Author note - welcome back readers! I've never been so hesitant to release a chapter, but I'm ripping the bandaid off and going for it. In the spirit of the season, I'd like to say how thankful I am for everyone's continued patronage of this story, I say it far too often but it's true: it means the world to me. I found the last set of reviews a pleasure to read, thank you to all who took the time to do so! Next, thanks to the 60/66 favorites/followers to this story and I'd like to list all you wonderful people. ArtRead, Artemis Persephone Jackson, Asmadey, Bud200, CaosD, ChaCha07, Clexa300, DaisyMae16, Darkillion, Doc Fossil, EpsilonW, Fus Ro Duh, GALAXIA117, Gearseven71, GeekyGirl183, George Zimmerman, GodShynin300, IAmAbyss, ImpossibleGirl96, InnocentxPsycho, Jessika the Insane, Jopro47, Kronos117, LocomotiveClown, Luan Furtado, Moony561, Oliviian, Omega97, Shadow queen 579, Spiked29, Starlog246, StarryNightMusic1315, Steel40k, Taranodongirl1, The Literary Lord, TheRedPheasnt, The Shadowscythe, Theylovemaddiee, Twiphase, Wolfkid32, Wolfpup59, acj290, avatarange, coociedu, diasturganbekov54, , falloutaki, goldenhaloo, grapejuice101, hrigler, kimurakosama, mechaz, ordoniojustin02, pilitaangomas, rejajali272, sivan234, victoriashivers724, AlchemyWriter, Anomalia.05, Byziks1, ChaosOmega98, Disturbed1991, Gerden360, Halopro, KunoichiBeastKnightress, MrFoxHoundSir, Park117, ShadoGXZeroX, Slashxii, Sylux117, Vampmire, Xerzes01, fanalis1995, kyrogue23, mineluck87, and 10! Welcome to new faces Qzak501, trennademiller1, Tempest Shedow, Omega E The Reader, glad to have you along for the ride!
I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 64: Dropping in
By all appearances, it was a normal evening in Pentagram City, with the denizens engaging in their fucking, killing, or other acts of self-indulgence. The Carmine women were spread throughout the living room of their home. Odette sat on one of the loveseats, idly switching between Voxtagram and putting the final touches on the blueprint of a custom rifle a client requested on her tablet. Clara and Carmilla occupied the couch, the puce demoness wrapping up an episode of a reality show, while the Overlord sat curled up with a book.
Turning off the television, Clara rose from her spot and stretched her arms overhead with a tired sigh.
"I think I'm gonna call it. We start assembling that custom order tomorrow and it's pretty dead around here anyway."
"Buenas noches, mija." Carmilla said, raising an arm out toward her daughter to beckon her over.
"Night mom, Odette. See you tomorrow." Clara replied, coming close so Carmilla could give her a quick kiss on her forehead. Odette waved her sister off before she departed.
Reaching for her phone, Carmilla went to check her messages. Her nightly missives to Taylor remained unanswered, and it sparked a small flicker of worry. She tried to dismiss it, recalling that the fire demon was busy and terrible about keeping their device with them, but the anxiousness lingered.
Both Carmines jumped when a thunderous cracking sounded in the distance, strong enough to vibrate the entirety of the mansion.
"A Hell shake?" Odette uttered before they both felt it. A tremendous force of power began pressing down on them like a physical weight, causing the hairs on the back of their necks to raise in caution. Only one other event had such an atmosphere serve as its prelude.
"The Extermination?!" Carmilla questioned as she carefully made her way to the balcony, praying she was wrong.
"It can't be, it's too soon!" Odette answered in a mild panic before joining her outside.
Searching the expanse, both Carmines shielded their eyes when a bright light lit up the dark maroon sky. Squinting, the two watched in awe as a ball of silver fire and light shot across the sky at an alarming speed before plummeting into the fringes of Carmilla's territory. After the initial impact shook the ground, everything went deadly quiet, the sky returned to its normal hue. As quickly as it arrived, the oppressive feeling in the air lifted.
"What the fuck was that?!" Clara spoke out as she appeared in the entryway, shaking the other two from their trances.
