"Please take a seat over the couch if you so wish, I will see with kitchen staff about refreshments."

Collin slowly picked his cellphone, scrolling through the several apps with gentleness, a frown on his face as he saw the obnoxious names of each on the display. He shouldn't have allowed his device to be tampered with, he is certainly regretting it now. A dramatic sigh followed his suggestion, he didn't bother to give his current client any sort of response, aware that it would only fuel her aggravation.

When Charlie put him in such position, he was definitely not prepared, but it seemed the princess had this planned for some time, if the room he's currently in was any indication of it. When visiting the hotel the first time he did come across this area to find nothing but old wardrobes, clothing and several spider webs with barely any lighting. Now? The place was as splendorous as some of their finest suits, giving proper cleaning, furniture, lighting, and soft decor that was certainly Heaven-like in some aspects. Collin was suspecting Vaggie had something to do with the design, which he appreciated immensely. His eyes found a plate of silver laying over a small desk, what seemed a pile of sandwiches stuffed over it. A jar nearby, most likely water inside, stood by as it reflected the lighting of the room with ease. A small note was laying over the table, Collin approached and picked it up.

'Hey, hope this tunawiches can handle that empty belly of yours. Don't worry, they are healthy, coming from decent looking tuna cans. The bitch also can have them if she feels like it. Charlie made sure the kitchen would be looking after you while you're having your sessions with the troublemakers. Can't wait for ours :3 - with love, Belle'

Collin let out a sigh, unsure if he should be grateful or worried by the message. His eyes stared at the food with some longing, he was feeling hungry and lunch time was just around the corner. He glanced back at Stella, noticing no movement from her limp form laying over the therapeutic couch.

"Hey, Belle left something to eat here if you want." He offered gently as possible. A scoff was heard before she replied back at him snidely.

"I take it would be something more elaborated, healthier, and good looking than some garbage food from the street?"

"Do you like sandwiches? Tuna ones." Collin simplified his answer, not really caring to argue with her demands. "Is all we getting for the next two hours."

"Urgh! So bare and unfulfilling!"

Collin shrugged, if she wanted to starve that was her problem. He was not here to convince her to feed herself anyways. He grabbed a spare plate and made way to his comfy chair, sitting on it while calmly awaiting for Stella to relax. It seemed unlikely she would at any point so he let the silence stretch for few minutes. That until he heard the rumbling coming from her stomach. She growled, aware that he heard it, and eyed the plate of sandwiches with something akin to betrayal.

"I will have a few I suppose." She said, dragging her voice without necessity. Collin nodded but didn't move. She rewarded him with a critical stare.

"If you want you can walk and pick it up. I'm here to ask you things, not to serve you. Make sure you take your shoes off, this is quite a nice carpet." Collin said evenly, his voice betraying no emotion. The avian Demon was clearly affronted at the idea of having to do things herself, but another rumble made her relent. She slowly took off her heels, finding the feeling of walking bare rather awkward as she hadn't done such in a long time. The plate had a dozen sandwiches still available, she cared not for manners and grabbed most, if not, all of them before returning to the couch with a small plate overstuffed. Collin tried his best to not smile at the silly scene.

Collin patiently awaited for her to finish, checking on his phone to see if Loona sent him any messages, but so far nothing was sent his way. Hopefully she would be doing fine on her own.

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"The fuck this button do?...shit! Turn off! Crap, not touching this one again."

"Everything okay there? We heard some strange noise."

"All good! Just, errr... figuring out some stuff here."

"Take your time, we still have few minutes to spare."

Loona nodded, briefly watching through the mirror view as Charlie and Vaggie entered and made themselves comfortable in the passenger cabin. The Hellhound was already feeling like a nervous wreck. Was she beyond grateful that she got to be the driver for the day? On a limo of all things? Sure. Did she had any idea how many things a limo has in the panel and what they could do? Not at all. At least she didn't think Human ones didn't have this much.

At the very least she was relieved that the transmission was automatic, that would save her a lot of time to figure out how to turn the giant beast on tight curves properly. They were currently half a tank, oil seemed fine, lights working properly, water spray also good. Swipers were also fine. Mirrors were on the right angle. Tire pressure... no idea. Probably good. She figured most buttons at the panel controlled the side windows, driver rear window separating the cabin, internal lights and also the solar roof. A radio, that she has no idea how to make it work, was also installed.

