Hazbin and Helluva Shorts II

Imp Goetia Part 3: New Possibility

Striker's hunt was going well. He had gotten several opportunities to take Stolas out. Unfortunately, something or someone always got in his way. Stella was growing impatient. But in the background, their meetings had begun to turn into something else. They didn't discuss the job much and started spending more time together. Of course, others noticed. But they kept things strictly professional when around other demons. There was zero suspicion.

At one point, Striker invited Stella over. Curious, she accepted and told Stolas she was going out with her girls for three days. He was happy not to have to deal with her. He even helped her pack her bags to get her out of the mansion quicker. Stolas watched as she drove off. Finally, he could get some much-needed rest. An hour later, he invited his avian friends over. They ate, laughed, and (of course) bad-mouthed Stella. She deserved it anyway. Stolas didn't tell his friends everything, but they got the picture. Any demon could see that he was far from happy with the arranged marriage. But the Goetia weren't free to choose whom they married. They married for power and status. Love was last on their bucket list.

Stella arrived at Striker's house and knocked. He welcomed her in. Despite being a simple house, it was upscale for an Imp. Striker had a surprisingly decent income as an assassin. He had been saving up for a long time to get a place like this. It was very different from the lavishness, and riches Stella was accustomed to. But it also had a homier feel. Striker was an excellent cook and had a full meal on the table. They sat down and ate as they talked about the job. Things were going well, but he needed more time. While it did irritate her, she wanted the job to be done right. Striker played the guitar for her. It was beautiful, and he had the voice to match. Nobody had ever done anything like this for Stella. And she loved every note.

One thing led to another. Striker ended up breaking his own little rule. But he didn't regret it. As for Stella, it had been so long since she had had any real excitement. Hours passed until it was late in the day. Things carried on like this for the duration of her stay. On the final morning, Striker helped Stella gather her things and saw her off. As she drove home, a romance song came on the radio. Oh, the bittersweet irony. Stella quickly changed the channel. She needed to get it out of her head. Now, after so many years since their last evening on the playground, things had turned around. For better? For worse? Stella didn't know anymore.