"Odette." Carmilla said, an unspoken request passing between the two.
"On it." The blonde demoness replied, opening the security feed app on her tablet. Her eyes scanned the different angles, trying to get a good view of the crash site. Odette's gasped. "Mom."
Carmilla moved over to look, and her red eyes widened. In the center of the stream and rubble, Taylor's body lay still and unresponsive. Sprinting out of the room, she heard trailing footsteps, but didn't acknowledge Clara's panicked questions that followed. A while back, Carmilla told the fire demon that if they were ever in dire trouble, they needed to cross into her territory.
That she would protect them.
—
Red was the first thing Taylor noticed when they came to. Relief filled them as they took in the hellish sky.
They made it.
Turning onto their side, they clenched their jaw to stifle a cry, the painful thrumming under their skin nearly making them black out. As the stars receded from their vision, they slowly pushed themselves to their feet. Every inch of their skin felt tight, like it was being stretched to its limits over their bones. Their muscles felt stiff and barely allowed for any movement, and the ringing in their ears was so loud, it made it hard to think. But they couldn't stop and dwell on their injuries; the impact would no doubt attract the attention of demons in the vicinity, and they needed to get to someplace safe.
Taking a few tremulous steps, they wiped the sweat that trickled down their face. Was it just them or was Hell normally this warm? They frowned, noting that their clothes hadn't survived their reentry, and they searched for some kind of cover. The only thing nearby among the debris was a shredded plastic tarp, which they wrapped around themselves as best they could. Gritting their teeth, they leaned a hand upon the wall and forced themselves forward. Pushing through, one step at a time.
They rounded the corner when muffled sounds caught their attention. Three silhouettes rushed towards them, and their blood chilled. Someone had found them, no doubt to take advantage of their weakened state.
No. Not after all they went through to make it home.
"Stay back!" Taylor hissed, managing to ignite their hand before swinging the blazing claw at the threats. The action caused the world to tilt from under them, and they leaned against the wall, resisting being pulled under through sheer willpower. Shaking their head, they tried to focus on the menaces before them. Faintly, they heard the sounds of their talking, but they couldn't decipher the words. "Fuck off or so help me—"
"Taylor! It's us! Snap out of it!"
They paused. Why was that voice familiar?
"Clara?" They blinked hard, their anger abating. "Odette? Carmilla?" Slowly, the blurry figures sharpened until the Carmines stood before them. All three bore looks of concern, but Carmilla's also held apprehension. They noted with dread the Overlord's firm grip on her daughters, as if she were ready to push them back at any second. From them, they realized; they were the real threat here. Darkness took over their vision as what little of their strength was exhausted.
—
Carmilla and her daughters dismounted from their bikes, Clara almost knocking hers over in her haste. Without delay, the three closed in on where Odette said the crash site was, keeping a vigilant eye out for any threats as they searched for the missing member of their quartet.
Movement caught Clara's eye and the sight of Taylor shuffling into view provided a rush of relief. At first glance, they appeared relatively unharmed, if a bit wobbly on their legs and flushed in the face. Them being wrapped in a tarp prompted some questions as well.
"Taylor!" She called out. Concerns started to grow when they ignored her. Hearing Clara's cry, Carmilla and Odette began closing the distance.
Alarm bells began to ring in Carmilla's mind when Taylor turned in their direction. Not even when they sparred over the Overlord nomination, had their face held such disgust and anger aimed towards them.
Something was wrong.
"Stay back!" It was their tone that had Carmilla stop in her tracks. Bringing her arms out, she grasped her daughter's shirts before jerking them backwards, just out of reach of Taylor's flaming claw.
"Taylor?" Odette asked with uncertainty.
The younger Carmines tried to step closer, but Carmilla held them back firmly. She wanted to help Taylor too, but it was clear they weren't in their right mind. Otherwise, they wouldn't have tried attacking them.
"Fuck off or so help me…"
Realizing her mother wouldn't release her hold, Clara decided to call out to them instead. "Taylor! It's us! Snap out of it!"
The trio watched as golden eyes blinked out of sync, seemingly recognizing the voice. Before long, their features softened. "Clara? Odette? Carmilla?"
