Veiled in Shadows and Brimstone

8

🗝️ one month later 🗝️

Charlie tossed and turned in bed, her swollen belly making it difficult to find a comfortable position. She let out a soft groan as she tried to shift onto her side, feeling the pressure of the quints inside her. Alastor, her husband and King of Hell, shifted beside her, his arm protectively draped over her, his brow furrowed in his sleep. Needing to use the bathroom, Charlie tried to push herself up from the bed when she felt something wet between her legs. Alarmed, she froze, her heart racing. Before she could comprehend what was happening, a sharp pain shot through her causing her to hiss in pain. Alastor’s ears twitched slightly at the sound, mumbling in his sleep before quickly sitting up when he sensed something was wrong. His eyes widened in concern as he looked at Charlie, who was clutching her belly, a look of pain etched on her face. “What’s wrong, my dear?” Alastor asked, his voice filled with worry. “My water just broke,” Charlie managed to say through gritted teeth. “I’m going into labor.” Alastor’s eyes widened in surprise. “But the quints weren’t due for another week!” Charlie growled at him, the pain intensifying. “Call Rosie,” she demanded. “Now.” Alastor nodded, scrambling to grab his phone and dialing their friend Rosie, who would be assisting them with the pregnancy. Eleven hours later, after a grueling labor, Charlie gave birth to three beautiful girls that they named Dakota, Harmani, and Gemma, and two handsome boys that they named Kieran and Callan. Alastor was beaming with pride as he held his newborn children, tears of joy in his eyes. He quickly went to fetch their other children - Liliana, their 13-year-old daughter, Aurora and Alarik, their 9-year-old twins, and their youngest, Damien Noelle and Nicholas, who were 4 years old. They were all eager to meet their new siblings, their eyes wide with wonder as they gazed at the tiny babies. Angel, Husk, and Velvette, their close friends and fellow demons, arrived shortly after to congratulate the happy couple. Angel, the former porn star turned hotel manager, was beaming with excitement as he held one of the tiny babies in two of his four arms, cooing softly to them. Husk, the gruff bartender with a heart of gold, chuckled as he teased Alastor about becoming a father to five children all at once. Velvette, the fashionista overlord smirked warmly as she congratulated Charlie, her eyes filled with joy. The room was filled with laughter and chatter as they all celebrated the arrival of the quints. Charlie and Alastor looked at each other, their eyes filled with love and gratitude for their growing family. Despite the chaos and challenges that came with being the King and Queen of Hell, they knew that they had each other and their children to lean on.

As the night turned into day, and the sun peeked through the windows of their grand palace, Charlie and Alastor sat on the bed, exhausted but happy. They watched as their children played and laughed, their hearts full of love and contentment. “I love you, Charlie,” Alastor whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love you too, Al,” Charlie replied, leaning into his embrace. “Thank you for being by my side through everything.” And as they looked at their beautiful children, their hearts overflowing with love, they knew that their family was their greatest treasure, their bond unbreakable and their love eternal. And so, the King and Queen of Hell embarked on a new chapter of their lives, filled with joy, laughter, and endless love.

🗝️ A couple hours later 🗝️

After Alastor gently placed all 5 of his and Charlie's infant fawns in their bassinets with the help of Rosie, Lily, and Angel, he shoved them out of the bedroom to let Charlie rest before going back over to her side and pressed a gentle kiss to her palm. "I'm so proud of you my love." He replied his usual grin softened. Charlie glared at him tiredly. "Don't start with me, Alastor. I am exhausted," she said, running a hand through her hair.
Alastor chuckled lightly. "But you did it, Charlie. You brought five beautiful babies into this world," he said, admiration shining in his eyes. "Eleven kids, Al, eleven. I think we're more than set when it comes to heirs to Hell's throne." Alastor grinned as he leaned in to give her a kiss on the forehead. "Oh, come on, my dear. Just imagine one more little mini-me or you running around. It would be absolute chaos, but in the best possible way." Charlie raised an eyebrow at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're incorrigible, Alastor. We have our hands full as it is. Let's just focus on raising these eleven first, shall we?" Alastor raised his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous glint in his eye, his ears twitching. "Alright, alright. 11 kids is more than enough heirs to Hell's throne, I suppose," he said, chuckling. Charlie let out a relieved sigh, leaning back against the pillows. "Thank you, Alastor," she said, closing her eyes. The stag demon watched her for a moment, his heart swelling with love for the woman who had stolen his heart. He reached out to brush a lock of hair away from her face, his voice soft. "Rest now, my love. I'll take care of everything," he said. Charlie opened her eyes to look at him, a soft smile on her face. "Thank you, Alastor. I love you," she said, reaching out to take his hand. Alastor's heart fluttered at her words, his own smile growing. "I love you too, Charlie. Always and forever," he said, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips.