Hazbin Hotel Season 3

Chapter 5: Poker Faces

Lilith sat down at the bar once everyone had disappeared into their rooms, smiling sweetly at the bartender who was cleaning up the counter. "A drink... please? Perhaps something strong." The bartender didn't look surprised to see her, as if he had known she was listening from the shadows the whole time.

Husk bowed his head and turned away to grab a bottle of vodka. In the reflection of a wine glass, she noticed him roll his eyes. Her smile thinned. He won't be easy to fool.

The realization smarted. While she was in Hell, while she was still the queen, she was respected. She had brought everyone as close to harmony as they could get. At the smallest smile, any sinner would feel blessed. They admired her more than her husband. And now, it was as if she would have to do it all again.

You were gone for 7 years, a nasty voice in her voice reminded her. What did you expect?

"No offense, your majesty," Husk said smoothly, sliding a shot across the counter. "But I expected you to head to bed."

Lilith shrugged, tracing the rim of the shot glass. "Why don't we share a drink?" Husk eyed her warily, but poured himself a shot as well. He was quiet and she waited for a second before speaking again. "You have a soul deal?"

"What makes you think that?" Husk's expression betrayed nothing, but his ears flattened.

"Alastor?" She guessed. His back stiffened. "I know the radio demon's habits very well. It makes sense he would go after someone like... you."

"Someone like me?" Husk asked tersely.

"Someone smart," Lilith clarified. "He enjoys a challenge. After all, why else would he dare to make a deal with me?" She winked.

Husk's eyes flashed. "Those are two very different things. Your majesty," he added hastily.

"Oh, no need for that." Lilith waved it away. "At a bar, we're all friends." Husk didn't reply and she decided to go for another tactic. "I assume you traded it away in a game of blackjack? Poker?"

He looked up then, staring at her in disbelief, the first real emotion she had received from him. She smiled. "You act like a gambler. Expressions betraying nothing and you're fiddling with your fingers. Good with cards, I reckon." She downed the shot, wincing as it burned her throat. I never enjoyed drinks.

"Yes," Husk confirmed after a second, refilling her glass. "It was a stupid decision to play on my side. I was... confident."

Lilith hummed, frowning down at the refilled alcohol. "Have you ever considered... playing another game to get your soul back?"

"He'd never agree."

"I can make him."

Husk clenched and unclenched his jaw. The sole light in the room reflected in his eyes, making them appear colder. "You have a deal with Al. He has a deal with Adam. Adam has one with you. Your deal means nothing when it's just a pawn in this game you three are playing.."

Lilith leaned forward. "I wasn't talking about the deal. I have other ways." She kept her voice light, but the threat was evident, floating on the surface.

Husk swallowed, having noticed. "I have no reason to."

Lilith tilted her head. "Not even for the freedom to have a relationship with the porn star? I've seen how you look at him."

"I don't know what you're talking about." His voice broke at the end, and he cleared his throat.

Lilith smiled into her glass. Bingo. "You could be happy, you know. You deserve to be."

"I am happy."

"Happier. Free."

Husk stood up, seemingly done with the conversation. Lilith was fine with it, knowing she had already hit her mark. "It's best I head to bed. I am also quite tired."

He made a move to turn off the lights but Lilith stopped him, holding a hand up as her ears strained to hear faint footsteps across the carpet.

From the bar, they could see the room, but the room could not see them. Everyone had gone to sleep, it seems but one person.

"Eve," Husk whispered, eyes narrowing. Lilith bowed her head in confirmation, her eyes tracking the figure. He fell silent and they watched the second woman walk through the room, almost knocking over a few vases. She left the hotel, as quiet as a cat. As soon as she was out of sight, Husk turned to the Queen, opening his mouth, but Lilith held up a hand before he could speak. She pointed to the other end of the hotel, finger pressed against her painted lips.

A pair of red ears was visible through the dimly lit area. Alastor. They watched in silence as he opened the back door gently and made his way down the road, strolling in the opposite direction that Eve had gone.

Lilith turned back to Husk. Although his expression was guarded, it was clear what was going through his head. If he followed Alastor, he could get more information, possibly some blackmail. Not to mention, it never hurts to keep your enemies close. But Husk already knew plenty about Alastor; Eve was a complete mystery.

Lilith stood gracefully. "I'm going to head to bed now," she said lightly. "But if I were you, I would follow Eve."

Husk's gaze snapped to meet hers. "And why should I, your majesty?"

Lilith gently set down her shot glass and flipped her hair over her shoulder. She forced persuasion into her voice, lulling it into the lilting melody that had gained her the loyalty of Hell, all those millenia ago. "You consider this hotel your home? Then follow her." Her lips quirked up into a mischievous smile. "Everyone has secrets."