Angel woke up in a warm bed, the soft sheets and the quiet beeping of the heart monitor a stark contrast to the usual chaos and grime of his life. He found himself in a private room within the hospital wing of The Cat's Den. The memories of the previous night were hazy but comforting. Husker had taken care of him, ensuring he received the medical attention he desperately needed. After finishing their drinks, Husker took him to the hospital wing to get the scratches on his arm tended to. There the doctor had noticed the severity of Angel's injuries and insisted he stay at the hospital wing until he was given the all-clear.

A soft knock at the door drew Angel's attention, and a nurse entered the room, smiling warmly. "Good morning, Angel," she said cheerfully as she checked his vitals. "Your vitals are looking good. There's someone here to see you, and they've brought breakfast."

Angel beamed at the news, immediately assuming it was Husker. After all, he did not know anyone else in The Cat's Den. "Bring him in!" he said, excitement coloring his voice. The door opened again, but instead of Husker, Arackniss walked in carrying a platter. The smile on Angel's face froze, then disappeared entirely, replaced by a look of surprise and wariness.

Arackniss winced at the cold reception but continued forward. He knew earning his brother's forgiveness wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to try. He placed the platter gently on Angel's lap: a cappuccino, a croissant, and bread with jam. Angel's eyes widened slightly, and Arackniss counted it as a small victory when he saw a faint smile touch Angel's lips.

Angel looked at the breakfast, then up at his brother, suspicion clear in his eyes. He started eating slowly, savoring the taste and the rare feeling of being cared for. Between bites, he finally spoke. "What are you doing in The Cat's Den, Arackniss? And why are you visiting me?"

Arackniss took a deep breath, knowing this moment was crucial. "I helped Husker take down our father," he admitted, watching Angel's reaction closely. "In exchange, I joined Husker's team. I needed his help for something important." Angel was stunned. His older brother, who had always been their father's loyal shadow, had betrayed him. For Arackniss to turn against their father, it had to be for something significant. "I also needed a fresh start, Tony. A real one. Our father... he was never going to let us be free. Working with Husker, I saw a chance to change things, to make things right."

Angel's anger began to thaw, replaced by a mix of confusion and hope. "And you think Husker is the answer?" he asked, his voice softer.

Arackniss nodded. "I do. He's different from the others. He doesn't rule with fear. He's smart, strategic, and he treats his people well. I've seen it."

Angel finished his breakfast, his mind racing with this new information. He looked at Arackniss, seeing the determination in his eyes. "You really believe this, don't you?" he asked quietly.

"I do," Arackniss replied firmly. "And I want you to believe it too. I want us to be a family again, Tony. A real family, free from our father's shadow."

Angel felt a lump form in his throat. He had longed for a family, for a sense of belonging, and now, his brother was offering him a chance at that. It was a lot to take in, and Angel wasn't sure if he could trust Arackniss yet, but the hope was there, fragile but real.

The two brothers sat in silence for a while, as Angel took a big sip from his cappuccino, the warmth calming his nerves slightly. He looked at Arackniss, curiosity gnawing at him. "What did you want from Husker?" he asked. Without saying anything, Arackniss reached into his suit lapel and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to Angel.

Angel took the paper, his curiosity growing, and almost dropped it when he read what it was. It was his soul contract. Stunned beyond belief, Angel turned to his older brother, shock written all over his face. His eyes then fell on the simple golden band wrapped around Arackniss's right wrist. Unlike most overlords, Husker was known for magically changing the neck chains that came with a soul contract to something more sophisticated. Each and every employee soul contracted to Husker wore a golden bracelet, a mark of belonging to the Gambling Overlord.

Angel's hands shook as realization dawned on him. "Last night was all part of a plan," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You guys, lured Valentino in, and now... now, Husker owns your soul."

Arackniss smiled fondly at his little brother, moving to hold his hand. "The deal was my soul for yours, and I do not regret it. I mean, the boss is great. I get to shoot at vermin, get good pay, security, and health care. Plus, a roof over my head and food. And the best thing? I get to start making it up to you." Tears shimmered in Arackniss's eyes as he looked at Angel, whose own tears had started to roll down his cheeks.

"I know this is not enough, not when I was horrible to you in life and ignored you in death," Arackniss continued, his voice breaking with emotion. "But the moment I realized you had ended up with Valentino, I knew I had to do something. You are my little brother, and I should have been better. I'm sorry you ended up with someone like me as an older brother."

