Chapter 22: Birds of a Feather

The morning sun cast soft, golden rays through the expansive windows of Stolas' mansion, bathing the lavish dining room in a warm glow. The long mahogany table, set with an assortment of fresh pastries, fruits, and a steaming pot of tea, was pristine as ever. Stolas sat at the head, legs elegantly crossed, sipping on his mimosa as he flipped through the Hell Gazette with an amused smile. It was a peaceful morning, the kind he enjoyed the most—when the chaotic business of the underworld felt distant, and he could just relax with his family.

Across from him sat his little owlet, Octavia, or Via as she preferred. She was nibbling on a blueberry muffin, her large eyes wandering the room before they settled on her father. Stolas could feel her gaze, and he peeked over the top of his newspaper to give her a wink, earning a giggle from the young Goetia. They were a picture of serenity, just a father and daughter enjoying a quiet morning.

But, lurking just behind him, was a different kind of energy entirely. Like a bird of prey, Stella stalked forward with a mischievous glint in her eye, her talon-like hands poised. With a swift but gentle motion, she covered Stolas' four red eyes from behind, leaning in close. "Guess who, sweetums?" she purred in that familiar, teasing tone of hers.

Stolas let out a soft chuckle, playing along with the game as he set the paper aside. "Oh, I don't know, Vizago?" he teased, his voice light and playful, knowing full well how much Stella loved it when he joked with her.

"Oh, my playful prince," Stella cooed in his ear, her beak brushing against his skin as she spoke. She pulled him into a soft, almost feathery embrace from behind, her talons tracing light patterns on his chest. "Ever the jokester. It's me, your lovebird," she whispered, her voice dripping with affection. She nuzzled her beak against his in a tender Eskimo kiss, a gesture that made Stolas' heart flutter despite the familiarity.

Stolas, ever the tease, rolled his four red eyes dramatically, though his lips curled into a fond smile. "Oh, my lovebird, how could I ever forget?" he murmured, amusement clear in his voice as he placed his hand over hers.

Little Octavia, watching her parents' display from across the table, burst into a fit of giggles. "Mommy's so silly!" she chirped, her innocent delight filling the room as she clutched her muffin, eyes wide and full of joy.

Stella glanced over at her daughter with a playful wink, a gleam in her scarlet eyes. She slid around the chair and into Stolas' lap, her wings folding gracefully as she settled in. "Oh, yes, yes, sweet Via," she cooed to her little girl, "mummy and daddy are just very much in love." She playfully kissed Stolas on the cheek, her beak brushing against his feathers in a way that made his feathers ruffle ever so slightly.

Stolas, still playing coy, raised an eyebrow at his wife's display, though the fondness in his eyes never wavered. "Oh, is that what we're calling it now, darling?" he teased, his voice low and full of mirth. He wrapped an arm around Stella's waist, pulling her closer as he whispered, "You do enjoy putting on a show, don't you?"

Stella's response was a mock pout as she leaned back, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, can you blame me? I do so love showing the world how lucky I am to have such a handsome prince." She traced a talon along his jawline, her eyes never leaving his, a playful smirk tugging at her beak. "After all, not every Goetia can claim to have a man who is both devilishly charming and a powerful prince."

Stolas' laughter rumbled softly in his chest as he leaned in closer, their beaks nearly touching. "Oh, I'm sure the other princes are so jealous," he quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I do suppose I am lucky to have such a devoted, fierce bodyguard for a wife."

Stella's smirk widened, her talons tightening their grip on him slightly. "Damn right you are," she whispered, her voice sultry as she added, "And don't you forget it."

As their playful banter continued, Octavia watched with wide-eyed admiration. To her, this was normal—her parents, always so full of love for each other, never fighting, always laughing and teasing like characters from her storybooks. They were her own fairy tale couple, and she adored them for it. She giggled again, her little wings fluttering as she munched on her muffin, feeling secure and loved in this warm, happy bubble her parents had created.

After a moment, Stolas pulled back slightly and turned to his daughter. "What do you think, Via?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Should we let your mother get away with such flattery? Or should I exact some playful revenge?"

Octavia giggled even harder, clapping her hands in delight. "Revenge! Revenge!" she chirped, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Stella let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching her chest dramatically as she turned to her daughter. "Et tu, Via? Betraying your own mother?" she teased, her wings flaring slightly in mock indignation.

