After everyone pulled through the surgeries, a semblance of normalcy began to return to The Cat's Den. Husker, deeply relieved but still anxious, chose to remain by Angel's side. Melora, ever dependable, took charge of the casino floors, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Cherri and Arackniss shared a room to recover together, finding strength in each other's company. Meanwhile, Blitzo and Loona moved in with Stolas and Octavia. The palace was filled with laughter and warmth as the four of them spent time together.

One day, as they enjoyed a peaceful afternoon, Stolas' butler imp approached with an urgent message. "Marquis Andrealphus requests an audience with you, Prince Stolas," the butler announced. Stolas felt a wave of nervous tension wash over him. Andrealphus had always been a distant figure, and their relationship was neither warm nor hostile. But after everything he had endured with Stella, Stolas couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach.

Drawing in a deep breath, Stolas instructed the butler to prepare tea at the garden table outside. He dressed meticulously, donning his crown to present himself as the royal figure he was. Stolas made his way to the garden, where the ice peacock statue of Ars Goetia gleamed under the sunlight. Staring at its icy elegance, Stolas felt a pang of envy. Andrealphus had always seemed so composed and in control, a stark contrast to Stolas' own tumultuous experiences.

Sitting down at the garden table, Stolas greeted Andrealphus with a formal nod. "Andrealphus, welcome. To what do I owe this visit?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Andrealphus, ever the picture of icy composure, sat down gracefully. "Stolas, I came to apologize," he began, his voice surprisingly sincere. "Initially, I intended to contest your decision regarding Octavia's custody. While I understood the necessity of the divorce given the scandal, I believed that Stella, despite everything, was still Octavia's mother."

Stolas stiffened, his feathers ruffling slightly. "And what changed your mind?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Andrealphus sighed, a rare display of emotion crossing his usually stoic features. "I realized that Stella never mentioned Octavia in our conversations. Her focus was solely on the loss of her title and status. She didn't even seem to remember Octavia's name at times. It was as if Octavia was an afterthought, a mere inconvenience in her life."

Stolas' eyes widened in shock and anger. "She didn't mention Octavia at all?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Not once," Andrealphus confirmed. "It was then that I understood. Stella had become our mother—a cold, unfeeling woman more concerned with appearances than her own children. You made the right choice for Octavia, Stolas. No one should endure the kind of maternal neglect we experienced."

Stolas felt a mixture of relief and sadness. Relief that Andrealphus understood his decision, and sadness for the sibling bond they both had lost to their mother's indifference. "Thank you for telling me this," Stolas said softly. "But what do you want from me, Andrealphus?"

Andrealphus leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I want to be a part of Octavia's life. She deserves to know her family, and I want to help her however I can. To prove my sincerity, I'm willing to make a deal. I'll never try to take her to Stella. In fact, I've already taken steps to ensure Stella can't harm her. I've kicked her out of my home and stripped her of the protection of our household."

Stolas' eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "You... you did that?" he asked, his voice breaking.

Andrealphus nodded. "Yes, Stolas. For Octavia's sake and for ours. We've suffered enough. It's time to break the cycle."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Stolas reached across the table and took Andrealphus' hand. "Thank you, brother," he whispered. They might be ex-brothers-in-law, but Stolas had always wanted to get close to the cool icy marquis. "For Octavia, and for this second chance."

Stolas stood up and guided Andrealphus inside, where an excited Octavia greeted the ice peacock with a beaming smile and a cheerful "Uncle Andre!" Andrealphus' icy demeanor broke, and a fond smile spread across his face as he knelt to hug his niece. He then spun her around, making Octavia giggle, her joy infectious. Stolas watched the interaction with warmth in his eyes, feeling a rare sense of peace seeing his daughter so happy.

His moment of contentment was interrupted by a soft cough from Blitzo, trying to catch his attention. Stolas turned and smiled at his beloved boyfriend, though his happiness was tinged with concern as his eyes lingered on the bandages covering Blitzo's body. Stolas gently presented Andrealphus to Blitzo, saying, "Andrealphus, this is Blitzo, my lover. And this is Loona, Blitzo's daughter and Octavia's best friend."

