Previously: "I'm sorry for being stupid!" Lumina cowers, holding her arm and wincing in agony. "I'm sorry for being stupid.."

Valentino was watching the whole exchange eagerly, humming in delight at her misery. "That was pretty hot."

"Shut the hell up, Mothra! We're not done here."

As the reality of her situation sank in, Lumina felt a despair deeper than anything she had ever known. She was truly alone, trapped in a hell of her own making, with no hope of escape.

Chapter 16: I've Got a Secret.

The oppressive darkness of Shiner's lair seemed to suffocate Lumina, her heart heavy with fear and despair. It had been two days since her ordeal with Shiner and Valentino, and the weight of those events bore down on her fragile spirit. The once defiant spark within her had dimmed, replaced by an anxious, nervous mess that clung to Shiner's every word out of fear for her life.

As she lay in the bed, Shiner's massive form beside her, she fought back tears. His grip around her waist was tight, possessive, even in his sleep. It was a cruel irony that someone who had tormented her so mercilessly now sought comfort in her presence. She longed for the safety and familiarity of her friends, both in the Living Realm and at the Hazbin Hotel. Her heart ached for Calastor, her beloved cat, imagining him frantic and worried without her. (Lumina stays blissfully unaware of the true nature of Calastor, but Calastor adores her so she's none the wiser).

Her thoughts drifted to Alastor, the enigmatic Radio Demon who had saved her on more than one occasion. Despite their complicated relationship, she couldn't help but wonder if he knew she was missing, if he was searching for her. 'Stupid charming demon..' She huffs. 'Charming? What the hell was that about?' She glares at the ceiling.

It's weird to be attached to someone you barely knew for 2 months almost, he's a demon..he wants her soul. She's pissed him off badly, she wouldn't blame him if he knew she was missing and just left her to die. She was in the right to be angry at him of course, but self-loathing and hatred was rampant in her head. Saying it's her fault..

Lumina's mind raced as she formulated a plan. She needed to find her charm bracelet, hidden somewhere in Shiner's lair. She glanced over at Shiner, his breathing deep and steady in slumber. He had insisted she sleep with him, his way of ensuring she couldn't escape. But in the mornings, he left her alone while he attended to his routines in the Theater. Something familiar to him, she'd be impressed with his work if he wasn't doing this to her.

You can kill the man out of LA but you can't kill the LA in the man.

"Mm..Look at you," Shiner hummed, starting to wake up. Much to her dismay. "I love seeing you so ready for me in the morning." Holding her face in his weird bird hands, almost rubbing her bruised face affectionately. She hated how she felt right now, she wanted his affections, deep within her blocked out mind she misses her abuser, which does happen to people.

The faux loving touches and kisses, she remembers wanting them badly. And how much it hurt to see him start ignoring her because… Lumina cringes, her hand over her stomach thoughtfully. Shiner, took no thought into her feelings of course, he was angry at Valentino for bruising her up so much but it did make her listen. "You know…Valentino gave me a bit of his product, a parting gift you could say… I'd love to have you on it again."

Lumina's eyes widened in terror at the sight of the vial. "No... please, Pan. Not that again."

He clicked his beak in mock sympathy. "Aw but you were so needy and willing, it was cute watching you beg..I'll lay off.. for now, wouldn't want my new toy to get addicted.." He laughs and pats her head.

The short brunette couldn't hold back her tears, and her breathing became erratic as she felt the onset of an anxiety attack. Her mind was a whirlpool of self-loathing and despair. 'This is all my fault. I'm worthless. I did kill Pan for petty reasons, and this is what I deserve.'

Shiner watched her with a twisted smile, savoring every moment of her breakdown. "You know, I think I'm going to enjoy breaking you fully. You've held out longer than I expected, but everyone has their limits."

Lumina's body seized up as the panic took over. Usually, she had something to ground her—her friends, her art, even Alastor—but now there was nothing. Her thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss, and she couldn't fight them off anymore.

"Pan, please," She gasped, clutching her chest. "I can't... I can't breathe."

He laughed, a sound devoid of any warmth or compassion. "Good. Feel that fear, that helplessness. It's exactly what you deserve you worthless bint."

As her vision blurred from the tears, Lumina felt an overwhelming sense of doom. There was no escape, no hope. She was trapped in this nightmare, and Shiner seemed determined to ensure she never found a way out. That she had no one to try and run too.

"Shh, shh..it's okay. You'll be a fine asset, you want me happy right?" Shiner whispered, his voice dripping with malice. "No need for a bullshit panic attack that'll have me smack the fuck out of you."