Stolas grinned, his eyes narrowing playfully. "You heard her, darling. Looks like the owlet has spoken." In one swift motion, he wrapped his arms around Stella and pulled her into a flurry of tickles, his talons expertly finding the sensitive spots under her wings.

Stella let out a squawk of laughter, her normally composed demeanor falling apart as she squirmed in his grasp. "Stolas! You devil!" she managed between fits of giggles, trying—and failing—to push him away.

Octavia was now practically bouncing in her seat, laughing hysterically at the sight of her parents playfully wrestling in the chair. It was moments like this that she loved the most—when everything felt perfect, and her family was as happy as could be.

Eventually, Stolas relented, letting Stella catch her breath. She slumped against him, still chuckling softly as she brushed a feather out of her face. "I'll get you back for that, prince," she muttered, though there was no real threat in her voice—just affection.

Stolas leaned in and kissed her cheek, his eyes soft. "I look forward to it, love."

And as the morning continued, filled with laughter, teasing, and warmth, the Goetia family remained happily wrapped in their own little world—just a prince, his lovebird, and their precious owlet.

The Goetia family's day began in the lush garden of Stolas' estate, where the air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Sunlight poured through the vibrant foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground as Stolas reclined on a plush chaise lounge. He hummed softly, his rich voice carrying the tune of an old Goetian lullaby, while little Octavia sat on the grass with wide, curious eyes, completely enthralled by her father's song.

"There was once a great owl prince, flying high above the stars," Stolas sang, his fingers brushing lightly across the pages of a leather-bound book. "But even the highest flights must come to land, for his love awaited him below, her wings golden like the morning sun."

Octavia giggled, hugging her knees to her chest, completely absorbed in the story. "Daddy, is that prince you?" she asked with a knowing smile, tilting her head to the side.

Stolas chuckled softly, giving her a wink. "Who else, my little star? And who else would be the love but your beautiful mother?" He gestured toward Stella, who was kneeling beside Octavia, gently braiding her daughter's hair with nimble, talon-tipped fingers.

Stella smiled, her usually fierce gaze softened by the warmth she felt in these moments. "Oh, darling, you always make me out to be a golden-winged beauty in your stories," she teased lightly, her beak brushing against Stolas' cheek in a brief, affectionate kiss. "Not that I mind."

Octavia's laughter rang out as she looked back and forth between her parents. "You're both silly. Mommy's the best golden-winged lovebird, and Daddy's the bravest prince!"

Stolas and Stella exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing between them. These moments—these rare, tranquil days in their garden, free from the duties of the Goetia court and the dangers of the Inferno—were the ones they cherished most.

After a few more songs and stories, the family decided to venture out, enjoying the bright afternoon. Stolas, ever the doting father, lifted Octavia onto his shoulders as they left the estate. "Ready to fly, Via?" he asked playfully, flaring his wings as if he might take to the skies.

Octavia squealed in delight, wrapping her little arms around his head. "Yes, Daddy! Let's fly!"

Stella followed closely behind, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling streets of Pentagram City. She carried several bags with ease, having just picked up a few essentials and, of course, some treats for their owlet. Despite her usual stern appearance, there was an undeniable softness to her expression as she watched her husband and daughter interact.

The family made their way down the bustling streets, stopping briefly to get Octavia a cone of her favorite ice cream. "One double scoop of stardust swirl, please," Stolas said to the vendor, who hastily complied, offering the treat with trembling hands. The Goetias, after all, were royalty, and their presence commanded respect—even fear.

Via happily licked at her ice cream as they continued on their way, her legs kicking gently from Stolas' shoulders. "This is the best day ever!" she chirped, her smile so wide it nearly split her face in two.

Stella smiled at her daughter's joy, but as they wandered through the market square, she began to feel an odd sensation prickling at the back of her neck. Her instincts, honed by years of being both a bodyguard and a fierce mother, told her something was off.

"Stolas," she murmured softly, stepping closer to her husband. "Do you feel that? We're being watched."

