Helluva Boss X Reader (Season 1)

CHAPTER 75: SAND AND SMOKE

Chaos. People running in all directions, heavy footsteps pounding the sand like uncontrolled drums. Screams of panic intertwined with the distant roars of a monstrous creature, filling the air with terror.

Loona pushed her way through the crowd, feeling the bumps of human bodies crashing against her, like waves lashing against a rock. Her human disguise made her fit in among them, but made her more vulnerable to their blows. It was all happening too fast. The clouds of sand raised by the tumult blurred her vision, making her eyes burn as she tried to make out something among the mess.

She didn't know where she was going, she didn't even have a plan. She was just running, following that familiar voice that had been her only guide since this began.

Vortex: Don't stop, come on!

Barely, between the bodies pushing her and crossing her path, Loona managed to glimpse a figure in front of her. Vortex. Just for an instant, she could see that he was waiting for her to keep up.

Another deafening roar erupted from the beach, and the ground seemed to vibrate beneath her feet. The sound stirred a visceral urgency in Loona, burying any thought or doubt. Without thinking it twice, she quickened her pace. She had only one fixed idea: to keep moving.

As Loona followed the sound of Vortex's voice, her footsteps began to ascend a series of steps from some staircases, slowly moving away from the destruction of the beach. The sea monster's roar still echoed in the distance, mingling with the panicked cries that seemed to haunt them even as they climbed.

Vortex: Come on, keep moving! We're close!

Loona complied, quickening her pace as her legs burned from the effort. But then, her foot slipped on a sand-covered step, and her balance was lost in an instant. With a gasp of surprise, she began to fall backwards, mentally preparing herself for the impact against the hard stone.

But she didn't quite touch the ground.

A strong arm caught her just in time, lifting her up with ease. Loona looked up to find Vortex helping her to her feet without even hesitating. Only then did she notice that on his shoulder, Tex was carrying an unconscious body, as if it were a simple sack of potatoes.

Before Loona could thank him, he gently pushed her forward, urging her on.

Vortex: Careful. We're almost there.

Loona quickened her pace, but for a brief moment, her mind was caught up in what had just happened. The firm touch of Vortex's hand on her back, the warmth of his presence so close to her... She couldn't help but feel a slight blush rise to her face, even as the world around her seemed to crumble from the destruction of the sea monster.

She looked at him as he continued to lead her. Focused, determined, his gaze always ahead. The way his body moved with such confidence while also carrying the unconscious body as if it were nothing left her speechless, admiring his strength and muscles. Finally, they got to a tavern facing the beach.

Vortex slammed the tavern door open, causing the sound of a small bell to ring inside, announcing his arrival. Loona followed close behind, panting slightly from the run. Tex was quick to close the door behind them, making sure no one else could enter.

Vortex: I found Josh!

The declaration echoed through the place, drawing the attention of everyone present. Loona looked up and noticed that inside the tavern was Vortex's team, including Verosika, refugees from the chaos outside. The succubi and incubi, all still under their human disguises, sighed in relief and even cheered as they saw their bodyguard enter with the incubus' limp body over his shoulder.