"You have a cute face and I hate bruising it." Lumina stares at him, knowing that was a straight up lie but agreeing to try and calm down anyway to keep him happy.

Lumina's sobs grew quieter as her energy drained away. She felt utterly defeated, her will to fight back slipping through her fingers like sand. 'I'm pathetic…I'm worthless, useless…useless…' Her thoughts told her. Shouted at her.

Shiner grunts in annoyance as he checks his phone, his grip on her loosened, and he slowly got out of bed. Moving swiftly to the walk-in closet to toss on something quick.

"I'm going down to the theater, some jackass fucked up a set and smushed like 3 of my actors." He said to her, fixing his bowtie on. He glares at Lumina having her flinch. "Don't you dare try to escape again, Starling. Or else." She nods quickly, he moves to pet her head. "You know I love you right? You shouldn't make me so angry, you keep causing me to hurt you." Lumina wants to say something but doesn't, she knows by now that he doesn't want her to talk too much. He always hated when she did.

She laid back on the bed when he left, hugging a pillow tight as she sobbed into it. Stuck in Hell with no hope of escape…did she actually die and this was her endless torment? Punishment for her crimes? 'Ugh how could I think Alastor is charming? What is wrong with me…Why is the word charm so stuck in my head? Charm…charm…his charm?!' She sat up fully on the bed "Alastor's charm!" She shook away her tears and shuffled off the bed, with her arm being broken she had to be careful.

"How could I forget that fucking charm bracelet..Where did you hide my charm bracelet you feathered bastard.." She questions, looking around the gaudy bedroom. Pan had to know it was connected to Alastor, why else would he take it..The memory of the charm bracelet he had given her sparked a glimmer of hope. The charm he made for her was connected to him, a lifeline she had forgotten in the chaos of her captivity.

She stopped in her tracks as she rummaged through his many dresser drawers. 'Ugh…what's the point? Alastor doesn't care about me, why would he come save me? He only wants my soul..'

(With Alastor)

Alastor found a demon who knew something. A scrumpy, nervous-looking frog sinner named Nix. Alastor cornered him in a dark alleyway.

"Nix," Alastor said, his voice dangerously soft, "I know you used to work for Shiner, where is he located?"

Nix swallowed hard, clearly intimidated by Alastor's presence. "Come on man.., if I tell you that I'm going to be hunted down and killed."

Alastor's eyes narrowed. "I'm going to kill you if you don't tell me."

"He lives in the remodeled Opera House." Nix pleaded, trembling. "H-he's been cheesed off ever since he got this new Twist a couple days ago, real cute too.. wait.. are you looking for her?" The purple frog's eyes widened and he tried to get out of his grip. "I'm sorry Radio Demon! Please don't kill me, that's all I know I swear!" Nix begs, despite being amphibious and being covered in mucus Alastor had a tight hold on him.

Releasing Nix, as much as he detested doing so, Alastor had better fish to fry. He wasn't going to waste his time on some rando in the street…at least today. Lumina's safety was now his top priority, and he would stop at nothing to ensure she was back with hi- AT HOME, BACK AT HOME.

The Opera House was an opulent building, adorned with gilded decorations, the marquee was lit up and sparkly, a new musical was coming soon and it starred "Little Starling". Windowcards of plays and musicals decorated the outside walls. He could hear the actors and the band practicing for whatever show is tonight. He had to get to the top floor, where Shiner's main business is held.

Alastor moved through the twisted halls of Shiner's estate with an unrelenting fury. He was met with a crowd of demons on Shiner's side. They heard all the commotion, some had told Shiner of course and the rest were here to protect the business. "I-it's the Radio Demon! I don't know if I can do this man!" One of them yelled, which caused all the others to scatter. Alastor smirks as he watches them run.

"You're all pussies! Shiner's paying us good here, I'm the leader of all of ya so suck it up and fight! We can't let him find that bitch!" A dog demon shouts, and some gather their courage. "Fill 'em with lead boys!" It was like a shooting range in the hallway, bullets firing every which way as they tried to hit Alastor. Who was dodging them effortlessly, he used his powers to summon his minions. (One looking like Lumina's ex Sam). Sending them after the goons.

After screams and shouts could be heard the place was a bloodbath. With one demon left. Cowering in fear. Alastor stomped up to him.

"Where is she?" He growled, gripping a lesser demon by the throat.

"I'm not telling you a-anything, over my dead body!" The demon stammered, eyes wide with fear.

Alastor's grip tightened. "That can be arranged."