Stolas, who had been busy fussing over Via's ice cream to make sure it didn't drip, paused at the seriousness in Stella's tone. His four red eyes flicked up, scanning the crowded market. He hadn't noticed it at first, but now that Stella mentioned it, there was something… unsettling about the atmosphere. The usual bustling energy of Pentagram City felt different—muted, like the calm before a storm.

"Hmm," Stolas muttered, his expression darkening. "I don't like this."

From the shadows of a nearby alley, a group of figures lurked, their eyes trained on the Goetia family. The Crimson Crime Family, notorious enforcers of Pentagram City's underworld, were watching intently. Chazz Thurman, a towering shark demon with a broad, toothy grin, stood at the head of the group. His sharp eyes gleamed with malicious intent as he signaled to the others.

"There's the target," Chazz growled, his voice low and menacing. "That little owlet's worth a fortune to Mr. Raven. Get ready, boys. We wait for the right moment, then we strike."

The demons around him, a motley crew of brutes and enforcers, shifted in anticipation, their gazes never leaving Octavia as she innocently enjoyed her ice cream.

Stella's eyes narrowed as she caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of her eye. She shifted closer to Stolas, her hand instinctively going to the hilt of a dagger she kept hidden under her coat. "We need to be careful," she whispered, her voice tense. "I don't like this at all."

Stolas nodded, his mind already racing. As much as he wanted to protect Via from the realities of their dangerous world, he knew they couldn't afford to be careless. "Stay close to me," he murmured, his grip tightening slightly on Octavia's legs. "Let's finish up here quickly and head back home."

But before they could make their move, Chazz and his goons stepped out of the shadows, blocking their path. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Chazz sneered, his jagged teeth glinting in the dim light of the market. "A couple of lovebirds and their precious little owlet."

Stolas' eyes flashed dangerously as he stepped forward, pulling Octavia closer to him. "I suggest you step aside, demon," he said coldly, his voice taking on the commanding tone of royalty. "You have no idea who you're dealing with."

Chazz let out a deep, menacing laugh. "Oh, we know exactly who you are, your highness. But see, we've got a job to do. And that little bird on your shoulders? She's coming with us."

Stella growled low in her throat, her wings flaring slightly as she stepped forward. "Over my dead body," she hissed, her talons flexing in readiness.

The tension in the air was thick, both sides ready to strike at a moment's notice. Stolas gently lowered Octavia from his shoulders, handing her to Stella. "Take her," he murmured. "Get her to safety. I'll handle this."

Stella hesitated for a brief moment, her protective instincts screaming at her not to leave her husband behind. But she knew Stolas was powerful, and right now, Via's safety was the priority. "Be careful," she whispered, clutching Octavia tightly to her chest.

As Stella turned to leave, Chazz signaled his enforcers to surround them. "Oh, you're not going anywhere, sweetheart," he sneered, his claws gleaming in the fading light.

Stolas' eyes blazed with fury. "You made a grave mistake crossing me," he growled, his voice echoing with power. "I'll make sure you regret it."

And with that, the battle for his family began.

Octavia clung tightly to Stella's side, her wide eyes filled with fear as she peered over her mother's shoulder. She whimpered softly, her small voice trembling as she asked, "Mommy, is the funny fish man going to hurt Daddy?"

Stella knelt down, gently cupping Octavia's cheek as she offered her daughter a reassuring smile, though her own nerves were frayed. "Oh, darling, no. It's all just a game," she cooed softly, brushing a stray lock of hair out of Via's face. "A silly game that royal grown-ups play sometimes. Daddy is very strong, and no one can hurt him, I promise."

But despite Stella's comforting words, Octavia could sense the tension thickening in the air, her little heart racing as she clutched her mother's hand tighter. She glanced back at Stolas, who stood tall and imposing in front of the mobsters, his four red eyes burning with cold fury.

Chazz, the shark demon leading the gang, leered at Stolas, clearly underestimating the prince's power. "What's wrong, bird boy?" he sneered, his jagged teeth bared in a twisted grin. "You think you can scare us with those fancy feathers of yours?"

Stolas' expression darkened as he reached into his coat, pulling out his grimoire with a swift, fluid motion. The atmosphere around him seemed to shift, becoming heavier, darker, as a sinister aura radiated from the book. His voice was low, filled with a dangerous calm that sent a shiver down the spine of every mobster present. "I've given you one chance to leave. Now, I won't ask again."

