[A note from the author: Has anyone been having trouble with the website? I was only able to update the last chapter through the app, which was super inconvenient. I wasn't able to see my analytics either. If this problem persists, I may post this story on ao3, just in case.
Unless this site takes my story down due to the explicit content, I'll continue posting here. But if I disappear, check ao3. The story title will be the same, even if my username changes. I've kept all my files on a backup, so it won't be lost.]
Elida cried. Then she went to sleep. Then she woke up, re-read the letter, and cried again. She was going to memorize every word. When she returned to Heaven, she'd frame it on her wall. This would be immortalized in her heart, no matter how much it hurt when they parted ways.
Countless people had tried to woo her into submission with their flowery sonnets and poetic prose, but she'd never read something she loved more than Alastor's words. It was earnest and sincere, without trying to convince her that she should love him back. It just spoke of how he felt. If she hadn't already loved him, she would have fallen right then.
Elida got up long before Alastor's morning announcements. She had to get to Vee tower bright and early, so she didn't get to hear his silly greetings or snarky weather report while she got dressed. She'd grown so accustomed to her morning being filled with the sound of his voice that it felt odd not hearing it.
Alastor brought her breakfast. He must have known she'd be up early. She wasn't sure how he always seemed to know what she was doing, but she wouldn't complain. Who could be upset about a hot gourmet meal brought straight to their door? As soon as the tray was safely on her table, Elida tackled Alastor to the ground. Or, she would've, if he weren't so steady on his hooves.
"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever read," she said, voice muffled as she buried her face in his chest.
"I meant every word," he said, petting her soft ears. How could someone as powerful as her be so deceptively cute? One look from her and even Lucifer would melt; Alastor would know, he had seen it firsthand.
"You're my favorite person," she squeezed him tighter.
"My finest privilege," He kissed her forehead. "Let's discuss that new title of yours, shall we?"
They listened to jazz music while they ate breakfast and planned Elida's acquisition of Voxtek and Associates. Elida was smart, but she had no experience running Hell turf. Alastor did. She was only too happy to hear his advice on how to avoid rookie mistakes and keep her position secure. They'd both gained their title through a quality-over-quantity model of dealmaking. Alastor had increased his numbers over time, but when he'd started out, he targeted big names. It was a strategy that Elida was now well-placed to employ.
A selfish part of Alastor thought that maybe, just maybe, if she built a life here, she'd want to stay. The idea warred within him. Selfishness was his default, but he also wanted Elida to be happy. No one in Hell was happy. So, for the sake of her smile, she had to go back to Heaven one day. Right…?
He wanted her have her paradise; but he would be in more pain than he'd ever been in when she left. Should he try for redemption and follow her? No, he couldn't. Lilith still owned him, and they hadn't found a single loophole in the contract. Even his mother couldn't find anything, and she'd been pouring over those papers tirelessly. Without a way out of his chains, he'd be kept from her no matter what he did.
Should he make her life in Hell so comfortable that she chose to stay? He had the means. He had money, power, and influence. He could keep her safe and shower her with gold. He could build her a luxurious estate where she'd be waited on hand and foot. Nothing he could provide would match what they could give her in Heaven, but maybe he could love her enough to make up the difference. And he loved her so much it scared him. Anything able to scare him wasn't something to be trifled with.
He tried to put it out of his mind.
They flew on Elida's broom to Vee tower together. Velvette stood glaring beside the receptionist, who seemed terrified and bewildered.
"What do you mean get rid of the bathroom locks?"
"Did I fucking stutter?" Velvette didn't bother looking at the receptionist. "Just do it you gum-chewing cunt."
"Don't speak to them like that," Elida ordered as she walked in, hand-in-hand with Alastor.
Velvette glared harder, "I see you two made up fast. Is she that good in bed, you red creep, or are you just that pathetically lonely?"
"Don't speak to him like that either."
Velvette grit her teeth. She hated this bitch. Alastor only smiled smugly.
"Is everything ready?" Elida asked.
"Yes," Velvette confirmed, murder in her eyes.
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, Mistress." It sounded physically painful for her to say something so submissive.
"Good. All three of you will address me as such from here on in. Let's go," Elida started toward the elevator. She didn't make her normal employees call her that, but this particular trio needed a healthy dose of humility.
Velvette guided them to the studio, and Katie Killjoy stood smoking a cigarette. She didn't know why Vox had insisted on high jacking her morning segment, but she was pissed about it. She glared at the Heaven Ambassador and her smiling little boy-toy, "So this is the mystery guest for today? Let me make this clear; I don't give two shits about whatever you've got going on, so make it quick or I'll rip that silky hair right off your scalp."
"My my," Elida smiled sweetly, "What a fascinating case-study of pent-up rage and insecurity."
Alastor snickered. Katie flicked her cigarette at them. Alastor caught it and set it on fire, "You'd be well-advised to treat your new boss with respect, or you just may find yourself out a job."
"New boss?" Tom Trench asked.