"Okay, starting... keys... and... so far, so good." Loona said to herself, feeling the rumbling of the engine as it ignited. She checked for all doors to be closed, slowly pushing down the parking brake, her right foot carefully applying pressure on the pedal. The limo slowly took on speed, she maneuvered towards the open gate entrance a hundred meters away. She tested the brakes once coming near the road, finding them to be functioning perfectly. "All good." She carried the vehicle into the road, taking note of how long it took to maneuver in such a sharp angle. "This is kinda slow, shouldn't be too hard." Her reflexes were far too good to conduct the slow pace of the limo.

"Hey, you seem to be getting the hang of it just fine. Told ya, Vaggie." Came Charlie's voice through the intercom. Loona heard an exasperated sigh as a response. "Heh, we should be about ten minutes away from station, traffic ain't really a problem until we hit town center."

"Huh, thanks. Is this thing always on?" Loona asked, feeling slightly bothered to not know how to communicate with the devices yet. Her eyes were focused on the road, but talking while driving was of no issue to her.

"We don't usually talk with Razzle and Dazzle unless it's something important. I kinda miss having this type of chat with my driver. I had one that did so before them, he always made travel more enjoyable. If you don't mind, of course."

"Nah, not at all. I just don't tend to start conversations." The Hellhound replied, narrowing her eyes as one car overtook them with a clear amount of carelessness. "Just letting you know, if we get hit, that's not on me."

"No worries. The car can handle a certain amount, it was meant to be safe after all. Say... how are you and Collin doing? All good?"

Loona felt a decent amount of uncertainty at that question. They were doing just fine, no complains on her side, she just didn't like the idea of gossiping her personal life like that, even if the person asking is Charlie.

"Yeah, we're doing fine. He's just a bit annoyed that you sprung this kind of thing on him without saying anything. Sure, he will do it, but maybe a heads up next time? Look, he's a very gentle guy that will always want to help, but that's just edging to taking advantage of him. I know you don't mean it like that, I just don't want Collin feeling forced to do something that is dangerous. I... I love him. Last thing I need is to be sweating about him getting hurt because you thought it was a good idea to leave him alone with some fucked up people."

"...sorry Loona, I... should've said something before. I just wanted to show dad that Collin will be very important to what I'm doing here. I don't want him to have any doubts about Collin."

That is a fair reasoning and the Hellhound knew it. Loona slowly stepped on the brake as they came at an intersection, traffic building up as they went deeper into town center.

"You may not know it fully well, but we care about him. Both of you. Charlie and I will make sure you both will be out of danger as much we can. Sure, you two learning how to handle the power you have would come in handy too."

Vagatha has a point, she also gave the Hellhound some peace of mind by saying that they were looking after them with seriousness. Charlie frowned as Vaggie mentioned the issue related to the Hellhound's unusual powers. She still hadn't decided on how to approach that particular problem in a way to make sure Loona and Collin wouldn't end up blowing half the ring by accident.

"Sure. As long you two make sure he will be fine I won't be worried about it. Also, not exactly in a hurry to learn how to kill folks with this weird power thing. I think I can do better by just getting out of a shit situation really quick. Say, Charlie, think I can learn that teleport thing you do?"

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Collin shuffled some papers on his clipboard, already preparing for his next consults. So far the were in the session about forty minutes, and time went by without Stella saying a single word. She just wasn't inclined to talk, which would force him to try to get something going for the sake of the time they have left. He wasn't very well informed about all the family issues Stella was dealing with, besides the obvious fact she tried to murder her husband by hiring mercenaries or whatever.

"Why you wanted him dead? Married for so long and with a daughter? Sure, I take he cheated on you with the likes of Blitzo, that is the most I could gather."

"Then why bother asking? You see the obvious."

Collin suppressed a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure she would ever talk until the end of the session.

"Still, why not just divorce? Is murdering Stolas the best way to go at it? Perhaps Octavia would have something to say about that."

"Why would she?! She clearly sees he's unworthy of her attention! A traitor!"

"It might be for you, but for someone so young it might not be so simple. Who did she looked up the most when she was a kid?" Stella didn't reply, frowning ever harder without looking back at him, her deadly glare set on the ceiling above their heads. "Does Octavia means anything to you?"

"She is my daughter! Of course she does!"

"Then what that is? How much she does? You can't say to me, or even yourself, that killing someone who she potentially admires, loves even, wouldn't affect her deeply. Have you considered that killing Stolas might hurt her beyond reconciliation? I'm not sure if you have any idea of how strong their relationship is."

"You know nothing!"

"Then help me understand? Or... just make it make sense. If you think what you did is justified... tell me how in a way that would take Octavia's feelings into consideration. Besides, those people you sent to hunt Stolas? They also were hunting Blitzo, and by default the rest of I.M.P. I don't know about how much you hate Stolas or not, I'm not particularly happy with strangers trying to hurt Loona. I hope I don't need to make it clear how it... upsets me."