Blitzo tensed being introduced to an Ars Goetia as the lover of a prince. But to his surprise, Andrealphus simply stared for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter. "Well, well, it seems we both have a taste for scandalous companions," Andrealphus said, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

He then called forward one of his bodyguards, an incubus, much to Stolas' surprise. Incubi were rarely seen in the role of security. Andrealphus introduced him, saying, "This is Jesse, my lover."

Stolas' eyes widened before he and Andrealphus both laughed, sharing a moment of camaraderie over their unconventional choices. "It seems our choices in partners will indeed take the Ars Goetia court by storm," Stolas remarked, his voice filled with mirth.

Blitzo and Jesse exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They both knew the unique challenge of being in love with royalty, especially ones as eccentric and unpredictable as Stolas and Andrealphus. There was a mutual recognition of the beauty and the insanity they both dealt with daily.

Jess smirked at Blitzo, "Looks like we're in for quite the ride, huh?"

Blitzo chuckled, "You have no idea, buddy."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and light-hearted conversation. Even Blitzo seemed to relax, the tension easing from his shoulders as he joked and chatted with Jesse and Andrealphus.

As the evening approached, Stolas found a quiet moment with Andrealphus. "Thank you for coming, Andre. It means a lot to me and Octavia."

Andrealphus nodded, his expression serious but kind. "Family is important, Stolas. Despite everything, we're still family. And I can see that Blitzo makes you as happy as Jesse makes me. I lived all my life allowing my mother and later my sister's words to control me, but when I found Jesse, I discovered what it truly meant to be free. We are avian beings Stolas, we are meant to be free in the sky. Do not let anyone cage you."

Stolas' eyes widened at the sudden sincerity of Andrealphus, he had never heard him be so passionate before. It seems that the incubi had been able to light a fire within the ice marquis. "I won't ever let anyone cage me before. I promise"

"Good," Andrealphus smirked.

Meanwhile, Angel was staying with Husker in his penthouse, and he was having the time of his afterlife. Sure, his entire body ached like hell, but that didn't matter because Valentino was finally dead. When Husker had first told him the news, Angel had cried like a baby. He had missed the whole decapitation part, being too out of it by the end of the battle, but he had watched the security footage countless times since then. Every replay was a sweet reminder: Valentino was dead, and he was free.

And it wasn't just Valentino's death that had Angel in such high spirits. Husker had also broken Arackniss' soul contract, giving his brother back his freedom. Husker claimed it was because Arackniss had fought valiantly for The Cat's Den against an overlord, but Angel knew better. Husker had done it for him, and that made Angel even more grateful.

Even as free souls, Angel and Arackniss still had a place at The Cat's Den. Arackniss continued to work as part of the security team, and Angel planned to return as a performer. For now, though, Angel was focused on recovering from his injuries and enjoying every moment of being coddled by his overlord boyfriend.

Angel giggled as Husker hand-fed him ossobuco. The meat, flavored with cinnamon, bay leaf, and gremolata, was delicious, each bite making Angel moan in pleasure. Husker's eyes darkened and dilated with each sound, a reaction that Angel loved to provoke. Husker's gentle claws wiped the sauce from Angel's lips, the tender gesture making Angel blush and feel warm inside. He would never get over how gentle Husker could be with him.

Trying to hide his blush, Angel picked up his grasshopper cocktail and took a long sip. The sweet, mint-flavored drink was the perfect after-dinner treat, and the alcohol did its job, soothing his nerves and adding to his already buoyant mood.

After collecting himself, Angel looked back at Husker, who was watching him with amusement. Angel pouted at the teasing glint in Husker's eyes, but his pout quickly turned into giggles when Husker leaned in and kissed the pout right off his lips. The kiss was gentle at first, then deepened, full of the raw emotion that words couldn't quite capture. Angel's heart swelled with love and gratitude, feeling more cherished than he ever thought possible.

Breaking the kiss, Husker rested his forehead against Angel's. "You know, you look adorable when you pout," Husker murmured, his voice low and affectionate.

Angel blushed deeper, his heart racing. "Shut up," he muttered playfully, though he couldn't hide his smile.

