Alastor X Reader: Blood For Freedom

3. First meeting

*** Your POV ***

The limo dropped you off outside of the hotel, with the small shipping container for all your belongings already standing in front of the entrance. It wasn't much considering how long you have been in hell, but many of your owners didn't keep you awfully comfortable. So you only kept some of your most prized collections and sentimental items.

You climbed out of the back of the car, wearing your usual black ensamble with a high neck shirt, a long skirt and black lace shawl. It was a tiring trip, taking many detours and loops to make sure you weren't followed from wherever else you were being kept at the time. Paimon was paranoid.

As soon as you stepped onto the grounds of the hotel you felt almost like a forcefield closed behind you - a familiar feeling of walking into a space you are not able to leave. But just to confirm you stopped a moment and tried to put your hand through to the other side of the gates, and got met with what felt like the top of a lake, except your hand couldn't pass through the surface of the water. You heaved a sigh and continued on.

"Y/n! You look lovely, thank you so much for coming!" You were greeted by Lucifer himself at the front door, acting like it was ultimately up to you to come here. It caused you to give him a bit of a cold look, which he responded with an anxious and apologetic smile. Well at least he knew his faults. You took a big breath and put on your best professional poker face, a gesture not gone unnoticed by Lucifer who looked at you with melancholy.

"My pleasure." You responded giving him your hand to lead you into the hotel where you were immediately met with the absolutely exstatic Charlie. The princess had seemingly inherited all of her father's frazzled demeanor, borderline vibrating from excitement as she greeted you.

"Oh my gosh, thank you so much for comiiiiing! With all these new residents we could really use more help with the hotel! I am sure you'll find it wonderful here, and hey maybe do some redeeming yourself" She mumbled the last words nudging you on your arm with her elbow.

You gave her a chuckle, but waved her off. "Oh haha, well uh, we shall see about that." There was literally no way in hell even if you did want to do that. Half your entire identity was tied to that temple you grew up in and where you were taught your craft, and to the old gods you still prayed to. Hell took much from you, but it wasn't going to take that - and you knew Heaven was not forgiving of your type of folk even if you tried. So no. Absolutely not.

Charlie bounded chattering about the hotel and you followed her in. It was definitely a very lavishly furnished place, so that was a plus. She showed you a kitchen, a lounge area, there was an arcade, a bar which was tended to by a grumpy looking cat demon, and a library. A library! That you were actually a bit excited for.

"And this is Alastor's office, we won't uh... go in there." Charlie pointed at a red door with black cursive on it that said "Alastor, Facility Manager." Before continuing on, now heading back down.

"And here is your room!" Charlie handed you a key with a little fob that had your name and room number on it, after using it to open a door at the end of the hall. The inside was well maintained, but it definitely had a more modern minimalist aesthetic to it which was not your vibe at all. You crinkled your nose at it a bit. To your surprise though, all of your boxes were stacked in the far corner already.

"Feel free to redecorate, I understand you'll be staying a while." The princess clarified, which was a relief. You made a mental promise that redecorating was the first order of business once you got a moment to yourself.

"Thank you very much Charlie, this is quite lovely." Charlie smiled at your complement and bounded out.

"Lets go back down, I'm sure my dad would like to say bye before he leaves." She said before leading you on to the elevators. Once back on the lower floor she bolted out with all the excitement of a puppy on cocaine, leaving you to follow.

You were about to turn the corner when you walked into something dense, but oddly warm and soft, and also much taller than you. The stiff "akh" sound from above your head prompted you to look up; meeting a pair of dazzling red eyes. They reminded you of the red stars that used to shine above hell. Although it was fleeting, you saw an unmistakable wince in them - save for a large toothy smile - before the man's expression turned amused again. It caused you to tilt your head slightly in recognition but you didn't think much of it at the time though, quickly distracted by the man himself.

"I'm so sorry sir, I wasn't... looking." You found yourself glancing up and down the person you just walked into. You have been around a long time, and have seem many a handsome demon. But this...? Woah. Gorgeous. The ruby eyes that captured your gaze first were framed by two tone hair, red to match at the roots but black on the ends. His head was adorned with what looked like deer ears and a set of mat black antlers. His face looked like sculpted ivory. His suit was a deep red with black accents, reminding you of your favorite beverage. Blood.

"Not to worry dear!" He exclaimed, his voice sounded like it was coming through a radio with a light pleasant static, "I haven't seen you around before, who might you be?"

"Oh." You shook your head to get yourself out the star struck daze, "I'm Y/n its nice to meet you." You reached your hand out.

"Alastor! Pleasure to be meeting you Y/n! Quite a pleasure!" The demon twirled what looked like a microphone cane from behind his back, and reached out towards your outstretched hand. You were expecting a shake, but instead the man took your fingers into his elegant gloved palm and pulled them to his lips, having to bend over a little due to the hight difference. So an oldschool gentleman type huh? You thought, unable to hide a light dusting of blush that came over your cheeks before he let your hand go. "You must be the new hire Charlie and Lucifer have been going on about."

"That would, in fact, be me." You smiled clasping your fingers behind your back, trying not to focus on the warm tingle at the top of your knuckles. But also not missing the fact that Alastor had given you a glance over as well.

"Wonderful! I am sure I'll be seeing lots of you then." Alastor twirled his cane to behind him again. He really wanted to give his shadow an angry tug, which was behind you, looking you over with an expression that showed way too much curiosity for his taste. But he didn't want to show the frustration or startle Charlie who was watching him now. So he figured it was best to take care of it once out of sight. "Now if you excuse me, I have some paperwork to take care of."

"Ofcourse." You hastily stepped out of his way, barely making a sound as your feet glided over the carpet, letting him pass by you."I do hope, to... see you around." You watched his few steps towards the elevator, and realized that there was more to that wince you saw earlier. He was really... stiff. Like he was babying an injury, maybe? But it was hard to really know, you haven't seen him before so maybe he always carried himself that way. Still, it caused you to furrow your brows in thought and concern.

"Something the matter dear?" He asked turning his head back to look at you, noticing your expression.

"No, its just..." You were about to tell him what you observed, but thought better of it. It was just conjecture after all, and you had no business prying. "Nevermind, its nothing. Please don't let me keep you."

Alastor nodded and walked into the elevator, pressing the button with the butt end of his cane then turning to meet your eyes one last time before the doors closed between you two.

"She noticed the injury." His shadow told him sitting on the wall by his ear.

"Nonsense." Alastor replied.

"She did. Come on you saw it in her eyes. How long you intend on hiding it anyways?" The shadow crossed its arms with an accusatory glare.

"For as long as it takes to heal." Alastor retorted.

"And if it doesn't?"