CH 14: Where Are You Going?!

As she walks away, Alastor feels an intense desire to swing her door open and continue that conversation. He wanted, more than anything, to follow her and provide her the comfort she so deserved. It was admirable that she still held faith that her beloved would come to her, but he knew that it could never be. It was for her protection, and for his goal, that he had to keep his identity a secret to her.  He couldn't stand to be near her, the decades of being in her presence were adding up and making every second more difficult to remain controlled. He couldn't take the chance that something could happen to her because of his doing once again. Worse, he couldn't take the risk that she finds out who she really was and despise him more than she already possibly did. Alas, hearing her whining behind that door and falling asleep to her soft sobs was a torture he didn't know if he could survive.

Don't cry, mon amour, please.  His thoughts pleaded with her as if trying to telepathically communicate with her to soothe her somehow. By some miracle, he assumed it must've worked, because her sobs soon quite and she falls to sleep.

Once he was certain she was sleeping, he appeared in her room. He couldn't help himself, he just stood there watching down at her as she slept. She was peaceful and serene. The scales that laid across her skin shined under the stream of light coming in from her window, and her curls rested softly against her pillow. Even in sleep, she was so effortlessly beautiful. The form that she took on in this afterlife was one that so many would craze over, and he was no exception, for this form truly brought forward the beauty he already saw within her. 

But his flashback images of her consumed his mind, both of her lying in his arms in their bedroom and of her lying in his arms on the floor in a pool of her blood. None of this was supposed to happen. He wanted to hold her close, welcome her within his isolated heart, not watch as her chest gave her last breath. Now, she's here and still he prevents himself from cherishing her in the way he knew he should. 

He leans down and brings his nose to her head, nuzzling himself into her locks lovingly. It was enough to show her one speck of affection, it was only a drop compared to the tsunami he wished to bestow upon her. The softness, the sweet scent between every strand welcomed him. It begged him to stay, begged him to plant kisses along her face, down her neck, and to the tips of her fingers. He takes a moment, remaining peaceful in the sensation, listening closely to her gentle breathing. The Montague delicately brushes a piece of her hair away from her face, taking a small inhale in before sighing and escaping through the floorboards.

All while she unknowingly slept.

The next afternoon, Charlie follows Alastor throughout the hotel rambling about her fears about the hotel not being a success. Alastor pretends to listen, mostly just going about his usual activities, getting himself some coffee, writing new scripts for his show, and tending to the halls, the usual. She barely notices that he has shown zero interest in what she is saying and has proceeded with his daily routine.

~ Alastor's POV ~

Will she ever be quiet?

This plan is doomed from the start, no sinner could ever be redeemed. Humanity is something that sinners just simply do not comprehend. For a 'Princess of Hell' you'd think she would be more socially aware, more intelligent and less naive, but that's just my luck. My deal never entitled that I believe what came out of her daughter's mouth, just simply do what she requests and help see it through.

There was no chance in this inferno that I believed in this ordeal. I severely questioned her intellect. For goodness sake, even my child wouldn't have been this simpleminded and she will forever be a toddler. Don't get me wrong, the heir did have admirable qualities to herself. For starters, her energy is notable even to the blind eye. Secondly, I suppose one could benefit from her kindness. Thirdly, well, that's about it.

This was becoming maddening, every day with her. Listening to her every word. She had a ridiculous amount of energy everyday it almost wa-

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING!?

As we're making our tenth lap around the hall, she finally emerges from her room. The sight that is before me seizes all the air from my body as my eyes take in every detail of her presence. She's dressed in such a manner that would certainly have every demon's head turning, a small black dress with fishnet tights, green shoes, and her usual coat. She walks by us, waving as she secures some pearls in her ears. 

Since when do you dress like such a harlot? I could comprehend your line of work, but just parading around like this is unacceptable. It would serve you right to return back to your room.

"Ooh Esme, you look amazing!" Charlie beams, grabbing her hands and causing her to chuckle.

"Why, thank you, Princess. Angel offered to take me out today, we're going to hit up some of our favorite spots." She smiles brightly, her pearly white fangs showing with pride. Typically she was more reserved, but with Ms. Charlotte it appeared as if she was more motherly. I did not doubt that my wife could hold her own, but the way those stockings graced her calves made my teeth want to shatter within my jaw. 

Like Hell, you are going anywhere out of my sight dressed like that...

"Oh, how exciting, that sounds like so much fun!"

"Indeeeeeeeed~" I step in, appearing as calm as ever, "That seems like quite the bonding exercise, don't you agree, Charlie?" It would only take a couple of seconds before she took the bait. 

She lights up, exactly what I was hoping for, "Oh my goodness, yes! That gives me an excellent idea! Why don't we come with you?!" She jumps, grabbing Esme's hands.

"Pardon?" Her eyes widen in response as she's yanked back and forth by Charlie's excitement.  Why, this was almost jocular. She wasn't used to this much energy from someone she barely knew. This was something out of a juvenile picture show, but it was very entertaining to watch. 

"Go with you! We could all come and use a night out as a fun bonding exercise, get to know everyone better! I've been trying SO hard to prove that redemption is possible, and it just keeps not working." The blonde bat begins to pace back and forth, being followed by judgmental eyes, "So, maybe Alastor is right. I'm missing something here."

My little fish smiles nervously, "Are you sure about this?" Oh, what a pretty little pawn in this game of life.

"Absolutely!~" I cheer, sliding over to her and leaning down to her level, "I would love to see what kind of 'spots' you two pick out." 

She turns to me, looking up and raising an eyebrow. I can see her hesitation etched across her face.  I know you aren't so naive, I know that you see there has to be an ulterior motive. Don't you worry, it has nothing to concern you. You will be safe and sound, and your empire will flourish. I simply want to keep an eye on you while you are dressed so scrumptiously. She pauses, but quickly shrugs and looks back down at Charlie, "Well, I guess he won't mind a few more guests." The two walk off, hand in hand with some useless chatter following them down the stairs.

I don't care, I just want to be able to observe.

Afterall, she represents this project now. I had to keep a watchful eye on her to make sure that the two of them didn't disgrace the hotel before it got a chance to recruit more damned souls. If that were to happen, we wouldn't stand a chance at getting our plan to work. After that pathetic interview on the air, Satan only knows what could be coming next.

Yes, that's it, keeping a close eye on her and making sure she properly conducts herself to avoid any further issues.

... That's all. 

~ Author's Note ~ 

Itty bitty little chapter before we rapidly approach episode 5 AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANSSSS~

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~ Artemis💗🦌