Angel smiled through his tears, feeling a complicated mix of emotions swirling inside him. "I don't know if I can forgive you completely... not yet, at least. But I am willing to try."

Arackniss laughed softly, a sound filled with both relief and hope. "That's all I ask."

With a newfound sense of vindictiveness, he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long time, Angel ripped his soul contract into small pieces. His hands went to his neck as the golden chain that had marked his slavery shattered into glittering fragments, like the contract. Angel laughed, a sound that was pure and free, joined by Arackniss.

Angel felt a lightness in his chest, a feeling of liberation he had almost forgotten. He was free, truly free, and the world suddenly seemed full of possibilities. He looked at his brother, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of genuine hope. They had a long way to go, but they were finally on the right path, together.

Arackniss's eyes were still wet with tears, but his smile was brighter than Angel had ever seen. "Welcome to your new life, little brother," he said softly, squeezing Angel's hand.

Angel nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "For everything."

Angel and Arackniss sat together, the atmosphere lightening as they shared stories and insights about their new boss. Angel leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "Husker is known as a ruthless kind of overlord, feared and revered in equal measures," he said, his voice tinged with admiration. "I've heard so many stories about him, and not one of them makes him sound like the kind of guy you'd want to cross."

Arackniss laughed, a deep, genuine sound that filled the room. "Oh, he earned that reputation fairly, trust me. You should have seen him fly down on Papa's mafia; it was fierce and scary. Had Papa shaking in his shoes!" He chuckled at the memory, and Angel couldn't help but join in the laughter.

But as the laughter died down, the mood turned more serious. Arackniss leaned in, his expression more intense. "You see, the boss is a grumpy old cat. But he protects his people and his territory. And the staff? Hell, Tony, I've never seen people more loyal than them."

Angel's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I mean, I know he's powerful, but that kind of loyalty in Hell is unheard of."

Arackniss nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and awe. "The other day, we found out that a dealer sinner was cutting deals under the table. Husker didn't even get a chance to do anything. Hell, I didn't get to do anything. One moment the dealer was trying to make a run for it—hilarious as he is an owned soul—and the next moment, a waitress had broken a beer bottle and sliced the dealer's neck from side to side."

Angel's jaw dropped in shock. "No way! That kind of loyalty... it's crazy."

Arackniss shrugged, a grin playing on his lips. "It's the truth. Husker has this way of earning respect just by being him. He doesn't need to shout or threaten. People just... follow him."

Angel hummed thoughtfully, considering this. "It seems dangerous," he said, his mind racing with the implications.

Arackniss agreed, his expression serious again. "It is intoxicating. It's like the boss created a cult, and I can't seem to stop myself from being sucked in. What makes it more hilarious is that I don't think Husker realizes the extent to which he has all of us wrapped around his claw."

Angel nodded slowly, his respect for Husker growing with every word. "He's something else," he murmured, more to himself than to Arackniss. "To have that kind of power without even trying... it's impressive."

Arackniss smiled, a soft, almost wistful smile. "Yeah, it is. And you know what, Tony? For the first time in a long time, I feel like we're in a good place. Husker might be tough, but he's fair. And he looks out for his own."

Angel looked at his brother, seeing a side of him he hadn't seen in years. A side that cared, that wanted to make things right. "I think you're right," he said softly. "Maybe this is the fresh start we both need."

Arackniss squeezed Angel's hand, his eyes filled with determination. "It is, Tony. It definitely is." They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in their thoughts. "So," Arackniss said, breaking the silence with a grin. "Ready to see what it's like working for the King of Spades?"

Angel grinned back, feeling a sense of excitement bubble up inside him. "Absolutely," he replied. "Let's see what this new life has in store for us."

After Angel had finished his breakfast, the two brothers made their way to Husker's office, as they had a meeting scheduled with the overlord. Husker sat behind his grand desk, his red and black wings tucked neatly behind him. As they entered, he looked up and raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

"Well, well, if it isn't the star of the show," Husker drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. "Congratulations on your newfound freedom, Angel."

Angel felt a mixture of relief and suspicion. He had longed for this moment, yet he couldn't shake the wariness ingrained by years under Valentino's thumb. "Thanks," he replied cautiously.

Husker motioned for them to sit and stood up to move to his private bar. Angel couldn't help but watch, his eyes tracing every step Husker took. There was something undeniably captivating about the way Husker moved, a blend of confidence and grace that made it impossible for Angel to look away. Husker's movements were smooth and practiced as he prepared to craft three perfect dry martinis.

