Infernal resurrection

Chapter 2: Waking the Shadows

As the shock settled, the Red Velvet Lounge filled with murmurs. April's reappearance struck a nerve deep in the heart of Hell's elite, the Overlords who had long thrived in her absence. Eyes narrowed, fists clenched, but none dared to openly confront her-not yet. Hell's ruthless past had returned, and its present was far from ready.

April, relishing the simmering tension, casually walked toward the bar, ignoring the wary gazes of those around her. She leaned against the counter, glancing at the bartender with a raised eyebrow. "Whiskey," she ordered, her voice smooth yet edged with iron. It was as if she'd never left.

"Still as demanding as ever," sneered Valentino, stepping closer, his gold chains glinting in the dim light. "You waltz back here after twenty years and expect us to roll out the red carpet? You have a death wish, sweetheart?"

April chuckled, swirling her drink as if savoring the words. "Valentino, I've cheated death more times than I can count. And the only wish I have..." She leaned in, her voice dropping low, "is to see what kind of pathetic empire you Overlords have built while I was away."

"You don't belong here anymore," snapped Vox, his voice laced with contempt. "There's no place for your... chaos."

April's gaze sharpened, locking onto Vox's pixelated face with an intensity that sent a chill through him. "Is that so, Vox?" She took a step forward, unflinching as his circuits flickered in barely hidden agitation. "Because from what I see, Hell's become complacent. Predictable. But I'm here to change that."

"You're as delusional as ever, April." The voice was Alastor's, his usually cheerful tone now dripping with something more dangerous. "Do you truly believe you can waltz back into our world and pick up where you left off? You were banned for a reason." He paused, his red eyes glowing, voice dropping to a hiss. "You crossed the line one too many times."

April's smile didn't falter. "You say that as if it's a bad thing, Alastor. From what I remember, you never could resist a bit of chaos yourself."

Alastor's grin faded, his gaze darkening. The others watched, tension crackling in the air. April's audacity, her challenge to the Overlords who had ruled Hell in her absence, stirred something primal in each of them. She wasn't just a forgotten relic from their past; she was a reminder of the ruthless power they'd tried to erase.

"You're not the queen you once were, April," said Velvette, her eyes narrowed, almost pitying. "Times have changed."

April's laughter echoed through the room, rich and defiant. "Then consider me the catalyst for change." She took a final sip of her drink, slamming the empty glass down with a resounding thud. "And when I'm through, every one of you will remember why you feared me."

The Overlords exchanged glances. For all their power, they knew the shadow April cast was one that even they would struggle to contain. In that moment, one thing was certain: Hell had no idea what kind of storm was brewing. And April, the once-banned queen of ruthless vengeance, was here to reclaim her throne.