Stella raised an eyebrow at that. Looking at him with a hit of disdain.

"They said you're an Angel. Why would you meddle in Demon affairs? Or most surprising of all, engage with such a lowlife form? If anything that makes sense is that a Hound is way beneath the likes of your kind."

Collin shrugged. He was not going to bother with Stella's narrow view of what she thinks matters when it comes to people.

"I'm here not by choice, not in Hell at least. I only stayed because of Loona. Regardless of how you see things, she's carrying a lot more on her shoulders than you. This is not about comparing who had it the worst but, despite what you think, she is far a stronger person than a lot of people I met before. I stood by her because she gave me the benefit of doubt. With time we learned to trust each other and... it became more. Why what she is matters so much to you? She struggled to make it this far alive, she didn't get parents who looked after her, or a healthy lifestyle, or anyone at all that cared about her until recently. But Loona's past issues are of a different kind. So, tell me Stella... what are yours?"

The bird-like Demon glanced at him briefly, in that brief second of staring Collin caught a hint of hesitation, fear even, on her reddish glowy eyes. She turned her attention back to the ceiling, letting out a sigh of resignation.

"I... this is not the life I wanted."

Collin didn't reply, elated that she was finally saying something about herself.

"A married life? Full of riches?" A scoff was the initial reaction.

"The riches will always be there. Our families always have enough for generations to come." She growled lightly. "Well, I guess it's undeniable that the Goetia are far richer than any."

"Does greed plays a reason to marry Stolas? Or was that your family that forced you?"

This surprised Stella for a moment. She glanced at him again with a confused stare.

"How could you possibly guess that? You barely know anything about me." Collin felt relieved that she was not shouting at him at least.

"Your case is... more common than you think, at least when we look back past the centuries in the Human realm. Families wishing for their offspring to bond with the ones of rich or famous. A costume that went by for a long time. It... would cause issues. It's well known that people don't like being forced into something they want to do. I take... you resented your family for forcing you into Stolas?" Stella glared at him for a moment before reluctantly nodding back. "Marrying him, and having a daughter, it was to unify both families? So they could access the Goetia's fortunes?"

"Precisely." Stella replied, she slowly raised her legs, sitting at the edge of the couch, giving him her full attention this time. "I... hated them. I hated that, not matter what, I would spend my entire life knowing I would be with him and be nothing but... a housewife."

"You knew since you were a kid." Collin concluded. She nodded slowly. "If you didn't have to do this forced marriage... what would you would've done for a living?"

That made Stella pause. She never had the chance to entertain a life without being stuck with Stolas and her own family breathing down her neck to keep things stable. She was already under pressure from her father and brother about her fighting with Stolas over the betrayal and attempted murders. Her father wanted her to ignore what happened for the sake of preserving their unity with the Goetia, but her brother thought it a better idea to take advantage of things and find a way to get rid of Stolas, that way she would inherit his fortunes. Of course, she gave her brother's idea preference. It clearly didn't work out for her at all.

"I don't know. I spent most of my life being told what to do. How to behave... how to think." She crossed her arms, eyes glaring holes into the floor. "I hate everyone."

Collin stared pensively. He's realizing that helping Stella to change mindsets would take a long time. Yet, it is possible.

"Do you hate yourself?" That question surprised her, she gawked for a moment, seemingly unsure.

"I... don't know? Yes? Maybe..."

"You think your life would've been different if you were cared by anyone? About being allowed to do the things you wanted?"

"I always had what I wanted." She replied with a light sneer. Collin shook his head.

"I'm talking about choices, not materials. Your freedom to choose how to live your life."

Stella didn't say anything. She huffed and glanced around, seemingly lost for a moment.

"Your family doesn't have authority to tell you what to do Stella, not while you're here." Collin started, trying his best not to smile. "At this point, they shouldn't have any say on how you do your life. You're an adult, the choices are yours... and so the consequences of them. You are free to choose whatever you want to do. Sure, for now it has to help the Hotel somehow, there's plenty of options. Maybe you can figure out if there's something you actually like. Charlie is more than willing to give you a chance. It takes time, but you will have your own room and liberties, just don't cause issues. If you feel like there's a learning curve you need to do something don't hesitate to ask for help. This Hotel is about second chances but, for you, this might be your last chance. Make it count somehow."

The bird lady glanced at him with uncertainty and, dare he say, a bit of hope. She looked at her polished nails, then all the way down her legs, as if evaluating herself for a moment.

"Would be easier of Stolas wasn't here. Or Octavia." She said with disdain. Collin couldn't help but agree with that.