With a flick of his wrist, the demon's life was snuffed out. He tossed him to the floor and stepped over the lifeless body, his rage propelling him forward. Suddenly, he felt a familiar warmth on his wrist. He made a similar charm to one he gave Lumina as a cufflink, it was glowing green. "Alastor, please, hear me. I need you." She was reaching out to him. His eyes widened, and without a second thought, he teleported to her location.

(With Lumina)

Meanwhile, Lumina was rifling through Shiner's room, her heart pounding as she tried to clear her mind from the thoughts that tried to stop her. Her eyes landed on a drawer in the vanity mirror. She pulled it open, and after tossing out a few things there it was—her charm bracelet. The charm Alastor had given her was still attached. Lumina sat on the floor, crossing her legs and holding the charm tightly in her hand.

"Alastor," She whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and desperation. "Please, hear me. I need you."

The charm grew warm in her hand, and a faint green glow began to emanate from it. Lumina's heart leapt with relief. He was coming. He had to be.

She clutched the bracelet tightly, her mind racing. She was terrified, still angry at him, but what other choice did she have? Before anything else, the door to the room burst open.

"What the hell did you do? Why is Al—" Shiner paused, his eyes locking onto the charm bracelet in Lumina's hand. "Oh, you sneaky little... come here!"

Shiner stomped toward her, fury in his eyes. Lumina yelps and, without hesitation.. "Alastor!"

In an instant, in a haze of greenish black fog and a deer bray, Alastor was there. His eyes blazed with fury. He took in the scene—Lumina clutching the bracelet on the floor shaking like a leaf, Shiner advancing on her—and his rage exploded.

"Get away from her," Alastor snarled, his voice echoing with demonic power.

Shiner sneered. "How's about youse fuck off, this ain't nunna ya business! S' Between me an' this murdering skank!"

"Call her that again and it's curtains for you, Pan." Alastor growls, Shiner had visibly tensed when he called him that. He was sure nobody knew his name, Lumina did of course. Only finding out when his assistant let it slip. Shiner had quickly snuffed him out after that..

"Pathetic, the big bad Radio Demon got attached to a human skank. Not only did you get weaker you got softer too!" Shiner shot off his metal feathers which actually hit Alastor but they didn't stab into him.

His coat was ripped, and he got slashed badly. His face too but he wasn't deterred, he ran his thumb over his marked cheek, picking up some of his blood. With a disturbing chuckle as he licked his own blood from his finger Alastor's power flared. A wind of dark magic flowing into the room. His death mark showing on his forehead, and the new lighting making him look more terrifying.

"I'm going to make you eat those words." He transformed into his huge demonic form, towering over Shiner. The room darkened, the air thick with malevolence. Shiner didn't waste time turning into his, taking two of his metal feathers and turning them into dual blades.

The battle began with a roar. Shiner lunged at Alastor, his talons outstretched and dual swords slashing to back him up, but Alastor was faster. He dodged and struck back with a force that sent Shiner crashing into the wall.

Lumina watched in a mix of horror and fascination as the two demons clashed. Alastor's power was overwhelming, his every movement a deadly blur. Shiner fought back fiercely, but he was no match for the Radio Demon.

With a final, thunderous blow, Alastor pinned Shiner to the ground. "Lights out." He growled, his voice dripping with venom.

Alastor unleashed a barrage of strikes. Blood splattered everywhere, some of it landing on Lumina's face. She gave a nervous gulp, a deep-seated feeling stirring within her as she watched Shiner get beaten to a bloody pulp.

The room was filled with the sound of bones breaking and Shiner's pained screams as ALastor got the upper hand. The Radio Demon didn't stop until Shiner's lifeless body was nothing more than a broken, bloody mess. With a final, disdainful look, Alastor tossed Shiner's body aside like a ragdoll.

Lumina sat there, blood splattered on her face, her eyes wide with a mix of horror and strange satisfaction. She had suppressed these feelings for so long, but watching Shiner get what he deserved brought a twisted sense of relief.

Alastor turned to her, his form shrinking back to his usual demonic self. "Lumina," He said softly, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic gentleness. "Are you alright?"

She swallowed hard, the reality of what just happened sinking in. "Not really no..," She whispered, her voice trembling.

Alastor stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "I'm sorry for everything. I know I've caused you pain, but I'm here now. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Not even himself.

Lumina nodded, her emotions a whirlwind. Despite everything, a part of her was grateful he came. "Thank you, Alastor," She said, her voice barely audible. "For saving me."

Alastor offered her a small, sincere smile. "Let's get you out of here," He said, extending his hand to her. She flinches, having Alastor worry. Lumina hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling a strange sense of safety and warmth. Together, they left the wreckage behind, at some point Alastor let his minions run rampant and now the Opera House was ablaze in a fury of green flames.