With a confident smile, Husker began his ritual. First, he reached for the martini glasses, placing them carefully on the bar. Angel found himself staring, his gaze fixated on Husker's strong claws as they worked with effortless precision. He added ice to each glass, ensuring they were well-chilled. As the glasses frosted over, he pulled out a sleek bottle of gin, its label catching the light just so.

Husker measured out three ounces of gin for each martini, the liquid pouring smoothly into the mixing glass. Next, he added just a whisper of dry vermouth, half an ounce per glass, ensuring the martinis would have that classic, bracing dryness. Angel's heart skipped a beat at the sight, he could hardly breathe, mesmerized by Husker's focus and the fluidity of his movements.

With a flourish, Husker filled the mixing glass with ice and took up his bar spoon. He stirred the mixture with a gentle, rhythmic motion, his wrist moving in perfect circles. The ice clinked softly against the glass, cooling the gin and vermouth to the ideal temperature. Angel's eyes followed every movement, captivated by the sight of Husker's strong forearm muscles working in tandem with his deft claws.

Satisfied with his work, Husker strained the martinis into the now-chilled glasses, the clear liquid settling smoothly. Finally, he reached for a jar of green olives, skewering three per martini on elegant picks. Angel couldn't stop ogling Husker, finding him irresistibly hot as he prepared the drinks with such confidence and skill.

Husker placed the olives in each glass, the vibrant green contrasting beautifully with the clear martinis. With a final, approving nod, Husker handed each of them a martini, and took his seat again, leaning back with an air of casual authority. "Let's discuss business," he said, taking a sip of his drink.

Angel exchanged a glance with Arackniss, who nodded encouragingly. Turning his attention back to Husker, Angel listened intently as the overlord laid out his offer.

"I'm offering you a place to stay here at The Cat's Den," Husker began. "You can work as a singer at The Lucky Draw. You'll get a room, food, and payment. And, most importantly, protection against the Vees."

Angel's eyes narrowed slightly. It sounded almost too good to be true. He was used to deals that seemed generous on the surface but were riddled with traps. "Why?" he asked, suspicion coloring his tone.

Husker chuckled, setting his glass down. "Because you're valuable, Angel. You've got talent, and I can use someone like you. Plus, I keep my territory safe and my people happy. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Angel thought about Arackniss's words from earlier, about Husker's loyalty and the respect he commanded. He took a deep breath, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. I accept."

Husker smiled, a genuine, satisfied smile that reached his eyes. "Good choice," he said, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a stack of paperwork. "Let's get this signed and sealed."

They spent the next few minutes going over the details, Husker explaining each clause with the precision of someone who knew his business inside out. Angel read everything carefully, feeling a sense of cautious optimism as he signed the documents. It made Angel feel weird, signing a normal work contract when almost every transaction in the Pride Ring normally used souls as currency.

Once the paperwork was done, Husker reached into another drawer and pulled out a golden bracelet. He held it up, the light catching on its polished surface. "Now, this," he said, "is important."

Angel looked at the bracelet, then back at Husker, confusion flickering in his eyes. "What's that for? I'm not soul contracted to you."

Husker nodded, his expression serious. "True, but this will make everyone else believe you are. It's for your protection. As long as you wear this, the Vees and anyone else will think twice before trying anything."

Angel hesitated for a moment before nodding. It made sense. The golden band was a symbol of Husker's protection, a deterrent against anyone who might want to harm him. He held out his wrist, and Husker carefully fastened the bracelet around it.

The moment the clasp clicked into place, Angel felt a strange mix of emotions. The weight of the bracelet was light, but it carried with it a sense of security he hadn't felt in years. He looked up at Husker, who gave him an approving nod.

"Welcome to The Cat's Den, Angel," Husker said, raising his glass in a toast. "Here's to new beginnings."

Arackniss clinked his glass with Husker's and Angel's, a proud smile on his face. Angel felt a warmth spread through him, a cautious hope that maybe, just maybe, things were finally looking up.

As the conversation shifted to Angel's past, the mood in Husker's office became more somber. Angel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, knowing this was a story he'd avoided telling for so long. But surrounded by his brother and his new boss, he felt a sense of safety he hadn't known in years.

"So," Husker began, taking a sip of his whisky tonic, "how did someone as sharp as you end up with a scumbag like Valentino?"

Arackniss jumped in before Angel could respond, his voice filled with pride. "You should've seen Tony, boss. Out of all of Henroin's kids, he was the smartest, the most cunning. Always one step ahead, always with a plan."