Chazz laughed mockingly, snapping his fingers as the rest of the gang surged forward, surrounding Stolas. "Get him, boys! We'll take the owl prince and his brat!"

But before they could make a move, Stolas opened the grimoire, and in an instant, the air crackled with dark, arcane energy. His eyes glowed an ominous red, the runes in the grimoire shifting and swirling as he began to chant in an ancient tongue. Shadows writhed at his feet, rising like living tendrils that coiled around the gangsters, binding them in place.

"You dare threaten my family?" Stolas growled, his voice echoing with the force of his magic. "You insignificant worms are nothing but prey."

The gangsters, realizing too late the power they were up against, began to scream, struggling against the dark energy that held them. One by one, they fell to their knees, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground as Stolas' magic overwhelmed them. The shadows constricted, squeezing tighter with every passing second. Some begged for mercy, others cursed him, but none could break free from his grasp.

Chazz, still standing but visibly shaken, tried to maintain his bravado. "L-listen, we were just following orders!" he stammered, his confidence rapidly crumbling as Stolas fixed his gaze on him.

Stolas slowly approached the trembling shark demon, his regal posture exuding an air of absolute authority. The shadows that danced around him seemed to feed off his fury, growing darker and more malevolent with each step he took.

"Orders?" Stolas echoed, his voice dangerously soft. "Who gave you the audacity to attack my family?"

Chazz swallowed hard, his bravado gone as he stared up at the imposing owl prince. "It—it was Mr. Raven," he finally blurted out, his voice trembling. "We were hired by Mr. Raven. He wanted the girl—Octavia."

At the mention of his daughter's name, Stolas' fury surged. The shadows wrapped tighter around Chazz, lifting him slightly off the ground as Stolas leaned in closer, his eyes blazing. "If you ever so much as think of my daughter again, I will make sure you regret every moment of your miserable existence." His voice was a deadly whisper, each word dripping with venom. "Now, who is this 'Mr. Raven'?"

Chazz gasped for air, his eyes wide with terror as the shadows constricted around his throat. "I—I don't know! He's some high-ranking demon! Pays well, but no one knows where he's from or who he works for!"

Stolas' gaze narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might crush the life out of the gangster right then and there. But after a tense beat, the shadows loosened, dropping Chazz to the ground in a heap. Stolas turned away, his anger still simmering beneath the surface as he looked back at Stella and Octavia.

Stella, who had been watching closely, released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She looked down at Via, who had buried her face in her mother's dress, trembling. Stella gently stroked her daughter's hair, whispering softly, "See, darling? I told you. Daddy's just playing a little game. Everything's fine now."

But even as Stella tried to soothe Octavia, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of dread that lingered in the back of her mind. Whoever this 'Mr. Raven' was, he had gone to great lengths to target their family. And as much as Stella trusted Stolas' power, she knew that this was only the beginning.

Stolas glanced back at the broken, terrified gangsters, his expression cold and unreadable. "Leave now," he ordered, his voice as icy as the shadows that had bound them moments before. "And tell your employer that if he ever comes near my family again, there will be no mercy."

The remaining gangsters scrambled to their feet, dragging Chazz with them as they fled into the darkened streets of Pentagram City. The silence that followed was almost deafening, the tension in the air finally beginning to dissipate.

Stella walked over to Stolas, her hand resting gently on his arm. "Are you alright?" she asked quietly, her sharp eyes searching his face for any sign of distress.

Stolas sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the weight of the moment settled in. "I'm fine," he murmured, turning to look at his daughter, who was still clinging to Stella. His expression softened as he knelt down, reaching out to gently brush a tear from Octavia's cheek. "Daddy's fine, little star. You don't need to be afraid."

Octavia sniffled, looking up at her father with wide, tearful eyes. "I don't like that game, Daddy," she whispered, her voice small and frightened.

Stolas' heart ached at the sight of his daughter's fear. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close as he kissed the top of her head. "Neither do I, my love. But it's over now. I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you. Ever."

Stella stood beside them, her arms crossed as she scanned the horizon, her mind already working. Whoever this 'Mr. Raven' was, he had made a powerful enemy today. And Stella, ever the protective wife and mother, would make sure they were ready for whatever came next.

To be continued…..