Phantom's Performance

Chapter 24

Y/n's Pov

The night before the battle with Lute was tense yet filled with moments of camaraderie. The atmosphere in the hotel was unusually light, a stark contrast to the looming fight. Everyone tried to keep the mood up, sharing stories and laughter. It felt like the calm before the storm, and I appreciated every second of it.

Angel sauntered over, his characteristic smirk firmly in place. "Truth or Dare, toots?"

I blinked in surprise. "We're not even playing the game, Angel."

His smirk widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Dare."

My eyebrows rose in suspicion, but I couldn't back down. "Fine. Dare."

Angel leaned in close, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "I dare you to call Alastor, 'Daddy.'"

I stared at him; eyes wide in shock. "What? Angel, seriously?"

He laughed, the sound was bright and infectious. "What happened to all that confidence you had not too long ago?"

Determination set in, and I felt a shift within myself. Angel might have thought this would throw me off, but I was not one to back down from a challenge.

I walked over to Alastor, who was busy cooking dinner for everyone. He looked up, noticing me from the corner of his eye, and turned with a warm smile. "Y/n, dinner's almost ready."

I took the plate he handed me and, summoning all my courage, I said, "Thank you, Daddy." Then, before he could react, I sped away, leaving him alone in the hotel's kitchen.

Alastor's Pov

The kitchen was silent, save for the crackling of my radio voice. Y/n's words echoed in my mind, sending a thrilling shiver down my spine. "Thank you, Daddy." It was unexpected and exhilarating.

My shadow showed up beside me; its energy frenetic. "Did she just call you 'Daddy'?" it whispered, a hint of disbelief in its tone. The shadow mirrored my smirk, its expression gleeful.

"Yes," I replied, my voice low and filled with satisfaction. The smirk on my face grew darker, a mix of pride and anticipation swirling within me.

The shadow tilted its head, studying me. "Why do you have that face?"

"Because," I said, my smirk widening, "I know why she called me that, and I relish it."

With a purpose, I walked out of the kitchen and over to where Y/n and the others were gathered. My eyes scanned the group until they landed on Angel. I needed to speak with him alone. "Angel," I called, my tone even but carrying an undercurrent of authority, "a word?"

Angel followed me, a curious expression on his face. Once we were alone, he leaned against the wall, his casual demeanor never wavering. "What's up, Smiles?"

I met his gaze, the darkness in my eyes unmistakable. It was the same look Y/n had seen when she called me 'Sir.' Angel's smirk faltered for a moment before he chuckled. "You liked that she called you 'Daddy,' didn't you?"

My smirk grew. "More than you can imagine."

Angel laughed, shaking his head. "If you think that's all she'll say or do, you're mistaken. But, you've got to get back at her."

I nodded, my smirk turning almost predatory. "And if you think I didn't already have something planned, then you're wrong. I know you're going to tell her. But, please give her a message."

Angel raised an eyebrow. "A message?"

"I'm about to enter the ring."

Understanding dawned in Angel's eyes. He knew exactly what that meant—a game was about to begin, and Y/n and I were the players. His smirk returned, wider and more conspiratorial. "This is going to be fun."