Husker nodded, his eyes fixed on Angel with a newfound respect. "I could tell. The way you saw through my game last night... Valentino never stood a chance against someone like you."

Angel blushed at the praise, a warmth spreading through him. It felt good to be seen, to be recognized for his intelligence rather than his looks or talents. But the blush quickly faded as he recalled the night that everything changed.

"Thanks," Angel murmured, his voice growing serious. "But it wasn't always like this. I wasn't always trapped." He took a deep breath, his eyes darkening with memories. "I was scamming Valentino. The world thought I was in love with him, that I was some tragic figure betrayed by a lover. But that's not true at all."

Husker leaned forward, interest piqued. "Go on."

Angel's gaze hardened, a glare settling on his face as he continued. "Valentino's saliva... it's a strong aphrodisiac. It's the main component in Velvette's Love Potion. That night, he drugged me. I woke up with my soul contracted to him. I had no choice."

Arackniss's face contorted with rage, his fists clenching. "That son of a bitch! He drugged you and forced you into a contract? I knew he was scum, but this..."

Husker's eyes narrowed, the pieces falling into place. "That explains a lot. Valentino's rise to overlord status always seemed... off. Now I know why. He used underhanded tactics, manipulating those around him to secure his position."

Angel nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anger. "Yeah. I tried to fight it, but once he had my soul contract, there wasn't much I could do. He kept me drugged, controlled me. Made sure I couldn't escape."

The room fell silent, the weight of Angel's words settling heavily. Arackniss reached out, placing a comforting hand on Angel's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Tony. I should've been there for you. I should've done something."

Angel shook his head, giving his brother a small, sad smile. "It's not your fault, Niss. We all had our own battles to fight. But now... now I've got a chance to start over."

Husker's expression softened slightly, his usual stern demeanor giving way to a rare moment of empathy. "You're safe here, Angel. Valentino won't touch you again. Not on my watch."

Angel felt a tear escape, quickly brushing it away. The emotions swirling within him were overwhelming: relief, anger, hope, and a cautious optimism. "Thank you, Husker. Really."

Husker nodded, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "We've got your back, Angel. And I have no doubt you'll thrive here. Your talent, your intelligence... you're going to be an invaluable part of The Cat's Den."

Angel looked around the room, at his brother and his new boss, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of belonging. He was more than just a pretty face or a moneymaker. He was seen for who he was.

As the afternoon continued, the conversation shifted from Angel's traumatic past to more strategic matters. Angel took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was information he had guarded closely, information that could turn the tides in the constant power struggle among Hell's overlords.

"There's more," Angel began, his voice steady but serious. "I've gathered a lot of secrets while I was with Valentino. Especially about Vox."

Husker raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. Arackniss, who was already angry from the previous revelations, looked both curious and concerned. "What kind of secrets?" Husker asked, his tone now businesslike.

Angel took a deep breath and then started explaining. "Vox has this... ability. He can hypnotize people who look into his screen. That's why his followers are so mindlessly devoted to him. They're not just scared or loyal—they're under his control."

The room fell silent for a moment as Husker and Arackniss processed this information. Husker's eyes narrowed, and Arackniss's mouth fell open in shock.

"That bastardo," Arackniss muttered, anger simmering just below the surface. "No wonder his souls are so obedient. It's not loyalty—it's mind control."

Husker leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "This is... significant," he said slowly. "It explains a lot about how Vox maintains his power and why his followers are so unnervingly devoted. It's a form of control that goes beyond fear or respect. It's complete domination of their will."

Angel nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. He was finally sharing the burdens he had carried for so long, but the implications of his revelations were daunting. "I had to play my cards right, keep my head down, and gather information without drawing too much attention. If Vox ever suspected that I knew this... well, it wouldn't have ended well for me."

Husker's eyes darkened with determination. "This is crucial information, Angel. Knowing how Vox controls his followers gives us an edge. We can prepare for any retaliation and counter his influence."

Arackniss nodded in agreement, though his expression remained troubled. "We need to be careful. If Vox finds out that we know, he'll come after us. We need a plan."

Husker turned his attention back to Angel, his gaze intense but filled with a newfound respect. "Angel, you've done more than enough already by sharing this. We'll take it from here. But I need you to stay vigilant. If you remember anything else, no matter how small, you come to me."

Angel nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was part of a team, not just a pawn in someone else's game. "I will," he promised. "And thank you, Husker. For everything."

