Between Shadows and Flames

7

Alastor looked around the grand ballroom of the castle, watching as the guests slowly filtered out, their laughter and chatter fading into the night. He held his precious Liliana in his arms, her head resting against his chest as she slept soundly. He couldn't help but smile down at her, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness wash over him. As the last of the guests left, Alastor felt a sense of contentment settle over him. The night had been a success, a celebration for the newly crowned King and Queen of Hell. But now, as the festivities came to an end, it was time to head back to the hotel. Before Alastor could even think about moving, Vaggie came over, a smile on her face as she gently took Liliana from his arms. Cherri and Velvette were by her side, ready to take Lily back to the hotel with them. Alastor couldn't help but feel grateful for their presence, knowing that his daughter would be in good hands. As Vaggie walked away with Liliana, Alastor turned to look at the rest of their friends. Angel, Husk, and Niffty were busy cleaning up the ballroom, despite the him and Charlie telling them to go home. Alastor knew they were just trying to help, but he also knew they needed their rest. Alastor walked over to where Charlie was standing, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against his side as she rested her head against his shoulder. He could feel the weariness in her body, the toll that the night had taken on her. "Let's head back to the hotel, my love," Alastor said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You look dead on your feet." Charlie chuckled tiredly, leaning into his touch. "I am dead on my feet, Al. But it was worth it. Seeing everyone happy, celebrating our new reign...it's all I ever wanted." Alastor smiled down at her, his heart swelling with love for this woman who had captured his heart. "And you got it, my dear. You got everything you ever wanted and more." As they made their way out of the ballroom, Alastor couldn't help but think about the journey they had been on. From business partners to friends to confidants to lovers, their relationship had been a whirlwind of emotions. But through it all, they had stuck by each other's side, never wavering in their love and commitment. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Alastor felt a sense of peace settle over him. The stars twinkled above them, a reminder of the magic and beauty of the world they lived in. And as they walked hand in hand back to the hotel, Alastor knew that no matter what the future held, as long as they were together, they could conquer anything. And so, as the night drew to a close and the world around them faded into darkness, Alastor and Charlie held onto each other, knowing that their love would always be their guiding light.

😈 Four months later 😇

Alastor stepped through the doors of the Hazbin Hotel, his mind reeling from the whirlwind of meetings he had just endured with the Princes and Overlords of Hell. It had been a long night, and he was eager to finally relax in the comfort of his own home. As he made his way through the dimly lit foyer, he couldn't help but notice the soft glow emanating from the private office he shared with his beloved Charlie. Curious, he approached the bar where Husk sat, nursing a bottle of booze. "Husk, what's Charlie been up to?" Alastor inquired, his voice laced with concern. The grumpy cat demon looked up from his drink, his eyes tired. "The queen has been holed up in the office for most of the day, except to grab a snack or use the restroom," he replied. "She's been working on some project, wouldn't tell us much more than that." Alastor let out a thoughtful hum before nodding his gratitude to Husk and making his way to the office. Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the sight of his seven-month-pregnant Charlie curled up on the couch, fast asleep. One of his coats was draped over her form, providing her with a sense of warmth and comfort. Kneeling down in front of her, Alastor reached out a gentle hand to brush the stray hairs from her face, his heart swelling with love at the sight of his queen in such a peaceful slumber. He leaned in closer, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before murmuring her name. "Charlie, my dear, it's time to wake up," he whispered, his voice tender. Charlie stirred at the sound of his voice, her eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze. A soft smile graced her lips as she registered his presence, the love and adoration in his eyes warming her from the inside out. "Alastor?" she murmured, her voice soft and filled with sleep. "What are you doing here?" "I've just returned from the castle, my dear," he replied, his tone gentle. "I couldn't help but notice you were here all day. Come, let me carry you to bed." Charlie protested weakly, insisting she was too heavy for him to lift, but Alastor merely chuckled in response before scooping her up in his arms with ease. Her protests turned into soft laughter as he made his way upstairs to their bedroom, his heart lighter at the sound of her joyful noise. Once they reached their shared quarters, Alastor gently laid Charlie down on the bed, tucking her in with care. He sat down beside her, his gaze never leaving her form as he reached out to brush her cheek with a gentle touch. "You are never too heavy for me, my queen," he murmured, his voice filled with love. "Rest now, my love, and know that you are always safe with me." Charlie's eyes fluttered closed, a contented smile gracing her lips as she snuggled into the warmth of the bed. Alastor watched over her for a moment longer, his heart full to bursting with the love he felt for his queen. As he prepared to leave her side and allow her to rest, Charlie's hand reached out to grab his own, holding onto him with a gentle grip. Alastor glanced down at her, his heart warming at the sight of her trust in him. "Stay with me, Alastor," she murmured, her voice soft and filled with love. "I feel safest in your arms."
Alastor didn't hesitate to heed her request, climbing into bed beside her and wrapping her in his embrace. Together, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts entwined in a love that knew no bounds.