"Shut the fuck up, Tom," Katie kicked him in the knee, and he fell over. "Gullible little bitches like you are what give news a bad name."
"Ow! Damnit!"
Elida bent down and gave Tom a hand. "Here, let me help you up," she said kindly. "Though you may be better off sitting down for this next bit."
"I'd like you to sit down… On my face!" He laughed as if he'd said something very clever. Elida ignored it, brushing a bit of brimstone off the man's jacket. She was accustomed to crass commentary by now, though usually people waited until Alastor wasn't standing there. The people in Vee tower must have grown accustomed to being shielded from other overlords.
Alastor thought about tearing out this news anchor's arms for his offense, but they were on Elida's territory now. He'd play by her rules, just like he did on Rosie's turf. That was how the overlords worked. Plus, they needed him for the sake of the announcement. Mr. Trench wouldn't be so willing to harass her once he found out she held his career in her hands. But if he made another comment like that, Alastor was sure Elida wouldn't mind him defending her honor. She never did.
Vox and Val walked in. Vox kept a big fake smile on his face, while Val was visibly uncomfortable, a clear bulge poking out from between his legs. Elida might have felt bad… except she didn't. He wouldn't die of blue balls, even if it was unpleasant for someone as sex addicted as Valentino. He'd certainly have a hard time concentrating on anything else for a while, though.
"About fucking time," Katie muttered, sitting down in her chair. "Let's get this shit done."
Elida waited in the wings while Vox took the guest seat at Katie and Tom's desk. Vel and Val stood there like they were about to be executed. Vox, externally, smiled like it was just another day in the office. Alastor could not wait to see him publicly humiliated.
A cameraman counted down, "three, two, one…"
An on-air sign lit up.
"Good morning demons of Hell! I'm Katie Killjoy."
"And I'm Tom Trench."
"Breaking news: Owner of Voxtek, overlord, and media kingpin Vox has a big announcement that he's absolutely fucking refused to tell us ahead of time!"
"Those celebrities do love, their surprises, don't they, Katie?"
"They sure do, Tom! Surprises like this," She stabbed him in the arm with her pen.
While Tom screamed, Alastor was making his own announcement through his staff, "Good morning beasts and bottom feeders, Alastor here! Before we begin your regularly scheduled broadcast, I have a very special treat for you all. I'm reporting live from Vee tower, where pathetic scumbags and complete morons, the Vees have some big news. Let's tune in to what they have to say!"
Katie turned to Vox, "So, tell us boss, what's this big announcement you insisted we put everything on hold for?"
Vox gathered himself, then pulled out an Elida-approved script to read. He straightened his back, and did his best not to sound like he wanted to cry, "I've come to formally apologize to three people: Aida of the Coven, Alastor the Radio Demon, and Ambassador Elida McCarthy. Yesterday afternoon I sent out a notification with a fabricated photo of the Radio Demon in an intimate embrace with one of McCarthy's sisters. This was a false narrative. Alastor has been, and remains, faithful to his Miss McCarthy. I sincerely apologize to all three of them for the damage I have caused and take full responsibility for the aftermath that may ensue."
"What is this pussy shit?" Katie muttered to Tom, less than quietly.
"Furthermore," Vox continued, "I have been instructed to inform you that Positivity Potions has recently acquired all of Voxtek's assets, by way of-" Vox grit his teeth, the words like bile in his throat. But he was forced to say them, so he cleared his throat and soldiered on, "ahem… by way of Ambassador Elida McCarthy's new ownership of Valentino's, Velvette's, and my own soul."
The camera panned to Velvette and Valentino. Velvette continued the announcement, eyes flashing with rage. She read from her own paper, "The company will be undergoing several changes made to improve employee wellness and quality of life, per my our mistress's instructions. This also means that, as of now, Ambassador Elida McCarthy is the reigning overlord of our corner of the pentagram. For anyone residing in our territory, treat any instructions she gives you as if it came from us Vees."
Valentino went next, because Elida wanted to showcase that she had all three of them, so it was important they all said something for the announcement. "In addition," he said, sounding just as pissed as Velvette, "she's told us to treat any orders from the Radio Demon as if they were orders from her, unless otherwise directed. The territory belongs to our mistress, but Alastor has authority to make decisions on her behalf should he choose to do so."
Whispers permeated the studio, and Alastor made the most delightful eye-contact with Vox, soaking in every last drop of misery from his enemy's gaze. He hadn't known Elida would give him that authority, but he delighted in how much power it provided him. Alastor won. Vox lost. And now, he and his doll would rule over Hell's media like monarchs, wielding the minds of the masses as easily as a snap of their fingers. Their influence was absolute, and Vox couldn't do a thing to stop it. With Snyder in the mix, there wasn't a single news source that the two of them didn't control.
Elida stepped forward, and Vox got out of his seat, giving it to her. She sat there, big doe eyes watching everyone's reactions. She seemed so innocent and pure. How could someone like that rule over such a large portion of Hell.
"Wow," Katie Killjoy said, "I think I speak for everyone when I say; what the actual fuck?"
