Chapter 24: Early Bird

The early morning sun filtered gently through the curtains of the Goetia family mansion, casting a warm glow over the elegant but now slightly disheveled bedroom. Stolas had risen early, as was his custom, but today was different. There was a sense of urgency, a looming threat that had cast a shadow over their peaceful life.

Stella lay nestled under the soft blanket, her breathing steady and relaxed. The wine from the previous evening had taken its toll, but she looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil she had felt just hours before. Stolas sat by the window, his thoughts preoccupied with the security measures they had discussed and the unsettling presence of their unknown adversary.

As he gazed out at the garden, still lush and serene despite the recent events, he couldn't help but reflect on the fragility of their happiness. The recent attack had been a harsh reminder of how easily their lives could be upended. He knew that protecting his family was not just a duty but a profound commitment. His gaze softened as he looked at Stella, a reminder of the personal stakes involved.

The door creaked open, and Octavia stepped inside, her usual energetic demeanor tempered by a worried frown. Seeing her father sitting quietly by the window, she approached cautiously, her small footsteps light but determined.

"Daddy, are you okay?" Octavia asked, her voice tinged with concern. Her gaze fell on Stella, and she hesitated. "Mommy's still sleeping?"

Stolas turned to her with a gentle smile, though his eyes revealed the weight of his thoughts. "She is, sweetheart. She had a long night, but she'll be alright."

Octavia nodded, her eyes lingering on her mother with a mix of relief and worry. "What are we going to do about the bad people who attacked us? The ones who are after me?" Via a tad more perceptive than most gave her credit for.

Stolas sighed, moving to sit beside her. "We're doing everything we can to keep you safe. We've called in some trusted allies to help us with protective charms and barrier spells. I promise you, Octavia, we won't let anything happen to you."

Octavia's expression softened, but she still seemed troubled. "But why would someone want to hurt us? Why would they want me?"

Stolas took her hand gently. "Sometimes, there are people out there who seek to use others for their own gain. It's not about you personally; it's about what they think they can get from you or us. But remember, we have people who care about us and will fight to protect us."

Octavia squeezed his hand, finding comfort in his words but still feeling the sting of fear. "I wish there was something I could do to help."

"You're already doing more than you know just by being brave," Stolas said softly. "It's my job to protect you, and I take that very seriously. But your strength and courage give me more hope than you can imagine."

As Stolas comforted his daughter, the door opened again, this time revealing Verosika. She entered with a tray of breakfast items—freshly baked pastries, fruits, and a pot of tea. Her presence brought a slight change of mood, a touch of normalcy amidst the chaos.

"Good morning," Verosika said cheerfully, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "Thought you might need a little pick-me-up."

Stolas gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Verosika. It's much appreciated."

Verosika glanced at Stella and then back at Stolas. "How's she holding up?"

"She's resting," Stolas replied. "But she's been through a lot lately."

Verosika's eyes softened with understanding. "I can imagine. She's lucky to have you looking out for her."

Stolas's gaze turned wistful as he looked back at his wife, his love for her evident in his eyes. "I'm lucky to have her, too."

As the family settled into a more relaxed morning routine, the atmosphere in the manor began to regain a semblance of normalcy. The breakfast table was soon filled with the pleasant sounds of conversation and the clinking of cutlery. Octavia and Verosika chatted about mundane things—school, upcoming plans, and simple joys—while Stolas kept a vigilant but calm presence, his mind still partially focused on their safety, though Verosika acting as a "cool aunt" was helpful.

Despite the warmth of the morning and the small comforts they could afford themselves, a shadow still lingered over their lives. The threat remained, an ever-present danger that Stolas knew they could not ignore. His thoughts drifted back to the tactical meeting, the plans they had laid out to ensure their security. Each detail mattered, each decision had weight, and the burden of ensuring their safety was a heavy one.

In the midst of their breakfast, Stolas found himself glancing toward the door frequently, as if expecting the arrival of new information or further complications. His role as a protector weighed heavily on him, but he was determined not to let it affect his family's peace.

As they finished their meal, Stolas took a deep breath, trying to push away the lingering worries. He knew that facing this challenge required not just vigilance and strategy, but also the unwavering support and love of those around him. And in that moment, as he looked at his family and their trusted friends, he felt a renewed sense of resolve.

"We'll get through this," he said quietly, more to himself than to anyone else. "Together."

And with that, he stood, ready to face the day's challenges, fortified by the love and strength of his family and allies.