Husker smiled, a rare genuine smile that made Angel feel warm inside. "You're one of us now, Angel. We look out for our own."

Arackniss placed a reassuring hand on Angel's shoulder, his eyes softening with brotherly affection. "You're not alone anymore, Tony."

Angel felt a lump in his throat, emotions welling up inside him. He had spent so long feeling isolated and trapped, but now, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him, he felt a glimmer of hope. "I... I don't know what to say," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion.

"Just know that you're safe here," Husker said firmly. "And that you're valued. We'll deal with Vox and Valentino. Together."

Angel nodded, blinking back tears. "Together," he repeated, the word feeling both foreign and wonderful on his tongue.

The three of them sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of their shared resolve settling over them. Angel looked around the room, feeling a sense of belonging that he had almost forgotten. He was free from Valentino, protected from Vox, and, most importantly, he had people who cared about him.

The three of them continued to discuss business and enjoy their drinks. They had not noticed the passage of time, until Arackniss was called for work, leaving Angel alone with Husker. As soon as the door clicked shut, Angel's mischievous grin spread across his lips. He saw his chance, and he wasn't about to let it slip away.

Closing the distance between them, Angel sauntered over to where Husker stood, his movements deliberate and enticing. His hips swayed with every step, a silent invitation that spoke volumes. With a coy smile playing on his lips, Angel leaned in close to Husker, the heat of their bodies mingling in the confined space. His eyes, laced with desire, met Husker's, silently urging him to succumb to the temptation that hung heavy in the air.

Husker's gaze darkened with unmistakable hunger as he watched Angel's approach. There was a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. As Angel reached Husker, he let his fingers graze lightly over the fabric of Husker's suit, tracing the contours of his chest with deliberate slowness. Each touch sent a shiver down Husker's spine, igniting a fire that threatened to consume them both.

Their breaths mingled in the space between them, charged with an electric tension that crackled with anticipation. Angel's heart pounded in his chest, the thrill of the chase coursing through his veins like liquid fire.

With a subtle tilt of his head, Angel pressed his lips to Husker's ear, his voice a husky whisper that sent shivers down Husker's spine. "I want you," he murmured, his words laced with desire and longing. "I want you more than anything."

Husker's resolve wavered in the face of Angel's seduction, his control slipping with each passing moment. But even as his desire threatened to consume him, he knew he had to resist. Drawing back slightly, Husker met Angel's gaze with a mixture of longing and restraint. "Angel," he breathed, his voice husky with desire. "As much as I want you, we can't..." Husker's voice carried a note of seriousness, even if it was raw with desire. "Before anything else happens, there are some things we need to talk about."

Angel paused, his heart sinking slightly at the interruption. But he listened attentively as Husker continued. "Firstly, I need you to know a few things about myself," Husker began, his gaze steady, "I am a strong believer that there's nothing wrong with sex work. I've seen it firsthand growing up in Las Vegas. It's a legitimate profession, whether it's out of necessity or choice. Anyone who judges you for that is in the wrong."

Husker's next words caught Angel off guard, but it also made him feel a rush of relief. It was rare to find someone who understood and accepted him without judgment.

"As for us, Angel, I'm not Valentino. I won't take advantage of you, especially in your vulnerable state. And I'm not interested in a one-night stand. If we're going to be together, it has to be genuine, based on mutual desire and respect. Not out of fear, or you wanting to get the upper hand on me by seducing me." Angel's eyes widened, making Husker laugh. "Oh, Legs, you are not the first sinner to try, and you won't be the last to try to get my favor by sleeping with me. I can understand that for decades that's how you survived in V Tower, that having a place in Valentino's bed kept you at the top of the meager power sinners of the Vees possess. However, there's no need for any of that here."

Angel's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being rejected. He had never experienced this before, and it stung. "How are you real?" Angel muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration for Husker's integrity.

Husker's smile softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know this might be hard for you to hear, Angel. But trust me, it's for the best. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are, not just for what you can offer. Anyone would be lucky to have you, for one night, for all the nights, or simply for a conversation."

Angel nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Okay," he said, his voice firm. "I'll go to therapy and work on cleaning up my act. If going cold turkey is what I need to do to break any dependance on that shitty moth, then I will do it."

Husker's smile widened. "That's the spirit, Legs. And when you're ready, I'll be here."

Angel's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Husker's words. Maybe this wasn't the passionate encounter he had hoped for, but it felt like the beginning of something real.