#overlord!reader

"Vox…" a voice sang out, like a siren's call.

Vox turned in a circle, frantically trying to see anything that could hint at where the voice was coming from. And that was when he saw it — a door slowly opening in the alleyway, right at the very end, spilling warm golden light onto the wet pavement.

"Come on, Vox," the voice sang out once again.

Vox's feet moved before his mind could decide whether he should follow or not, almost as if he had no control over his own body like the voice itself was moving his limbs for him.

He walked through the door with furrowed brows, trying to make sense of what was happening. The door shut behind him with a soft click, leaving him in a room that was warm and inviting, which was nice, considering he was soaking wet from the rain.

"Hello?" he called out cautiously, jumping slightly when old jazz music suddenly started playing from multiple radios scattered throughout the space. The sight of the radios made him frown deeply, because it brought his mind right back to Alastor and the humiliation he'd just endured.

He shook his head forcefully, trying to dispel those thoughts, and walked further into the room.

it was like stepping into a crowded antique shop, and Vox found himself accidentally bumping into things as he walked, the room seemingly going on and on, stretching endlessly before him until he finally saw a silhouette sitting at a circular table, gracefully pouring tea from an ornate teapot into two cups.

He felt something push him from behind, and he stumbled backwards falling into a chair sliding across the floor on its own, pulling him towards the table.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" that same ethereal voice asked, but the darkness surrounding you covered your face completely from Vox's view, leaving only your silhouette visible.

"I'm sorry, what is this?" Vox asked with a confused frown.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" you repeated, your tone unchanging, almost like a broken record stuck on the same phrase.

"Tell me what the hell this is!" Vox demanded, his voice rising as his anger and frustration increased.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" you repeated once more.

Vox sighed heavily, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Milk, no sugar," he finally answered, deciding it was easier to play along.

You poured the milk into his cup before passing it to him, his wet shirt dripping water droplets onto the polished table surface when he reached forward to take it.

"By golly, you're absolutely soaking," you observed. "Here-" You waved your hand gracefully, and a gust of warm wind suddenly spiralled around Vox before dissipating, leaving him completely dry. Vox looked down at his now-dry hands in shock, the crease between his eyebrows deepening as he processed what had just happened.

"Who are you?" Vox asked hesitantly, looking up at you, though he still couldn't make eye contact due to the shadow that covered your features.

"Well, let's not bother ourselves with such small details," you replied dismissively,. "Now tell me, Vox, why were you crying?"

"How did you know I was crying?" he asked, frowning suspiciously.

"I have eyes and ears everywhere, darling," you said simply. "Now, why were you crying?"

"It doesn't matter," Vox mumbled, looking down and fiddling nervously with his fingers, unable to meet your gaze even if he could see it.

"Oh, now don't be like that," you gently reprimanded. "I'm here to lend an ear. Sometimes it helps to talk about these things."

"Uh…" Vox sighed deeply. "There was this demon Overlord that I thought I was becoming friends with. But he… he laughed in my face when I asked him if he wanted to work together. Which really sucks because I genuinely looked up to him. I admired everything about him. I thought maybe we could be partners, equals even. But I was wrong."

You sat there silently for a long moment, letting his words hang in the air between you, before finally speaking. "My dear, why would you trust an Overlord? They're notorious for their treachery and self-interest."

Vox shrugged helplessly, not having a good answer, feeling even more foolish now that someone had pointed out what should have been obvious all along.

"What was the deal?" you asked him, your voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Huh?" Vox responded, confusion evident in his tone.

"The deal," you repeated patiently, as though explaining something obvious to a child. "You wanted to work with the Radio Demon, so I assume you offered him some sort of partnership agreement."

"I didn't mention that it was Alastor I was talking to,” Vox replied defensively, his body tensing as he tried to stand up from his chair but an unseen weight pressed down on him, holding him firmly in place and not allowing him to leave his seat. "Let me go!" he said angrily, his screen flickering with agitation. "I don't know what game you're playing, but let me go-"

"Let's not quarrel," you interrupted. "It's not good for relationships."

Vox glared angrily at you. "Let. Me. Go," he repeated slowly, emphasising each word.

"What are you going to do, Vox?" you asked rhetorically, a hint of amusement colouring your voice. "You have no power in here. And even if you did, you couldn't overpower me. Most people can't."

Vox was silent for a long moment, his brain trying to piece together what the hell was happening and who exactly you were.

"You're an Overlord," he finally said, the realisation dawning on him.

"They were right! You are smart!" you exclaimed with what sounded like genuine delight.

"They?" Vox questioned, his confusion deepening. "Who are 'they'?"

He jumped slightly when he felt a cold hand settle on his shoulder, turning his head sharply and seeing his own shadow grinning at him menacingly.

"Now, Vox, if I'm not mistaken… you want power, right?" you said, leaning forward slightly in your chair.

Vox nodded silently, unable to deny it even if he wanted to.