Loona waited impatiently by the front door, pacing back and forth with an eager energy that barely concealed her excitement. Her tail wagged, betraying her usual cool, detached demeanor. Next to her, Collin, the fallen cherub, flapped his tiny wings nervously, adjusting the strap of his satchel while Sol, the bespectacled hellhound girl, checked her tablet one last time to make sure she hadn't missed anything from Octavia's schedule.

Loona cracked her knuckles, casting a protective glance toward the staircase where Octavia was expected to emerge at any moment. "Nobody's gonna lay a hand on her," she muttered to herself, a low growl rumbling in her throat.

"Not with us around!" Collin added enthusiastically, his sheepish grin revealing his youthful naivety despite his celestial past. "We'll keep her safe!"

Sol looked up from her tablet and adjusted her glasses. "Loona, don't get too intense. Remember, we're escorting her to school, not fighting a war."

Loona rolled her eyes, but her smirk betrayed the affection she had for her little crew. "Yeah, yeah, just let me do my job, okay?"

Finally, Octavia appeared at the top of the staircase, her melancholic expression softening as she spotted her trio of escorts. Her backpack slung over her shoulder, she descended the stairs, her raven-black feathers gleaming in the morning light.

"Good morning, everyone," Octavia greeted in her soft, sleepy voice wearing her hot pink dress with stars and a tiny black overcoat and beanie.

"Morning, Via!" Loona barked, immediately taking Octavia's bag from her. "Ready for school? We've got your back."

Octavia gave a small smile. "Thanks, Loona. I feel a lot better with you guys around."

With that, the group headed out the door, Loona in the lead, Collin floating close behind, and Sol walking beside Octavia, quietly listing the day's classes and assignments. It was a comical yet heartwarming sight—three fiercely devoted guardians surrounding the little princess of the Goetia family, determined to keep her safe from whatever dangers lurked in the infernal realms of Hell.

Back inside the mansion, the peaceful morning was shattered by the sound of heavy footsteps and a loud, ungraceful belch. Stella, finally awake but very much hungover, stumbled into the kitchen like a stormy cloud. Her feathery mane of hair was a tangled mess, her eyes bleary with exhaustion. She scratched her plump bird rear absentmindedly as she shuffled to the fridge, yanking it open with the urgency of someone in desperate need of hydration.

Without even bothering with a glass, Stella snatched up the orange juice carton and chugged directly from it, gulping down half of its contents before letting out another loud belch. She wiped her beak with the back of her hand and slouched against the counter, her feathers ruffled and her usual poise nowhere to be found.

Across the room, Verosika leaned casually against the doorway, her hot pink tail flicking with amusement. She watched the so-called "prim and proper lady of House Stolas" devolve into a hungover mess and couldn't help but bite her lip, stifling a snicker. Seeing Stella in this ragged state was too funny, especially given the contrast between her usual refined demeanor and her current, well, less-than-elegant condition.

"Oh my, my, my," Verosika drawled, her voice laced with mock innocence. "Is this the radiant lady of high society I see before me? You're quite the vision this morning, Stella."

Stella groaned, not in the mood for anyone's quips, especially not Verosika's. "Shut up… my head's killing me…"

Verosika sauntered over, her heels clicking lightly against the tile floor. "You drank enough last night to drown a whole flock of pigeons, no wonder you feel like death. Need a little help, darling?"

Stella glanced at Verosika through half-lidded eyes, too exhausted to retort with her usual sharp tongue. "If you've got something to fix this hangover, I'll actually consider being nice to you for five minutes."

Verosika chuckled, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Five minutes, huh? Quite the generous offer." She moved toward the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of a bright pink concoction—a remedy she swore by after her own wild nights of excess. "Here, drink this. It's a miracle in a bottle."

Stella eyed the drink suspiciously but was too miserable to argue. She grabbed the bottle and took a swig, immediately regretting it as the overly sweet, syrupy liquid hit her tongue. Still, she forced it down, desperate for relief from the pounding headache.

"Ugh," Stella gagged, wiping her mouth. "That tastes like someone juiced a candy store and mixed it with a jig of cheap perfume."

Verosika laughed. "Yeah, but you'll feel better in no time. Trust me, I've had my share of mornings like this."

Stella collapsed into a chair, letting the drink do its work. "I don't know how you do it, Verosika… party all night and still look like you stepped out of a magazine the next morning."

The succubus gave a playful wink. "Perks of being a pop star, darling. Gotta keep up appearances, even when I've had way too much fun the night before with Blitzy."

Stella let out a tired chuckle, resting her head on the table. "I'm too old for this."

Verosika rolled her eyes with a grin. "Oh, please. You're not even close to old, we're both like the same age right? Besides, you've got a literal prince of a husband who adores you and a daughter who worships the ground you walk on. You're living the dream."