Elida turned to her, smiling softly, "What part of that can I help clarify for you, sweetheart?"
"Call me sweetheart again and I'll fucking bury you."
"Threaten me again and I'll have you dismissed," Elida countered, tone still light and sweet.
Katie shut up, which was a first, so Tom asked, "How the Hell did you manage to get the Vees souls?"
"Well now, you wouldn't ask a lady to give away her secrets, would you?" She gestured for the Vees to come to her. They stood behind her like unwilling bodyguards, and Elida held her hand out, showing off their three chains as proof of her position. "This right here," she held the chains up, "is all you need to know. Allie, my dear sweet love, is there anything you'd like to add while we still have our captive audience before I start in on the drier portion of the new acquisition plans?"
Alastor, being rather camera shy, spoke from out of frame, "Only a reminder to all not to mess with the Radio Demon or my doll," he said threateningly, "because it may just be the last thing you ever do." His eyes glowed bright, and the air buzzed with a menacing magic.
"Ah, you're just so darn cute," Elida openly flirted at him, blowing a kiss in his direction. A tiny magic butterfly fluttered from her hand and dissipated on Alastor's cheek. His smile grew less sinister, and more bashful at the gesture.
"What a bizarre couple, wouldn't you say, Tom?" Katie tried to get the attention back on her. This bitch might be her new boss, but this was Katie's show. At least all these things would be good drama, and good drama made for good ratings.
"They sure are, Katie!" Tom leaned forward on the desk toward where Alastor stood, "Hey, Radio Demon, why don't you tell us all about what it's like to fuck an angel? A holy virgin girl like her must have a nice tight-"
Tom Trench suddenly didn't have a face. Elida watched Alastor reach out with a tendril of magic, tearing the gas mask from the rest of the news anchor's body. She shook her head. They never learn. Some of Tom's blood splashed onto her face and she wiped it off with her hand before licking her fingers clean. The cameras were still rolling.
"Alright-y then," Elida chirped, "Let's get back on track."
They conducted the rest of the interview with the Vees standing behind Elida, chains visible to the whole world. She wanted to make sure that even people who hadn't tuned in at the begining fully understood what was happening. Alastor watched Elida as she took control. He liked seeing her take control. It reminded him of himself.
When the cameras were off and the interview was over, Alastor stepped over Tom Trench's corpse and kissed his girlfriend, ignoring the eyerolls from the Vees beside her. "You did brilliantly, dearest, positively first rate."
"It helps knowing I have such good support," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Ugh, for fuck's sake, get a room," Velvette pouted, still having a hard time processing her new situation.
"We have one," Alastor grinned, "It used to be yours."
"Fuck you!" She flipped him off.
"Hm. No thank you." He took Elida's hand, "Come, dearest, it's time for lunch. I've taken the liberty of securing us a reservation at a fine dining establishment down the road."
"That sounds perfect," Elida cooed, following him out the door.
Vox watched them go, feeling numb. In one day, he'd lost everything. The empire he'd built, the power he'd earned, all gone. Stolen by an angel of all things. Now Alastor could wield it freely through her. And despite how sweet and unassuming she seemed; she was going to let Alastor torture him. Vox disappeared into his personal suite, sinking down onto the couch. Finally alone, he buried his screen in his hands and let go. He cried.
When the hostess at the high-end restaurant saw Alastor and Elida walk in, she ran away and hid, forcing the manager to come tend to them instead. "Welcome Madame and Monsieur. Please, right this way."
On their way to the table, Elida's phone buzzed. She checked it and found a message from Ben.
"Hey… so… quick question. What is happening?"
She looked at her date, "Hey, Allie, would it bother you if I text during lunch today? It's Shakespie, and I'm sure he's more than a little confused about all this."
"Go right ahead, love. Tell him I say hello," he pulled out her chair for her, and she sat.
She replied to her business partner, "Long story. Sorry about the abrupt notice. Expect the Vees to contact you regarding our company policies. Plus, we'll be getting vending machines soon, courtesy of VoxTek. Also, Allie says hi! 3"
"Vending machines could be super profitable! So, Alastor didn't actually cheat?"
"No, babe, it was photoshop."
"I literally tried to eat him."
"Lol, I know. I appreciate the solidarity."
"Am I about to get my teeth ripped out?"
"He's not mad at you, he's mad at Vox. On another note, guess who you'll be having for dinner sometime soon?"
"Not a big fan of TV dinners, but I'll make an exception just this once."
"LOL, OMG stoooop! You made me snort out my wine!"
"Oh, good, mission accomplished!"
"It burnsss!"
"So does everyone else in Hell, you're not special :P"
"Rude"
"You love me. How did you even do this, anyway?"
"Secret"
"What if I say please?"
"Nah"
"Pretty please?"
"Lol, still no."
"Boo! Fine. Be all mysterious and otherworldly."
"Thanks, I will. :)"
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask…"
"?"
"Is there any chance I could convince you to find a way for me to meet with an angel by the name of Aerwyna? She claims to reside in Atlantis."