"I mean it," Husker insisted, pulling back just enough to look into Angel's eyes. "You're amazing, Angel. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Angel felt tears well up in his eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy. "I've never felt this happy before," he admitted, his voice breaking. "Thank you, Husker. For everything."

Husker cupped Angel's face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears. "You don't have to thank me. I'd do anything for you."

Angel leaned into Husker's touch, feeling safe and loved. For the first time in his afterlife, he had felt truly happy, and it was all because of the demon in front of him. As they sat there, in the warmth of Husker's penthouse, they spent the rest of the evening in comfortable silence, wrapped in each other's arms. Husker's presence was a soothing balm to Angel's soul.

After dinner, drinks, and some much-needed cuddling, Husker sighed and reluctantly left the warmth of the bed. Angel pouted dramatically, making Husker chuckle as he leaned down to give him another kiss. Angel giggled. Why did he always giggle when Husker kissed him? Husker promised he'd be back soon, he just needed to grab some papers. Angel watched him leave, his heart already missing his presence.

Husker was gone for less than five minutes before returning with a stack of papers and a beautiful golden jewelry box adorned with red hearts, red diamonds, black clubs, and black spades. The box was enchanting, and Angel's curiosity piqued. He reached out to touch it, but Husker's gentle claw stopped him.

Surprised, Angel looked up at Husker, who opened the box to reveal an array of gambling chips. Husker picked one up and twirled it around his claw, explaining that these were Valentino's soul contracts. Angel's eyes widened in realization. He knew soul contracts appeared in different forms to different overlords, but he hadn't considered that for Husker, they'd be gambling chips. It made sense, given Husker's moniker as the Gambling Overlord.

"Why did you bring them out?" Angel asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I expected you to keep them in the most secure place you know. After all, these soul contracts are a huge part of your power."

Husker sighed, his expression serious. "After killing Valentino, there's a lot of work to do. I don't want all of Valentino's souls. That idiot probably only had a few souls worth my time. I plan on keeping a third, giving a third to Rosie as food for the cannibals, and the last third to Alastor for new material for his radio show."

Angel stared at Husker, taken aback by the cold reply, but then he remembered that Husker was kind to his people and allies. Anyone else, especially those who attacked his territory, were dealt with swiftly and coldly. Far from feeling afraid, Angel felt a surge of admiration and, admittedly, a bit turned on by Husker's ruthlessness. He cursed the fact that he was too injured to act on his desires.

To distract himself, Angel picked up the stack of papers, a detailed job resume prepared by Bianca's team, and began dividing them into three piles of equal size. Husker watched in silence as Angel worked, appreciating the focus and dedication in Angel's actions. Once the papers were sorted, Angel pointed at the first pile.

"These 333 souls are the most talented performers from Valentino's collection. They were trained to perform almost any kind of show known on Earth," Angel explained.

Husker nodded, taking in the information. Angel then pointed to the second pile. "These 333 souls are the backstage staff and screenwriters. They're not awful, but they treated the porn actors with apathy. They should go to Rosie's."

Angel's hand trembled as he pointed to the third pile. "These are Valentino's enforcers and the worst of his sadistic souls. They deserve to go to Alastor."

Husker nodded again, his expression resolute. "They will be sent to Alastor," he confirmed. Then, he pulled Angel into a gentle hug, kissing his forehead. "Thank you for your help."

Angel melted into the embrace, feeling safe and loved. "Of course, Husker. Anything for you."

Husker's grip tightened around him for a moment before he let go, his eyes softening. "You should rest now. We have a lot to deal with, but your recovery is the most important thing."

Angel smiled, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him. "I know, and I'm getting there. Thanks to you."

As they settled back into the bed, Angel couldn't help but feel grateful for Husker's presence in his life. They lay there, in the comfort of each other's arms, talking about everything and nothing. The night stretched on, filled with shared stories and the soothing presence of love. Eventually, sleep began to claim them. Husker's steady breathing and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest were the perfect lullaby for Angel. As he drifted off, he whispered, "I love you, Husker."

Husker's arms tightened around him, and he whispered back, "I love you too, Angel. Forever and always."

And with those words, Angel slipped into a peaceful sleep, his heart full and his spirit finally at ease.

