of unease. Determined to make things right, he found himself approaching Rosie's Emporium.

The bell above the door chimed as he entered, the warm glow of the shop contrasting sharply with the darkness outside. Rosie looked up from behind the counter, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. She was making her Fingerling pastries.

"Alastor, darling! What brings you here today?" She greeted, her voice cheerful and inviting.

Alastor cleared his throat, trying to maintain his usual composure. "Rosie, I need your advice on a rather... delicate matter."

Rosie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

He hesitated, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. "It's about Lumina. I want to apologize to her, but I have no idea what kind of gift she might appreciate."

Rosie leaned forward, her smile widening. "So you finally realized it? HA!I knew you had it bad for her. Don't worry, Alastor, I'm here to help."

Alastor's cheeks flushed slightly, but he pressed on. "Rosie please..It's been a long time since I've had feelings like this. I'm rather... rusty when it comes to these matters."

Rosie chuckled, her laughter light and musical. "Well, first things first. You should let her off the deal. That's the most significant gesture you can make. But I know you still plan to take her soul when she dies, so we'll think of something more immediate."

Alastor nodded, appreciating her candor. "Indeed. I want to give her something that she would genuinely love and accept as a starting point for my apology."

Rosie tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Think about what Lumina likes, Alastor. What brings her joy? What would make her feel appreciated and understood?"

He pondered for a moment, recalling the countless interactions and observations he had made. "She has a fondness for unique and artistic things. She adores that giant alpaca plush, and she loves cooking. But I want something that truly shows I understand her."

Rosie smiled warmly. "I think I might have just the thing. Follow me."

She led him to a corner of the shop filled with an array of beautifully crafted jewelry and accessories. Among them was a delicate necklace adorned with a small, intricate pendant shaped like a tiny ink well. (I like to think any accessories and jewelry on a ate person is sold in her shop lmao)

"This," Rosie said, holding up the necklace, "is a special piece. It's not just beautiful; it's enchanted to bring inspiration and creativity to the wearer. Perfect for someone with an artistic soul like Lumina."

Alastor took the necklace, his fingers brushing over the fine craftsmanship. "It's perfect," He murmured, feeling a rare sense of hope. "Thank you, Rosie. I only hope she accepts it."

Rosie patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Alastor… Show her that you genuinely care. She'll see the effort you're making."

Alastor nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "I will. Thank you, Rosie."

As he left the Emporium, clutching the necklace tightly, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. For once, he was trying to fix something he had broken, and he hoped that Lumina would find it in her heart to forgive him.

Two days later.

Today he was going to go up to the Living Realm and talk things out with Lumina, he was giving her space of course, and taking his moments to practice his words. Ha. With a deep breath, he teleported to the living realm, intending to apologize and, as much as it unsettled him, to express his true feelings.

His heart sank the moment he materialized in Lumina's apartment. The place was in shambles, her once vibrant and lively bedroom now a scene of chaos and destruction. Furniture was overturned, drawers pulled out, and her cherished belongings scattered everywhere.

"Lumina?" he called out, a note of desperation in his voice. His eyes scanned the wreckage, landing on Calastor, who, despite their usual animosity, looked up at him with pleading eyes. The cat clawed at the scorch marks on the wooden floor, a clear sign of a portal's recent presence.

"Calastor," Alastor said, kneeling down beside the distressed feline. "What happened here?"

Calastor meowed urgently, pawing at a large, shimmering black feather lying amidst the debris. Alastor picked it up, recognition flickering in his eyes. He had seen this before—at the last Overlord meeting. An Overlord, who had never attended the previous gatherings, had been present. An extravagant dressing demon, a huge crow with shiny black feathers who talked like a fast-talking smooth guy from Hollywood. Never gave his name, but told everyone to call him "Shiner."

He runs the Theater District in the Pride Ring, he finds "shining stars" and makes use of them. As good as the shows are, the actors are clearly overworked and hurt. He's stronger than The Vees. If you need protection or anything of the sort you had to give him worthwhile items, things that were expensive, shiny, and exploitable. His main weapon being his metal feathers he uses them as arrows for his signature Bow.

He was a stuck up man with a vendetta on somebody, had the The Vees, mostly Vox, keeping eyes out for them. Paying them big money if they ever found them. When asked who he was looking for it was met with anger and redirected conversation.

"Why would he kidnap Lumina?" Alastor muttered, examining it closely. His fingers run over the wirey vanes of the feather. "

Determined to find answers, Alastor teleported back to Hell, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior. He needed to understand why someone like Shiner would kidnap Lumina, and he needed to know now.

Arriving in Hell, Alastor took a deep breath, willing himself to remain rational despite the tempest of emotions within him. He started asking around, his reputation ensuring that demons were quick to provide any information they had.

Lumina had been struggling to keep her will up for almost three days now. Every second felt like an eternity, filled with pain and despair. She wondered if anyone had realized she was missing. Her thoughts often drifted to Alastor, despite her best efforts to suppress them. They had taken off the charm he gave her, cutting off any chance of calling for him. Shiner, as he was known now, had been tormenting her relentlessly, both physically and emotionally.

"You don't feel sorry, do you?" Shiner growled, his massive talons pinning her to the ground. "You caused my life to crumble, and when you didn't get your way, you snapped and killed me. I'm surprised they let you walk without consequence."

"I didn't do anything," Lumina gasped, her voice strained. "I was young, I was stupid. You did this to yourself."

Shiner laughed, a cruel sound that echoed through the room. "Sure, the little lady who was so desperate for love found solace in the company of a man like me. You came up to me, Little Starling. You did this. You became a crazy bitch and killed me."