Carmilla felt a pang of guilt as Taylor's eyes moved to the cautionary hands on her daughters. It was as if witnessing the act of precaution sapped what little energy they had, and their eyes fluttered shut.
Letting go, Carmilla rushed forward, catching Taylor as their head fell against her collarbone. The sheer heat radiating off them made her recoil slightly, but more worrying was their shallow breathing; each gasp seemed to painfully drag through their chest, making her wonder if some kind of poison was ravaging their system. She wouldn't put it past someone to try and debilitate the fire demon before attempting to strike them down.
Putting that grave thought aside, she quickly readjusted the tarp before gathering Taylor in her arms. Making her way to their bikes, she turned her attention to her daughters.
"Odette, I need you to call the doctor. Tell her it's urgent." The blonde demoness nodded, already pulling out her phone. "Clara, go with your sister and get Taylor home. Work together to get them inside and try to cool them off until help arrives."
"But what about you?"
"I need to make sure whatever Taylor was running from isn't still in the area." Carmilla said firmly, situating Taylor on Odette's bike.
"Are you sure? Maybe we should—"
"Home, Clara. Go."
By the time Carmilla returned, Clara and Odette had finished putting a simple sleeveless shirt and loose shorts on Taylor before depositing them on the couch. Clara gently laid a cold compress on the fire demon's forehead, causing a soft hiss of steam to be heard.
Content that her daughters did what they could, Odette answered the question already on her tongue.
"Doctor said she'd be here soon."
As if summoned, the doors to the balcony opened. A figure dressed in a long green dress floated in the entryway, her long black hair braided to one side. Solid green eyes gazed about the room from behind a black mask in the shape of a raven with wings outstretched.
"Where is the patient?"
Carmilla indicated to the couch, getting her attention. "Over here."
The raven demoness glided across the room before standing over the fallen Overlord. Closing her eyes, she lifted her arms into the air. A dense green fog billowing out of the sleeves, settling over her patient. Being a magical extension of herself, the doctor could relay the vitals of her patients, along with discerning any ailments they may have.
"Oh dear." Was all she said, the fog dissipating.
"What's wrong?" Clara asked hesitantly, not sure if she really wanted to know.
"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do."
Carmilla looked incredulously between the fire demon and the doctor. "What do you mean?! Do something, they're burning up!"
"More so than normal, anyway." Odette commented, knowing that the nature of their form meant they ran hotter than most.
"An antidote then, can you produce it? Money is no object!" Carmilla insisted, not liking how Taylor began shivering despite the warmth they gave off.
"Calm yourself, Lady Carmine. I found no trace of any poison." The doctor said kindly as they saw the worry evident on the Overlord's face. "However, there is something I cannot name plaguing them. My abilities do not enlighten me to the causes of ailments, but the symptoms are most like stimulant intoxication."
"You said you found no poison in their system. How can they be intoxicated without a causal agent?"
"I do not sense their life being in peril." The raven demoness replied, ignoring her question. "There is nothing to do but let the fever run its course. Ideally, with rest, they should make a comeback in a few days. But expect them to be more lethargic than normal."
While the three Carmines were still worried about Taylor's condition, the fact that all they needed was rest lifted the suffocating weight on their minds.
"Thank you." Carmilla gave a small nod of appreciation. Finished with her work, the raven demoness promised to return to check on the fire Overlord in the morning. But just before she left, she paused before turning to the solemn ballerina Overlord.
"If I may ask, what amenities does your home include?"
- x -
"I offer you the opportunity to purge that which shackles your soul."
"Still, I suppose you might amount to something someday. You certainly seem important enough to all these people."
"Will you take up the burden once again or be free of it?"
Taylor's eyes snapped open as they sat up straight, searching for any sign of danger. Something cold shifted around them, and they looked down, finding themselves in a bathtub full of… ice? A flash of panic had them pat their body, afraid that their organs might have been harvested, but there was no indication they were cut into. They sighed in relief, only now recalling the Carmines had found them and the surroundings were in style with their home. Yet, there was a growing fear that they couldn't shake.