Of course everyone working as normal theater folk and band ran out.

Lumina was watching the inferno with a blank stare, it was twice she was in a situation like this. Except for the first one, no one came to save her. It was horrible to be in that situation again, she was reliving the worst parts of it all and felt like she had no out. She thought she'd be numb to it all but Pan had made a mark in her life and she dreaded seeing him, she was happy not seeing him again when she was unaware of the afterlife.

Alastor looks back seeing as Lumina was following him anymore, she was in deep thought. Watching the burning building with a look of blankness. "Lumina? …Are you okay?"

'I'm okay…I'm okay…I'm okay…I'm..not okay..' Lumina's thoughts were dark and she was desperately trying to keep her emotions in. But when Alastor asked her that, she broke down.

The short brunette's body shook as she sniffled, a strained cry coming from her as she held back tears streamed down her bruised face. She said nothing and clung to Alastor, her sobs wracking her exhausted body. He stood stiffly for a moment, the unexpected display of vulnerability catching him off guard. Slowly, awkwardly, he wrapped his arms around her, trying to offer some semblance of comfort.

"There, there, Lumina," He murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "You're safe now."

Her cries eventually quieted, and her body went limp as she passed out in his arms, as nearly 6 days of torture and torment and not being able to sleep because of night terrors and trying to keep herself safe left her sleep deprived. Alastor looked down at her bruised and battered form, anger and concern warring within him. He knew she needed proper care, and the only place he could think of was the Hotel.

Gathering her gently, he teleported to the hotel lobby, with an unconscious Lumina cradled in his arms. "¿Qué carajo!?" Vaggie uttered in surprise, dropping the book she was holding. Charlie jumped in surprise, Husk's wings tensed up slightly flapping a bit, Nifty cheered, and Angel Dust fell off the couch. As surprised as everyone was, it soon turned to concern as they saw Lumina.

"Is she...?" Charlie began, her eyes widening.

"No she's alive," Alastor said, his tone grave. "She's just been through quite the ordeal."

Despite the immediate stirrings of panic about a live human in Hell, Charlie quickly calmed everyone down. "Alright, everyone. It's okay. We need to help her. Niffty, can you patch her up?"

"Of course!" Niffty chirped, already gathering supplies.

As Niffty tended to Lumina, Charlie turned to the others. "Listen, we can't let my father find out about this. Lumina has... changed something in Alastor. He might still be the Radio Demon, but there's a part of him that's different now."

Alastor rolled his eyes at Charlie's words, but his tail betrayed his flustered state by wiggling slightly. "Let's not get carried away with sentimentality, Charlie," He said dryly.

Lumina stirred, she sat up quickly which flung Niffty off of her and into the air "Wheee!" Was the happy little echo of her voice as Lumina shook with fear. Her mind was still warped from her days of torment.

"Hey, hey, you're at the Hotel..see everyone here?" Alastor says to her as she glances around at everyone, her eyes darting around to each character. Even Niffty, who was hanging from the chandelier. "How many of us are here right now?" And if she wasn't in a panicked state she'd be surprised that he knows a bit of the 54321 method. "Alastor...?" She murmured, her voice weak.

"I'm here," He said, leaning closer. "You're safe now. Niffty is trying to patch you up. Charlie is making sure everyone knows the situation."

Lumina reached out, her hand finding his, and squeezed it weakly. "I'm actually free..," She whispered, tears welling up in her eyes again. "And you..came for me…"

'He could've left me to die..'

'No one is keeping score but..HA! Take that Micha, that's another win for me.' Alastor had thought and though he doesn't like people in his personal space he let Lumina touch him, her affections didn't feel so off anymore. In fact, he wanted them.

In fairness…he was actually wondering if Lumina would reciprocate his ..feelings. She was hard to figure out if she felt something for someone.

He tightened his grip on her hand, his expression softening. "Always, Lumina. Always."

Angel Dust and Husk shared looks as Vaggie was talking to Charlie about the dangers of keeping a human here. Damien was up on the balcony watching this all go down. His keen eyes on Lumina, he misses her dearly. But he was worried Lumina would freak out about seeing him, she wouldn't recognize him anyway..

Lumina is finally safe, she feels a great deal of gratitude for Alastor but her animosity towards him has her with conflicting feelings.

Shiner is dead! Probably.

Lumina is very fragile and is trying to recover, she's staying in the Hotel for a bit. Will Damien finally reunite with her?

And what is Lumina hiding?