The Forgotten Celestial (Hazbin hotel AU)

Chapter 10: The Midnight Encounter

**Y/N's POV**

I couldn't sleep. The room felt suffocating, and my mind wouldn't stop racing. The events of the day, the looming presence of Lucifer, and the weight of my mission all pressed heavily on me. Maybe a walk would help clear my head. I quietly slipped out of my room, leaving the Hazbin Hotel's halls dimly lit by soft, flickering lights.

The hotel was eerily quiet at night. Not the kind of silence you'd expect, but the kind that felt alive-like the walls were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.

As I wandered down the hallway, my mind still buzzing, something caught my attention. A door-one that had been vacant just yesterday-was slightly ajar, and light was spilling out from within. **Was there a new resident?** I found myself whispering the question, even though no one was around to hear.

Curiosity tugged at me, and before I could stop myself, I was moving toward the door. Just a small peek, I told myself. Then I'd go back. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe just another resident moving rooms.

But as I approached, my breath caught in my throat. I peeked through the narrow crack of the door, and what I saw made my heart stop.

**Lucifer.**

I could only see part of the room, but what struck me immediately was the unexpected design. Ducks. Red and bright yellow ducks decorated the walls. There was even a plush, duck-shaped pillow on the bed. It was... cute. Adorably so.

**Lucifer. The King of Hell. The ruler of demons. And he had ducks on his walls?**

I nearly snorted aloud at the absurdity of it all, but then remembered who I was dealing with. I needed to get out of here-fast. If he sensed me, if he caught me peeking, there'd be no hiding.

I backed away slowly, my feet light against the floor, trying to keep my movements silent. But just as I thought I was in the clear, I heard the softest creak.

"Leaving so soon?"

My blood froze. His voice was smooth, almost lazy, but there was no mistaking the dangerous edge beneath it. I stopped dead in my tracks, heart pounding. **Oh no.** I slowly turned to see him standing in the doorway now, his piercing eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. He was still in his room, but his gaze felt like it was burning right through me.

"Enjoying the decor?" Lucifer asked, his lips curling into an amused smirk.

I swallowed hard, trying to calm the panic rising in my chest. **Stay calm. Don't give anything away.**

"Just... taking a walk," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady, though I could feel my pulse racing. "Couldn't sleep."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face. "Ah, a midnight stroll. How quaint." He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze never leaving me, and I had the distinct feeling he wasn't buying a word of it.

"And here I thought you were simply fascinated by my taste in decor," he continued, the amusement in his tone sending a chill down my spine.

"It's... cute," I said, surprising even myself with the comment. But what else was I supposed to say? He was the King of Hell, standing in front of a room decorated with ducks. It was surreal.

Lucifer chuckled, the sound low and rich, but there was something else behind it-something darker. "Cute, you say? Hmm. It does grow on you, doesn't it?"

I forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as forced as it felt. "I guess so." I needed to leave-now. This was dangerous, far more than I had anticipated. Every instinct screamed at me to retreat, but I couldn't make it obvious. **Calm. Slow.**

"Well," Lucifer said, his eyes still boring into mine, "if you're ever curious, you're welcome to drop by for a visit. I do enjoy... unexpected company." His voice was light, but the threat was clear.

I took another step back, nodding awkwardly. "I'll... keep that in mind."

With one last smile, I turned and walked away, resisting the urge to sprint down the hall. Even as I left, I could feel his gaze on my back, like a predator watching prey.

When I finally reached the end of the hallway, I exhaled the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. **That was close.** Too close.

Back in my room, I sat on the edge of the bed, heart still racing. Lucifer was sharper than I had imagined, and every moment I spent here put me more at risk. This mission... it was getting more complicated by the second.

And yet, as dangerous as it was, I couldn't help but smirk to myself.

**Lucifer. Ducks.** The thought alone was enough to make me chuckle under my breath. Hell truly was full of surprises.

But I knew better than to let my guard down. Next time, I might not be so lucky.