Stella's expression softened at the mention of Stolas and Octavia. Despite the mess of last night and the hangover, she felt a warmth bloom in her chest thinking of her family. "Yeah… I suppose I am."

Verosika placed a hand on Stella's shoulder, her usual teasing tone replaced by something more genuine. "Don't worry, Stell. You'll bounce back. You always do."

Stella smiled, her eyes closing as she let the hangover remedy work its magic. "Thanks, Verosika… I guess you're not the worst company."

Verosika's laughter echoed through the kitchen. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Stella allowed herself a moment of respite, her head slowly clearing as she savored the comfort of her kitchen. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the chaos that was her life. She thought about Octavia, already off on her morning adventures with Loona, Collin, and Sol. Just the thought of her daughter's happy little face filled Stella with a fierce sense of pride and protectiveness.

"Damn it," she muttered, glancing at the clock on the wall. "I can't believe I let myself sleep in like this. I've got to be a better mom."

Verosika, still perched against the counter with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "You're a great mom, Stella. Look at how much Octavia loves you. Plus, she has a hell of a support team."

Stella groaned and ran a hand through her messy feathers. "Yeah, but I should be more present. I just feel so... overwhelmed sometimes. It's hard being the perfect wife and mother when I can't even remember the last time I didn't feel like a complete mess."

Verosika's expression softened. "You don't have to be perfect, you know. Nobody is. You're human—well, you know what I mean. You're allowed to be a bit chaotic, especially with how hard you work to keep everything together."

Stella sighed, thinking of the countless times she'd tried to balance her duties, her identity, and her desire to be there for her family. "It's just... I want to be strong for Stolas and Octavia. I want them to see me as someone they can rely on."

"Trust me, they already do," Verosika reassured her. "Stolas sees you as his fiery queen, and Octavia looks up to you like you're some kind of superhero. You may not feel it, but you're their rock."

Stella smirked, feeling a spark of confidence ignite within her. "A superhero, huh? I could get used to that."

"Exactly!" Verosika chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, how about we turn this hangover party into a 'let's get our act together' party? You need to show Octavia that her mom can kick some serious ass—even in a hangover."

Stella considered the idea, a smirk playing at her lips. "What do you have in mind?"

"First, let's whip up some breakfast—something hearty and greasy to really set you right. Then, we can take on the day!" Verosika said with enthusiasm, moving toward the pantry. "I saw some leftover breakfast burritos in here last night. Let's heat those up, then we can brainstorm ways to be the ultimate moms."

Stella chuckled, a wave of motivation washing over her. "Alright, let's do it. Just don't let me burn the kitchen down again."

As Verosika rummaged through the pantry, Stella pushed herself off the chair, shaking off the remnants of her hangover and embracing the chaotic energy she had always possessed. They set to work, the kitchen becoming a flurry of activity filled with laughter and playful banter.

With the breakfast burritos sizzling in the pan, Stella's mind wandered back to her childhood, recalling her awkward first meeting with Stolas. She couldn't help but smile, even amidst the chaos.

As a young girl, she had always envisioned the prince charming who would rescue her from her mundane existence, someone who could see past her flaws. But Stolas, with his gentle demeanor and bright eyes, had completely disarmed her.

She remembered the day vividly. The mansion felt cold and imposing, a labyrinth of expectations and duties. She had just come from an exhausting morning of failed cooking attempts, and her mother, Elsa, had made it clear that her clumsiness was an embarrassment to the family. "Tella, you really should try harder," she had said, her voice dripping with condescension. "How can you expect to marry a prince if you can't even manage a simple breakfast?"

In that moment of despair, the arrival of Prince Stolas felt like a glimmer of hope—until she had met him. With his dappled feathers and book clutched tightly to his chest, he had seemed so refined and put together, a stark contrast to her disheveled state. When she tripped over her own feet, tumbling directly into him, Stella had been mortified. Stolas's eyes had widened, a mix of surprise and discomfort crossing his face as he steadied her with a gentle hand.

Stella had wanted to hide, feeling like a messy savage in the presence of someone so dignified. "This is Tella, my youngest daughter," Elsa had introduced her, and Stella had corrected her in a soft murmur. "It's Stella." But her mother had ignored her, continuing with her rehearsed praise of her daughter's so-called qualities.

"You're a very dutiful young lady," Elsa had insisted, completely disregarding the truth of her daughter's chaotic spirit. All Stella could think about was how little she felt in that moment, wishing she could show Stolas the real her—the one that wasn't just a clumsy mess but someone with fiery ambition and unyielding loyalty.