"Well, I can give you that power," you told him matter-of-factly. "You just have to shake my hand." You extended your hand toward him, holding it out expectantly in the space between you.

"What's the catch?" he asked warily, not trusting you at all despite the tempting offer.

"No catch," you replied , your hand still held out for him to take. "Well… you just have to get your name out there, build your reputation. And I'll do the rest."

"I'd like to know the whole plan before I make any deal with you," Vox insisted, trying to maintain some semblance of control over the situation.

You scoffed dismissively. "The whole deal is that I own your soul. Simple as that. And in return, I'll help you build your empire from the ground up. And while they aren't dead yet — I'll even get you some friends to help along the way-"

"What do you mean 'aren't dead yet'?" Vox interrupted, his curiosity getting the better of him. "How can you see the living? I thought that was impossible for sinners."

"The more questions you ask, the less inclined I am to help you, Vox," you said, a warning edge creeping into your previously friendly tone. "So why don't you just shut up and shake my hand?"

He stayed silent, unmoving, weighing his options carefully.

"Come on…" you coaxed, your voice taking on that siren-like quality again. "Won't you shake a poor sinner's hand?"

Vox would've liked to say that he never shook your hand — that after Alastor laughed at him, he created his own empire with no outside help. But he can't. He can't say that because he shook your hand. He made a deal with you, and you own his soul.

God, it's pathetic. You've set up everything for him and the Vees. I mean, the second Val and Vel died, you got them to make deals with you as well, helping them all become the biggest names in Hell.

Of course, you would be the biggest name if you bothered to leave your home, if you didn't just send your stupid shadows to do your dirty work.

He doesn't even know your name, for Hell's sake! You've owned him for almost seventy years, and he doesn't even know your fucking name!

Well, technically.

Not your real name, at least. He only knows your stupid fake name that other people call you. Voodoo.

Even thinking about it for too long makes him angry. Angry because he hates you, and angry because he so desperately wants to know more about you. He wants to know everything there is to know about you. And not even for a sinister reason, not really. Just because he thinks you would be a good front and centre addition to the team. Because how amazing would it be if he could get the Voodoo to join his team properly? Because, while yes, you are technically on his team now, you're the coach, not a player like he is.

Today he has his regular meeting scheduled with you. Once a month, he comes into your shop, telling you about what's happening and his master plans. Although he doesn't truly understand why you need these meetings as he knows you're always watching through your shadows — he is very happy to see you again and always has a skip in his step the day of.

He has a binder full of information to show you, walking down the familiar alleyway, your door already open for him.

With how much he comes here now, he doesn't flinch when the door shuts behind him, nor does he bump into any objects, having now figured out the best way to make his way through your clutter.

"Hello, hello!" he greets you with a grin, falling into the chair that pulls him to the table.

"You seem chipper, Vox," you noted, pouring him a cup of tea

"Hell yes, I am!" he exclaimed. "I have so, so much to tell you!"

"Well, I'm all ears, sugar."

Vox rambled for a while, telling you stuff you quite frankly already know, but you didn't bother telling him that. In fact, it's nice to hear the difference in stories from other points of view. You took a sip from your tea as you listened.

"And me and the Vees are going to overtake Heaven!"

You spit out your tea in shock. That part you were not told about by your shadows.

"What!?" you yelled, turning into your demonic form with your shadow overtaking both Vox and yourself, darkness swallowing the room.

Vox cowered, lowering himself in his chair. "Uh, yeah… we, uh… we- we planned to overtake Heaven, uh… to become God, basically, and be the strongest people in the afterlife…" he explained, his voice trembling.

"You stupid, reckless fool!" you yelled. "What in the name of all that's unholy were you thinking?"

Vox wanted to cry. He thought you knew. He thought that maybe his shadow or Valentino's or Velvette's shadow had reported to you and told you of the plan before he came here.

"I- I- I thought you knew," he whimpered, his screen flickering with distress.

"Well, obviously I didn't, now did I?" you snapped. "Lord have mercy, Vox, I expected better from you!"

"You-" Vox cut himself off, trying to figure out how he could fix this. "You could be God. You… I mean, you own my soul! Instead of me being God, you can. You can rule over everything. You'd be perfect for it!"

Your shadows dwindled slightly but still left you being a black blob of darkness.

"You know good and well how much I hate the spotlight, Vox," you replied, your tone stern. "You ask me every single meeting if I would join you and the Vees, and my answer was always no. And now you expect me to want to be God? Child, have you lost your mind?"

Vox stayed silent, unable to meet your gaze even through the darkness.

"And, by the way, you think you, of all people, could be God?" you asked, disbelief colouring your words.

Vox frowned, the words hurting him more than he thought possible.

"You thought itty-bitty Vox could play God?" you continued, your voice taking on a mocking edge that cut deep. "Sugar, that's just plain foolish."

