Infernal resurrection

Chapter 10: A Dance of Shadows

April’s POV

The dim light of Hell’s twilight painted the streets in hues of crimson and black as I made my way back to the hotel, Luke nestled quietly against me. His small hand clutched mine tightly, a silent reminder of the promise I’d made to him—and to myself.

I couldn’t help but glance down at him, seeing traces of that boy I’d once called my own, the one I’d lost so long ago. It was strange how familiar this felt, how natural… maybe even comforting. The ache I had carried for years, the one that hardened my heart and filled me with rage, seemed to soften when he looked at me with those wide, innocent eyes.

As we neared the hotel, Luke finally broke the silence. “April… do you really have to go to these meetings? They all seem… mean.” His voice wavered, filled with a child’s honest fear.

I crouched down, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face, offering him a soft smile. “Yes, kiddo. I do. But don’t worry. They’re nothing I can’t handle.” I winked, and his worry melted into a small grin.

The doors to the lobby swung open, and I could already hear the faint hum of voices, the meeting spilling over with familiar figures. The usual cast was here—Vox, Valentino, Velvette, Rosie, and, of course, Alastor, leaning against a pillar with that insufferable grin plastered across his face.

As I walked in, every head turned, a mix of surprise and resentment flashing in their eyes. Luke clung tighter to my arm, sensing the tension, and I couldn’t help but hold him close.

Valentino’s smirk grew wider, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well… Look who decided to show up. And with a little friend in tow. Tell me, April, is he just another… pet of yours?”

Alastor’s chuckle echoed softly across the room, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on me, watching, analyzing. I felt the weight of his gaze, sharp and unrelenting.

I let out a sigh, my patience wearing thin. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t refer to him as a pet. This is Luke, and he’s under my care. Try anything funny, and you’ll wish I’d stayed gone for another twenty years.”

Alastor’s eyes sparked with something akin to amusement, his voice smooth and teasing as he leaned forward. “My, my, protective, are we? I’d almost say you’ve gone soft, April.” His words were laced with that trademark mischief, but beneath it, there was something else. Something… different.

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore him as I guided Luke to a chair in the corner. “Stay here, alright?” I whispered, patting his head. “I’ll be right over there.”

He nodded, though his eyes stayed wide and wary. I straightened, turning back to the group, ready to face whatever nonsense they had for me this time.

Vox cleared his throat, the static hum of his voice echoing slightly. “Enough of the small talk. We’re here for serious business. Exorcists from Heaven have been getting bold, attacking more frequently. We’ve lost territory. Powerful demons are vanishing. We’re not dealing with amateurs anymore.”

The room fell silent, tension growing thick as the weight of his words settled over us. Heaven’s forces had been encroaching on Hell for years, but if things had escalated…

Rosie’s usually light-hearted expression darkened, and even Valentino’s smirk faded.

“So,” I said, crossing my arms. “What’s the plan?”

Velvette bit her lip, glancing nervously between everyone. “We’re considering… uniting the overlords. Pooling our resources. We don’t have many options left if we’re going to survive this.”

I scoffed. “United? Us?” The very thought was laughable, knowing the fragile alliances and constant power struggles that held Hell’s upper echelon together. But the seriousness in their expressions gave me pause.

Alastor tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with a hint of something unreadable. “Oh, come now, April. Surely the idea of working together doesn’t scare you?”

“Scared?” I smirked, feeling that familiar fire ignite. “I’m just not sure you’re all up for it. Last time I checked, most of you would stab each other in the back at the first chance.”

Valentino sneered, but he held his tongue. That alone spoke volumes.

Finally, Zestiel broke the tension, his voice calm and commanding. “April’s right. We may not like each other, but if we don’t find common ground, we’ll be obliterated. Heaven’s soldiers are growing stronger, and they won’t stop until Hell is torn apart.”

I looked around the room, seeing the faces of those who had once despised me, now looking at me with something akin to respect—or at least begrudging acknowledgment. It was an unfamiliar, almost uncomfortable feeling.

As the meeting dragged on, I felt a gentle tug on my sleeve. Luke was at my side, looking up at me with those wide, curious eyes. “April… are you going to fight?”

I bent down, brushing his cheek with my thumb. “Only if I have to, kiddo.”

Alastor’s voice interrupted us, his tone mocking but somehow softer. “Ah, how sweet. Didn’t know you had a soft spot, April.”

I shot him a withering look. “Don’t push your luck, Alastor.”

He just grinned, leaning back with that familiar, cocky confidence. But behind that smile, I could sense something lingering, something almost… possessive.

The meeting finally came to an end, everyone dispersing back into the shadows, murmuring amongst themselves. But as I gathered my things, Alastor lingered, his gaze fixed on me with that unsettling intensity.

As he walked up beside me, he leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. “You know… there’s something fascinating about you, April. I look forward to seeing… more.”

I glanced back at him, seeing a glint in his eyes that was both maddening and oddly intriguing. He was challenging me, taunting me. And for the first time in years, I felt the thrill of a battle that wasn’t fought with fists or fire but with something far more dangerous.

Turning away, I took Luke’s hand, leading him toward the door. But a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Alastor was watching, waiting. And the dance we’d begun… it was far from over.

As I stepped back into the crimson-lit streets, Luke by my side, I couldn’t help but let a faint smile touch my lips.

“Someday, Alastor,” I murmured under my breath. “Someday… you’ll regret underestimating me.”