Now, she chuckled at how far they had come since that awkward introduction. Stolas had seen through her tough exterior to the passionate heart beneath, and in time, she had learned to embrace both sides of herself. As she flipped the burritos, she couldn't help but feel grateful for every awkward moment that had led them to this point.

Stolas was everything she had ever wanted—kind, gentle, and strong. But it was her fierce desire to protect him and their daughter that had driven her to become more than just a wild, disheveled bird. She wanted to be the dagger that pierced his enemies and the shield that protected his back.

With breakfast finally ready, the two women sat down to eat, laughing over their shared memories. As they enjoyed their meal, Stella felt a renewed sense of purpose bubbling within her. "You know what, Verosika? After this, we're going to do something special for Octavia. She deserves to see her mom as a badass!"

Verosika grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's the spirit! Let's show everyone that the fiery bird can rise from the ashes—just like a phoenix!" Verosika liking the sound of that, she would have to write that down.

As the two friends dug into their breakfast, Stella felt the weight of her responsibilities lift, replaced with a determination to be the mother and partner that her family deserved. And deep down, she knew that no matter the chaos life threw their way, together, they could face anything.

Stolas stepped into the kitchen, a sense of calm settling over him as he laid eyes on Stella, who was now laughing with Verosika at the table. Her disheveled appearance no longer phased him—if anything, it endeared her to him even more. He loved every side of his fiery, unpredictable partner, from the wild warrior to the hungover mess sitting before him.

"Morning, Lovebird," he greeted warmly, his suave aristocratic voice carrying a fondness that always seemed to melt her heart, even when she was hungover.

Stella turned her head, her tired but affectionate gaze landing on him. "Morning, my prince," she murmured, offering him a sleepy smile.

Before she could say more, Blitzø bounded into the room with his usual chaotic energy, flashing a playful wink. "Leave it to V to get the sleeping beauty up and ready to face the day. She's an expert after a decade of keeping me and Barb in line!" He scurried over to Verosika, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his forehead to her back with a contented sigh.

Verosika chuckled, her fingers absentmindedly running through Blitzø's hair. "Oh, please. You know you're impossible to manage, Blitzø. Barb was the only one who ever stood a chance, and even then, she needed backup."

Blitzø smirked up at her, clearly unbothered. "Eh, you love it." He pulled her closer, planting a quick kiss on her shoulder. It didn't matter to him what they called each other—whether it was lover, fiancé, or whatever else. He just knew that this insane, vibrant relationship with Verosika was where he belonged, even if she didn't put out.

Stolas, meanwhile, moved over to Stella, gently pulling out a chair beside her. He leaned in to place a soft kiss on her temple before sitting down. "I see you and Verosika were plotting something this morning," he said with a smile, glancing between the two women.

Stella raised an eyebrow, a mischievous gleam in her eye. "Plotting? Us? Never. Just a little morning chaos, nothing more."

Verosika smirked. "We were just talking about how Stella plans to show Octavia what a badass she really is."

Stolas's smile softened. "She already knows, my love. You don't have to prove anything."

Stella sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "I know, I just… I want to do more for her. And for you. I feel like I've been slipping lately."

Stolas reached out, taking her hand in his and squeezing it gently. "You're doing more than enough. Octavia looks up to you, Stella. She sees how strong you are—how fierce. And I... I see it too. Every day."

His words struck a chord deep within her, and for a moment, Stella just stared at him, feeling the weight of her love for him. "I just want to protect you both," she whispered.

Blitzø, sensing the shift in tone, rolled his eyes dramatically but with a smile on his face. "Alright, alright, before this turns into some big mushy moment—let's get on with the day! We've got demons to harass, contracts to fulfill, and an imp to keep entertained. C'mon, V, let's blow this lovey-dovey scene and do something more chaotic."

Verosika laughed, shaking her head but allowing Blitzø to pull her away from the table. "Alright, alright, I'm coming. Try not to burn the kitchen down while we're gone, Stolas," she teased as they left.

Stolas chuckled, watching them go before turning his attention back to Stella. She was still gazing at him with that deep, contemplative look that always made his heart flutter. He squeezed her hand again, drawing her out of her thoughts.

"You don't have to carry the weight of the world, Stella," he said softly. "We're a team. You don't have to protect me—you already do, just by being who you are."

Stella's lips quirked into a small, but genuine smile. "I suppose. I guess I just get in my own head sometimes."

"And that's okay," Stolas assured her. "We're all allowed to feel that way sometimes."

She nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder, the warmth of his feathers comforting her. For now, in this quiet moment, everything felt right. The chaos of Hell could wait a little longer.

As they sat there, Stella felt a renewed sense of determination. She might not be perfect, and she might not always feel like she was enough, but she had her family—and together, they were stronger than anything Hell could throw at them.

Blitzø and Verosika moved swiftly through the sprawling grounds of the Goetia mansion, eyes sharp and ears alert. The tension was palpable—Mr. Raven was still out there, lurking in the shadows, and Blitzø's instincts were screaming that the bastard wasn't done yet. Verosika's wings twitched as she scanned the perimeter, her sharp succubus senses helping her catch the slightest movement. Meanwhile, Barbie Wire patrolled the nearby streets with an impish swagger, her fingers twitching near her holster as she eyed every passerby with suspicion.

"This place is too quiet," Blitzø muttered, squinting as they passed a row of perfectly trimmed hedges. "I hate quiet."

Verosika rolled her eyes but smirked. "You hate everything that's not total chaos."

Blitzø grinned. "Damn right. But we can stir up some chaos soon enough. Let's just make sure the mansion's locked down, then we can go bust some heads and see what extra info we can squeeze out. Mr. Raven's not getting away with this. He's after Octavia, and he's gunning for Stolas and Stella. That means we break every bone in his body if we have to."

Verosika chuckled darkly, her wings spreading slightly as if anticipating a fight. "I'm game. Let's just get this over with. I have a show tonight and I'd prefer to be alive for it."

Blitzø laughed. "Noted."

Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Stella was busy preparing herself for the day. She stood in front of her grand mirror, slipping into an elegant gown. The flowing fabric swirled around her as she pulled it into place, looking every bit the regal Lady of House Stolas. But beneath the layers of lace and silk, she wore her secret weapon—her swashbuckling outfit, sleek and tight, giving her full range of movement. Hidden beneath her dress were her flechette knives, carefully placed in discreet pockets and straps.

As she fastened the final clasp, Stolas entered the room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. "My love, you look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice warm as he approached her.

Stella smiled, trying to keep her demeanor composed, though inside she felt the weight of the looming threat hanging over them. "Do I?" she teased, holding out her hand for him. "Perhaps a little too much for a simple day of meetings?"

Stolas took her hand, lifting it to his beak and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "You could never be too much. You are perfection itself." His eyes sparkled as he looked at her, and for a moment, the tension melted away.

But Stella's mind was elsewhere, thinking of the blades strapped to her legs, her arms, her waist. She knew Mr. Raven wouldn't stop. He had been relentless in his attempts to harm their family, and she wasn't about to let him succeed. Not now. Not ever.

"Flatterer," she whispered, leaning forward to kiss him softly, her free hand resting against his chest. She pulled away with a mischievous smile. "But I suppose I'll allow it."

Stolas chuckled softly, his love for her evident in every glance. "As you should."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence. But Stella could feel the fire burning inside her—she was ready for a fight. Ready to defend what was hers.

"I'm going to head out with Blitzø and Verosika later," she said as casually as possible. "Just to make sure everything's secure."

Stolas raised an eyebrow, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "You don't have to put yourself in danger, Stella. We have I.M.P handling security. I don't want you risking—"

"I'm not risking anything," she interrupted gently, but firmly. "I'm protecting us. I'm protecting you. Don't worry, Stolas. I've got this."

He sighed, his eyes searching hers before nodding. "I know you do. Just… promise me you'll be careful."

Stella grinned, slipping one of her hidden knives from her gown and twirling it between her fingers. "Always."

Stolas smiled, though a trace of concern lingered in his gaze. He knew better than to try and stop her when she had that determined look on her face. She was his fierce lovebird, after all—nothing could stand in her way.

"I love you," he whispered, pulling her close for one more kiss.

"I love you too, Stolas," she murmured, pressing her forehead against his. "And I always will."

With that, Stella straightened up, her posture regal once more, as if nothing in the world could faze her. But beneath the surface, she was ready for the storm. The enemies that threatened her family had no idea what was coming.

As Blitzø and Verosika finished their sweep of the grounds, they returned to the mansion. Blitzø looked up at Stella and gave her a grin. "Ready to crack some skulls?"

Stella nodded, her fingers twitching slightly over the hidden blade beneath her dress. "Let's go make sure Mr. Raven regrets ever coming after us."

Together, they headed out, the weight of the coming battle heavy in the air. But Stella was ready. She'd be the dagger in the night, the shield in the daylight, and nothing would stop her from protecting the ones she loved.

To be continued……