"Cariño!" Taylor could feel Carmilla's confusion as they turned toward her voice. The ballerina Overlord set a clear bag upon the floor before crouching at their side and placing a hand upon their forehead. "Good, the fever is going down. But you shouldn't be up yet. The doctor said you need to take it easy for a few more days yet."
"How long?" Taylor asked, moving her hand away. They were grateful Carmilla found them and transferred them to her home, but how could they have known their whereabouts? Carmilla placed a hand on their shoulder, pushing them back gently.
"About half a day, now please, lay down."
Taylor resisted the pressure, squaring their shoulders before training their eyes on Carmilla.
"No, how long until the Extermination?"
"There is time. Focus on your recovery—"
"How long?" Taylor demanded, cutting her off. They refused to be coddled like a child.
They needed to know, hoping they weren't too late.
"… Forty days." Carmilla offered, reaching out to gently brush some of their hair aside to calm them.
Taylor took a shuddered breath, some of their distress lessening. They took Carmilla's hand in theirs, grateful for the display of affection.
"Thank you. I'm sorry that you had to—"
"It's alright, Cariño. I'd face Lucifer himself to make sure you were safe."
Taylor stiffened, guilt starting to eat away at them. It felt suffocating.
"Carmilla, you need to know." They started, bracing themselves. "I'm the D—" they tried in vain to force the words out, their tongue suddenly like lead. They flinched as a particularly sharp burn jolted through from their back, and they removed their hand from Carmilla's to grip their head. "I'm… the—" they stuttered, tears of frustration and fear welling in their eyes as they shook from the pain.
What if, after they told her, things changed between them? Would she be willing to accept them for who they were? What if they were just fucking it all up? They feared for all they'd stood to lose if, or rather when, things came to light.
They couldn't do it.
'I really am pathetic.' They thought bitterly. Settling back, they laid their arms on their knees, noticing all the ice had melted in their moments of fretting. Putting on a forced smile that they hoped was convincing, not daring to look at her.
"I'm the worst at this. I… care so deeply for you, for Clara and Odette, and I was so afraid that—" they started to get choked up. "That I wouldn't get to see you all again."
Arms curled around them, and they leaned their head against Carmilla's chest.
"You needn't say more, I know it by your actions. Deal or not, I love you like one of my own."
Taylor knew that at some point conversations would have to be had, explanations to be given. Not just between them and Carmilla, but with Clara and Odette as well. But for now, they chose to savor in the comforting warmth that came from the demoness that was more of a parent to them than their own.
- x -
After thanking the Carmines for helping in their time of need and reassuring them they were well enough to head back, Taylor waved as the car sped off. Adjusting their jacket and dusting off a bit of dust from their pants, they made their way to the entrance of the hotel.
Pushing the door open, they stopped to take in the sight of the hotel lobby being full of frantic activity. It reminded them of Lucifer's first visit, with Niffty and Husk furiously cleaning while Sir Pentious ordered the Egg Boiz to procure refreshments and snacks. Only Angel Dust looked at ease, scrolling through his phone in the parlor and staying out of the way of the others working.
Seeing as Husk looked too busy to pour them a drink, they went over to the spider demon.
"What's going on? Is there a hotel inspection or something?"
"Hey Fuoco." Angel said brightly, stretching his legs out on the couch. "Nah, we got a big wig passing through, says they're interested in what Charlie's got going here. She, Vaggie, and Smiles are giving 'em the tour right now while we spruce up the place."
Taylor sat beside him, glad that Charlie was really starting to garner some attention. It would surely give her a boost in confidence for the trial ahead.
"That's great! Is it another Overlord?" They asked, wondering who it could be.
"Nope." He said with a pop. "Some blue-blood, real posh and fancy-schmancy. You know the type."
Voices coming from the top of the stairs filtered in, indicating the end of the tour.
"Our sharing circles have made a little headway, and Vaggie and I think we've gotten down the trust aspect of the redemption program." They heard Charlie explain, her voice getting closer.
"So you believe that the trust falls have been a viable means of establishing a rapport among the patients? Fascinating, fascinating indeed." Mellifluous tones rang out, clear as a bell.
That voice.
That fucking voice.
"I have always found trust to be such a gossamer thing, so ethereal and in short supply down here. I am interested to see the contribution it makes to the rehabilitation process!"