The following day, Angel woke up to the delicious smell of pancakes. A big smile spread across his face as the first thing he saw was Fat Nuggets, his beloved hell hog, squeaking and giving him wet kisses.

"Good morning, you little rascal," Angel cooed, nuzzling Fat Nuggets. The piglet squeaked in delight, enjoying the affection.

Angel laughed, hugging his piglet and peppering his face with kisses. Once Angel got his fill of Fat Nuggets, he reluctantly let go and got off the bed, making his way to the bathroom. Fat Nuggets trotted off to the kitchen just as Angel stepped into the shower. The warm water cascading over his body felt heavenly, soothing his aching muscles and easing the stiffness from his wounds. After his shower, he carefully wrapped his injuries again and brushed his teeth. Instead of slipping back into pajamas, Angel chose a pink thong, shorts that barely covered his ass, and one of Husker's shirts, which hung loosely on his frame and smelled comfortingly like his boyfriend.

He twirled towards the dining room, feeling light-hearted and playful. There, Husker was placing two stacks of pancakes on the table. Angel's stack was adorned with syrup and whipped cream, while Husker's had yogurt and fruit. Angel giggled at Husker's choice, finding it adorably old-fashioned. His heart melted when he saw Fat Nuggets munching happily on his own breakfast beside them. Husker always treated Fat Nuggets with such kindness, and it warmed Angel's heart.

Husker turned and saw Angel, a smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, beautiful."

Angel's heart melted when he saw Fat Nuggets eating his own breakfast beside them. "Morning, old man," he replied, leaning in to kiss Husker.

The two of them sat down to have breakfast. Angel savored his pancakes, appreciating the sweetness and the love that went into making them. He glanced at Husker, who was enjoying his healthier option, and felt a surge of affection. It was these small moments that made everything worthwhile.

While eating, Angel asked, "So, what are you going to do with all the properties you gained after killing Valentino?"

Husker took a sip of his coffee, considering the question. "I'll only keep one, the property closest to us. It's the three-floor strip club on the other side of the mini golf court. This way, I can keep all my territory together and not be divided."

Angel nodded, understanding the strategy. "Makes sense. What are you planning to do with it?"

Husker turned to Angel, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'm thinking of turning it into a more refined nightclub with music and dance performances. It's been requested by many of the staff and clients. You will be quite busy when you recover."

Angel raised an eyebrow in surprise. "And what about me? Am I still going to be a singer at The Lucky Draw?"

Husker smiled and took Angel's hand, kissing his knuckles. "I'm putting you in charge of the new club. Your style suits it more anyway, and you know how to deal with Valentino's people who will be the main workers there."

Angel's eyes widened in shock. "Me? In charge?"

Husker nodded, his gaze steady and reassuring. "I trust you 100%, Angel. You're going to be amazing."

Angel felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Are you sure? I mean, I've never run a club before."

Husker squeezed his hand. "You've got this. I believe in you."

Angel's mind started racing with ideas. "We could have band nights, burlesque nights, drag queen nights... The possibilities are endless!"

Husker chuckled, watching Angel with a fond smile as he continued to babble excitedly about his plans. It was clear that Angel was already thinking of ways to make the club a success, and Husker couldn't be prouder.

They finished their breakfast with Angel chattering excitedly and Husker listening, offering input and encouragement. Afterward, they cleared the table together, their movements easy and familiar, like a well-practiced dance. They spent the rest of the morning lounging together, making plans and dreaming of the future.

Later, as the day wore on, Husker went to attend to some business, leaving Angel to rest and continue recovering. Angel lay back on the bed, a satisfied smile on his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful and secure. Valentino was gone, and he had Husker by his side, supporting him and believing in him.

Angel's thoughts drifted to the club he would soon be running. He imagined the lights, the music, the performances, and the vibrant atmosphere. It was a new beginning, a chance to create something beautiful and meaningful. And he wasn't alone. He had a team, he had Husker, and he had the freedom he had fought so hard for.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the city, Angel felt a deep sense of peace. He was ready for this new chapter, and with Husker by his side, he knew they could face anything. The future was bright, and he was eager to embrace it.