"Indeed, which is why I will advise you to avoid Stolas for whatever situation. I will see that you two won't be involved in any events or tasks."

That seemed to surprised the avian lady. She glanced at him, seemingly even more confused.

"Huh, an Angel that does not wishes to help a couple make reparations? Or even salvage a marriage for a daughter's sake?" She couldn't help the mockery in her voice. Collin snorted.

"I'm an Angel, yes. Doesn't mean I'm stupid." He added with a glare in return. "Trying to reconciliate you both would be no different than forcing you into something you do not want. Like I said, the choice is yours and, when it comes about Stolas? You already made that choice."

Stella stared a him for few seconds, a strange expression on her face that he couldn't really describe. Certainly wasn't hate or mistrust, but he wasn't taking any bets on it.

"I... did choose." She started slowly, although her voice was laced with pain. "I take we are bound to have this type of conversations again in the future?" Collin nodded. "Huh... mind you if I ask?"

"Go ahead."

"Why a Hellhound?"

Collin stared at her for a brief moment before sighing heavily.

"I don't want power. I don't want notoriety, I don't crave attention for myself. I just wanted someone that I could trust." Stella narrowed her eyes for a second.

"Loyalty." Collin pouted at that.

"It might be common among most Hounds, but it's way more than that. Trust goes both ways. Loona wouldn't trust anyone in Hell for a good, or several, reason. If only you knew... I think Loona wouldn't hesitate to switch places with you. Hellhound or not." Stella frowned, giving him a stare of disbelief.

"That... bad?"

"... no matter how long time passes. I don't think she will ever talk in detail about it, can't blame her."

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"You said it would only take an hour."

"Sorry, we had... further complications with the news crew. But we solved it af-

"After Charlie threatened to smash them into oblivion!"

"What?"

Loona glanced at the intercom, unsure if what she heard made sense. The Hound had been sitting inside the limo for the past two and half hours, beyond bored out of her mind. Thankfully the cellphone could be charged, so she entertained herself with the device at times while feeling her body going stiff from staying still for so long, she was more concerned making sure no stupid fool would try to rob pieces of the vehicle. Charlie and Vaggie had just returned from the News Station, both were seemingly exhausted but relieved to be coming back.

Loona, once the cabin door was shut, started the engine and rolled them out of the private parking lot. She narrowed her eyes, struggling to find room to enter the lane with so much traffic in the way. She did so once taking notice of a slow car not responding to the car in front accelerating, she maneuvered into the narrow space, forcing the car behind to wait for her to merge. He honked at her furiously, but the Hellhound couldn't care less.

"So what was the hold up? You two took your time." She asked, setting the map on her phone to track a route back to the Hotel.

"This isn't the first time we came to this station. We... had some issues with folk that work there. Some bad blood of sorts." Charlie said, sounding somewhat embarrassed.

"Like what? Channel director or admin?"

"Heh, do you know Killjoy?"

"Fuck, that bitch? Yeah, saw her few times while on TV. Talk about a fuck face." Loona replied with a snort. She heard Vaggie chuckling through the intercom alongside Charlie. "So, what? She was giving you shit in the interview or something?

"More or less. We had a fight last time I came here. I was... inexperienced to say the least." Charlie said hesitantly. Loona frowned as a memory came back at her.

"I think I know what you're talking about. I remember that interview actually. I was watching in the web while working desk back at I.M.P. Not like it could be helped, everyone was forced to watch that because it was you, so they broadcasted it everywhere."

"Not... my proudest moment."

"What? You kicking Miss-Shit-Fuck-Face's prickly ass? That was fucking amazing to watch actually." Loona replied with a smile. "Hey, if anything you showed them you weren't that much of a pushover. Granted, I guess a lot of folk were already turning off when you started the fucking singing bullshit."

Charlie wasn't sure how to feel about that reply, she eyed Vaggie for advice but found herself looking at her companion trying not to laugh. She sighed before trying to find a topic about something else to discuss.

"Huh, well, has Collin called you during the time we were out?"

"Huh, yeah. He messaged me saying the session with that Stella bitch was over. He... was happy about the results? Dunno how that even makes fucking sense. That one is fucked in the head."

"Loona, if Collin thinks she can turn around, maybe have some belief on your mate? I'm sure he's the one that can pull such things. This is why I want him working with us. I believe he can do it."

Loona, finding a breach on traffic, quickly took a secondary route which would give them a faster reach time. She sighed heavily once having less problematic drivers to be concerned about. She eyed the intercom with a mix of disbelief and mockery.

"Turn someone like Stella around? Yeah, sure. Tell you what, if he does it, I will fucking let Belle get a night off with him. Guess when that's gonna happen? Fucking never."