All coherent thoughts flew out the window as their mind disintegrated into a jumbled mess of panic and memories. Dread filled them as the primordial parts of their brain lit up, urging them to run, to flee. In a robotic fashion, they turned their head.
A resplendent presence descended the stairs, commanding attention with an aura that exuded confidence and glamour. Tall with an elegant stature and bird-like features reminiscent of an orange and black peacock, their iridescent tail feathers shimmered with various hues when the light hit it, a captivating sight to witness. They were adorned in a magnificent form-fitting black dress that set off their stately figure and accentuated their graceful frame, only serving to enhance their allure. Worn around their shoulders and arms was a luxurious-looking fur wrap that billowed and swirled like a smoke cloud as they walked, adding a touch of lavishness to their appearance. The feathers on their head fluffed out into a stylish curly crop cut. Finally, atop sat a black crown, a symbol of their noble high status that contrasted beautifully with their vibrant feathers, completing the overall air of royalty and sophistication they gave off.
A chill ran down Taylor as red eyes met theirs.
"Oh my." They said with interest. "This wouldn't happen to be the last of Your Majesty's patients?"
Charlie beamed upon seeing who they were referring to, nervousness clear in her strained smile as she waved them over.
Slowly, Taylor got up from their spot, withdrawing into themselves to mask the anxiety brewing in their stomach as they approached the two royals.
"H-Hello, I'm Taylor. Welcome to the hotel." They greeted, keeping their eyes downcast as they bowed stiffly.
After Taylor straightened out, craning their neck back to lock eyes with the noble, they dipped their head minutely.
"Well met, Taylor. I am Phenex of the Ars Goetia, Grand Marquis of Hell, but most importantly, humble servant to the Infernal Crown!" They leaned over, hand covering their mouth, before they shot Taylor a conspiratorial wink. "But you may call me Phenex or Your Highness, I'm not fussy." They chuckled impishly.
The words were like ice water dripping down Taylor's spine, knowing otherwise.
Not safe, a frightened voice in Taylor's head started to whisper. Not safe. Trapped.
"Taylor, Phenex wants to back the hotel, which will be great for us!" Charlie was almost bursting with excitement.
"Indeed." Phenex nodded, standing to their full height. "I was inspired by the strides made to get this venture off the ground, and I'd very much like to offer my assistance and support to make this Hazbin Hotel the premier destination for demon rehabilitation."
Can't escape, the voice in their head said more insistently, rising in pitch. Can't escape, nowhere is safe, trapped, trapped!
'Not here. Hold out.' Taylor thought, heart rate climbing as they tried to shove the fear down.
"That's wonderful Charlie, your hard work is paying off!" Taylor answered with a jovial tone, focusing on her to stay grounded.
A swift clap made them flinch.
"Well, this has been quite the elucidating experience!" Phenex said brightly. "But I'm afraid I must take my leave, do take care everyone!" The Goetia faced Charlie before giving a curtsy. "I thank you, Princess Charlotte, for welcoming me so kindly, in spite of not requesting an audience beforehand."
She waved off their concerns. "Please, just Charlie is fine. And it was wonderful to meet someone else, especially another royal, who believes that there is something good in everyone, deep down inside! You're more than welcome here!"
"Your benevolence knows no bounds, Your Majesty." They said graciously before a thought struck them. "Oh, before I forget!" They quickly turned toward Taylor, presenting them with a small card.
"I know visiting cards are a bit old-fashioned these days, but what can I say? I do find the practice endearing in its own way!"
Danger! The voice cried, starting to run over itself. Danger, lies, trapped, nowhere safe, can't escape—
"Keep it together." Taylor muttered under their breath. With a forced smile, they clenched their fingers around the card, trying to keep them from shaking. "Thank you."
With a final nod their way, Charlie led Phenex to the door, the two continuing to exchange pleasantries along the way. Taylor stood rooted to the spot, their heart now a steady drumbeat in their ears.
Standing in the doorway, Phenex turned to the lobby and waved warmly at the hotel residents. Their red eyes flitted over everyone, settling on Taylor right before they spoke.