His talons tightened on her body, making her wince in pain. Lumina's face was wet with sweat and tears. Gathering what little strength she had left, she pushed him off her and screamed, her anger boiling over. "I'm not crazy!"

"You know what you did, it's not my fault! You and your stupid family got in the way…you loved me until…ugh it doesn't matter it was gone way before that, I was betrayed! You caused this yourself you fucking, chooch!"

Pan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched her struggle. This was what he wanted—to see her break. As she tried to fight back, he easily subdued her again, pinning her to the ground.

"There it is, crazy fucking brod..You admit it, and you feel nothing do ya?! You were one of my goomahs, you meant nothing to me since I met yous!" He slammed her face down into the wooden floor, causing her to yell. "But you're right, it's my fault. My damn fault for going for someone who was close to a psychotic break.

"You turned everyone away, and now you have no one," He sneered. "You're stuck with me, and I'm going to make you regret what you did to me." He grasped her neck gently, running his fingers over the strangle bruise. "Alastor almost killed you didn't he? What'd you do to piss him off? Be yourself?"

Lumina gulps her fear down, feeling his sharp claws digging into her windpipe. "Fuck you, Pan." She coughs, spitting at his face with a glare that could kill.

The crow demon let her go, wiping his face of the bloodied spit. His grin widening as he moves to pick her up like a sack of potatoes. Lumina struggled weakly, but her energy was nearly spent.

"Remember our little conversation about you going into more adult things because you were so mature?" Shiner said, his voice dripping with malice. "I'm introducing you to another Overlord. His name is Valentino."

Lumina's eyes widened in fear. She had heard of Valentino, from Angel Dust when she was here a month ago. The infamous overlord with a penchant for pornograhpy, cruelty and exploitation. "No," She whispered, panic rising in her chest. "Pan, please…don't!

Shiner's grip tightened as he chuckled darkly. "Oh, but I will, Little Starling. You see, Valentino has a particular interest in gals like you, and you, my dear, are about to become his favorite."

Shiner was preparing Lumina for her meeting with Valentino. He sat her down on a couch in the meeting room, he kept her gaze on him despite the different workers preparing a filming set. "What makes you think I'm going through with this? I'll fight back, I'll do whatever it takes you jagoff!"

The crow only laughs, his caws mixing in with them. He tightens the handcuffs and leg bindings before smacking her cheek playfully but showing his condescendence. "That's why I chose Valentino, Little Starling. He's got a way with unruly folk like you. It's almost poisonous."

"Now sit there, and look pretty. Crying gives you wrinkles." Shiner ordered, his voice cold. "He'll be here soon." Lumina's left eye twitched, letting out a growl before she bit down on his hand. He merely laughed before rubbing his hand and clinching it to a fist to punch her harshly into the stomach, causing her to gasp and choke. Lumina collapsed to the floor, her body trembling with fear and exhaustion. Sobbing quietly as Shiner laughed.

Alastor stomped his way through Hell, his aura a burning sense of anger, as usual any measly demons around would run and hide, they were doing it in droves now as they saw how pissed he was. As he made his way through the twisted streets of Hell, he was suddenly stopped by Damien, who seemed to be out on an errand for Charlie. Bags of streamers and other party decorations..yeah it's for Charlie.

The fox demon wasn't going to run of course, he was pissed off at Alastor for taking Lumina here a month ago.

"Alastor," Damien called out, blocking his path. "I need to talk to you."

Alastor raised an eyebrow, clearly irritated by the interruption. "What do you want, Damien? I'm in the middle of something important."

"I have a question for you," Damien said, his tone serious. "Why did you bring Lumina to Hell not too long ago?"

Alastor narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so worried about her being in Hell? You get so skittish about the mere thought of it."

Damien looked around cautiously, ensuring no one else was listening. With a sigh, he finally spoke, "There's something you need to know about Lumina's past...She's going to kill me for this.. It's about Pan, her old producer."

"Pan?" Alastor echoed, curiosity piqued. "Who is Pan?"

Damien took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Pan used and abused Lumina, molding her into the guarded and reserved woman she is today. Despite his cruelty, she became obsessed with him because he was the only one who showed her any semblance of affection. She was a young girl with no love in her life, and Pan exploited that."

Alastor's expression darkened. "Go on."

"When she found out Pan had a family and a wife, she went ballistic," Damien continued. "In her rage, she killed Pan. I was furious when I discovered she had gotten in contact with you because that means she'll come to Hell sooner than I thought. And Pan, well, he would definitely want revenge."

Alastor clenched his fists, his anger bubbling to the surface. "So you're saying Pan is the one who kidnapped her?"

Damien nodded. "It's likely. Pan has been holding a grudge, waiting for the day he'd get his hands on Lumina again. He probably sees this as his chance to torment her once more."

Alastor's eyes burned with fury. "I won't let that happen. Lumina deserves better."

"You actually care about her, don't you?" Damien asked, surprised.

Alastor hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. More than I ever thought possible."

"Then you need to find her quickly," Damien urged. "Pan won't show mercy."

With renewed determination, Alastor thanked Damien and continued his search for Slink. The stakes were higher now, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time. Lumina's life depended on him, and he wouldn't let her down.

Again.

I'm gonna draw Pan, he's designed like a Stymphalian bird.

Lumina has been reveled to be not who we think she is.

Damien knows more about this than he lets on, it's to keep them both safe of course.

Alastor is on his way to destroy Pan.

Alastor is fucking awkward.