"See you soon!" They promised, a sinister glint in their eyes before turning away and slipping out the door.
See you soon. The words reverberated in their head like a death knell as they tried to suck in a breath, only getting half of the oxygen needed. Their skin prickled as their hair stood on end, the muscles in their legs tensing.
They continued to stare fixedly at the door as Vaggie went over to Charlie, no doubt to give her assessment of the visit. They registered Angel Dust leaning on them, using their head as an armrest.
"Damn, this whole redemption thing better not end up being a crock of shit, eh Fuoco? No doubt Vaggie's gonna really start dropping the hammer on…"
His words faded until all they heard was a dull, high-pitched whine.
Not safe danger lies bad can't escape danger going to hurt going to cut pain trapped—
Taylor turned on their heel and made a beeline for the elevators, Angel Dust crashing to the ground when his support suddenly left.
Need air need to escape gotta get out run flee get away get away getawaygetawaygetaway—
Taylor saw Husk and Angel Dust's mouths move out of the corner of their eye as they pressed the elevator button, four, five, six, uncountable times, but they couldn't hear anything over the ringing in their ears. Clenching their teeth in exasperation, they moved to take the stairs. Something red blocked their path, but they shoved it aside to get to their destination.
Not safe trapped add to mark screaming burning can't say can't breathe can't tell ready to sign can't escape—
Stars swam in their vision as they climbed higher and higher, leaving fuzzy trails like comets in their wake. They needed air, the walls were closing in. Reaching the end of the stairs, their steps were ungainly as they pushed through the doors and onto the roof. Stumbling to the edge, they clutched the railing, as every exhalation now came as a small plume of hot fire pouring from their mouth. They grew dizzy and nauseous as they watched a dislodged chunk of stone fell down, down, hundreds of feet down until it crumbled with a soft crunch upon hitting the ground. Looking out in the distance, the lights of Pentagram City shone brightly, some white and artificial, but others were orange and flickered, reminded them of distant fires.
Nowhere to run can't say trapped time to sign take my hand mark burns hurts stop screams chains can't breathe please no—
"Taylor, what's wrong?"
They whipped around, back against the wall, hands gripping it for dear life. They stared with wild eyes at the unsettled hotel residents.
"You seem really upset." Charlie said gently, her normally gleaming eyes furrowed with concern. She extended her arm, hand outstretched to them. "Let's go back downstairs. Husk'll get you a drink, we can talk about—"
Charlie stepped closer, and their heart seized when everything changed. All at once, they were all there. The man, hand engulfed in an orange blaze; the boy, flame figures at their side to restrain them; the girl with the coiffed hair, fingers tinged black with blood; the woman, ready to make another deal for possession of their body; the black silhouette with red eyes, prepared to kidnap them; the ball of fire, there to collect; and finally, Phenex themselves, smirking at them, delighted at their terror. All gazing at them like they were subhuman.
Wake up little one let's add to the mark it burns it hurts can't say can't breathe parents don't want you can't escape can't run all a mistake wake up run come closer little one—
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
A wave of yellow fire shot from them, their voice echoing as the words tore from their throat, raw and harsh, desperate, and agonizing. Everyone but Charlie ducked, Alastor quickly slamming his staff down to put up a dark green shield with voodoo runes traveling along the edges to protect them.
A breeze rushed by, putting out the fires and the barrier was dropped.
Charlie continued to stare at Taylor, stunned, her arm still extended and frozen in place.
"Taylor?" She asked, voice almost a whisper, a wounded look in her eyes.
Chest heaving, their legs gave out and they slumped against the wall, collapsing in a heap. They curled up into a fetal position, horrified at what they did.
Vaggie was right, they were dangerous. Everything grew watery and distorted as hot, angry tears flooded their eyes.
It was too much. The memories. Their patron haunting their sleep and now waking hours. Being offered up as collateral, no more than a bargaining chip in their parent's eyes. Deals and dreams and attacks and always looking over their shoulder, forced to lie to everyone, one wrong move away from losing what little happiness they'd found.
A soft hand on their shoulder made them jump, their heart racing. They looked up, Charlie and Angel Dust sitting next to them on their knees. The others stood nearby, not trying to crowd them.
"I—" Taylor opened their mouth to speak, but the words were stuck in their throat. "I'm s-s-s—" They brought a hand to their throat, rubbing it as if they could free the words trapped there.
"It's alright." Charlie assured. "You don't have to talk. Just try to calm down as best you can."
They shuddered as they tried to do what she asked, desperate to calm their thrashing heart.
Their hands fumbled around their jacket pockets, and they realized too late they should've passed by their room, for they had no vials to make their breakdown useful for something. The only thing they had was that infernal visiting card.
Wait. The card.
"…It's them, ain't it, Fuoco?" Angel Dust asked, his tone serious.
Taylor stiffened, their mark burning, and they shook their head.
"Who, Angel?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie, I love ya, but you can't be this dense!" Angel shot back, indignation clear in his tone. "I may be a hooker, but I ain't stupid. Think about it: Fuoco had no problem standing up to every motherfucker that's come their way. Smiles, Val, even yer dad, the literal King of Hell! But this hoity-toity bird shows up and this is how they react?"
Her eyes widened in realization. Turning to Taylor, she watched as they shakily raised a lit finger and began drawing a series of intersecting lines and circles in the air with their flames. When they finished and looked away, Charlie inspected it before recognition hit her.
"That's your mark, right?"
She heard the light sliding of paper against the ground before it tapped her knee. Picking up a stiff piece of cardstock, she gasped.
The flaming drawing and the sigil on the visiting card matched.
"Phenex is your dealmaker." She breathed. Taylor sighed, eyes downcast.
Her words hung heavy in the air. A beat of silence stretching out until anger spread through the crowd like a fire through a forest.
"This isn't right!" Charlie exclaimed, her horns growing and hair lashing in fury until Vaggie placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
"Hun, you're scaring them." She said gently.
Charlie glanced up, shocked to find Taylor pressing themselves against the wall, a look of pure terror as she realized her red demonic eyes were the source. She immediately took a deep breath, her features receding before she pulled Taylor into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry." She said softly. "I'm so sorry. I got so caught up in my plans that I was blinded to what was happening right in front of me. You're always so diligent in keeping everyone else safe, but I should have…" she paused. "I should have done more to protect you."
Taylor uttered a noise of protest, but Charlie wasn't having it.
"But I'll make it up to you." She continued, squeezing them tighter. "Now we know what we're dealing with, so I'll do all I can. Maybe dad can help, call in a favor or negotiate terms on your behalf."
Taylor nodded as they wiped their eyes.
"So long as you're at the hotel, you'll be safe, Taylor." She murmured, her voice achingly sincere. "I swear it."
- x -
After taking the time to come down from their episode, they allowed Charlie to help get them cleaned up and settled. Taylor stood in front of the sink, brushing their teeth, emotionally wrung out.
Their mind replayed the horrible flash of their patron's many glamours and the look of fear from the hotel residents they almost attacked. This wasn't their first meltdown, far from it, but they'd always managed to get to a secluded spot far from others before things reached a head.
Their patron had come for them, and the prospect sent their mind on overdrive, questions swirling like a storm. What could they possibly want? And why come to the hotel when they've been seemingly content to only visit them while they slept?
The idea that Lucifer might be able to do something about their contract gave them a small spark of hope. He was the King, that should mean something, right? It was a small, frail chance, but it was better than nothing.
They flinched as the sound of flames whooshing reached their ears, eyes screwing shut before they heard the fluttering of paper landing next to them.
Cautiously, they peeked one eye open, then the other. Their face fell, disappointment washing over them.
Another visiting card lay upon the counter, two sentences written in lustrous black ink.
'Come to room 502 at the stroke of midnight. Do not be late.'
"Dammit." They uttered hoarsely.
Returning their toothbrush to the cabinet, they glanced at their rough appearance. Dark bags under their eyes, skin paler than normal, hair all messy. They combed their fingers through it, taming some of the wild locks.
They may not have had the courage to tell Carmilla what needed to be said, but they got the message across to Charlie. A small victory.
They could do this.
Even if it cost them their life, they'd do what was required for their loved one's sakes.