You scoffed, shaking your head. "You're a joke, Vox! The only reason you're so powerful is because of me! And I can take that away just as easily as I gave it to you. So do not — and I mean do not — go through with that plan, or I will tear you and the Vees down so fast it'll make your screen spin! You hear me, honey?"

Vox stared at you for a long moment before speaking, his voice small. "Okay." He nodded slowly. "I'll… I'll get rid of the plan. We won't do it. I promise."

Your shadow form disappeared, leaving only an unclear view of your face.

"I want you to leave, Vox," you told him, your voice quieter now but still firm. "I need some time to myself."

"What?" he asked with a frown, confusion and hurt evident in his expression. Usually, after chatting over business, you and he would talk casually almost like friends. Those were his favorite parts of these meetings.

"I don't want to see you right now, cher," you said, rubbing at your forehead, trying to ward off a headache. "I need to think, and I can't do that with you here."

Vox sighed heavily, standing up from the chair. "I'm sorry," he told you, his voice genuine. "I didn't mean to make you upset. I really thought you knew. I would never…"

He trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence. He walked away from you, towards the door of the store. Once he was out, he turned to look at the door when it shut, watching as it disappeared into the wall as it always did.

He stood there for a moment, and the more he thought about your reaction and your mean words, the angrier he became.

"Fuck you," he muttered under his breath as he walked away. "Fucking fuck! I'm going to fucking take over Heaven anyway. She can't fucking stop me. Fucking asshole. Who does she think she is?"

But even as the words left him, doubt gnawed in his mind. Because deep down, he knew exactly who you were and he knew you absolutely could stop him. But damnit to hell if he wasn’t going to try.

authors note

okay hihi i hope you guys enjoyed that!! i might write a part two (or make this a series) once more episodes come out because i do have a few more ideas but it’s not definite

also.. i just want to mention how funny i find the part where voodoo said overlords are only known for their self interest and then less than a few moments later vox was like ‘okay!! i’ll make a deal with you!!’ he so stupid 🥹🥹 i love him

𖤓 Alastor

• Oh, what an honor to receive such a wonderful gift from someone like you, Alastor almost feels flattered, well, a little less since it was one of your workers that delivered it to him at the hotel and not you.

• A basket, nicely decorated with a green bow and with a giant wine bottle inside, together with some withered roses and a few snacks made of human parts, not his favorite ones, but he didn't expect you to know.

• He's not a big fan of your drinks, drinks in general, he takes his usual whisky but alcohol is not a common choice, however, there's nothing wrong with taking a few glasses, especially since it was so considerate of you to give him this.

• He knows nothing you do is for free or without motive, you want to discuss something with him, a gift is a perfect way to lure him into your presence, being the gentleman than he is, you know he will have to thank you sooner or later, and that's gives you the perfect chance to talk about whatever you have in mind. You clever little thing, he might actually go meet you out of his own will, just maybe.

𖤓 Vox

• When Ethan told him that something was dropped to him he didn't pay much mind, he was having a meeting with the other Vees, so he almost told his assistant to throw it away, a gift from one of his many followers, what's new about that? But Ethan said the envelope said it was from your factory and name, he did a full 180°.

• He takes the basket in hands with glee and the excitement of a man who hadn't had fun in ages; a bottle of wine, a little too big for any drinkers safety, and a few photos from the sea creatures from the Envy ring (he wonders how you got those). Vel groans at the smile he's giving, what's so great about it? They have a stock of those.

• “Don't you see my dear Vel? This isn't just a drink, it's a sign of good things to come!”; the other two still don't get his excitement, is not like you suddenly will forgive them from the terrible previous interactions you had with them, but Vox doesn't expect them to get it, not like he does.

• He sends you a letter (can't believe you made him do such a old fashioned thing, it would be so much easier if you just got a VoxTek phone) thanking you for the gift and asking for a formal meeting. He drinks every glass of that wine with gusto, and denies every time Valentino asks for a cup late at night, it was clearly for him after all, maybe when the moth learns to work just as hard, he can earn one too. But that's his.

𖤓 Velvette

• When she comes back from a photoshoot and finds a basket full of flasks of perfume, hearts and a bottle of wine, her first instinct is to groan and call Valentino, telling him to get his shit from her studio. But when he denies, she hangs up on him before he can ask if he can have it anyway, then this was for her.

• She reads the letter carefully, what a old ass person you were huh, Vel almost wants to take a photo and mock it on her account, but before she can do anything Vox (somehow) got knowledge of the gift and went right to her.

• Velvette has to hear minutes of yapping and convincing to agree to thank you, she doesn't want to, you were the one that sended the gift, she owns you nothing, but Vox wouldn't leave her alone until she did, so he makes sure to get a moment of your day to get her to say thank you and maybe even bring up working together.

• She thought of throwing away the basket, she wasn't a fan of wine and the perfume was outdated, but seeing how much her older coworker wanted it she just had to stay with it, just to spite him and see that smile turn into a frown for half a second. That makes drinking the beverage way more enjoyable.

𖤓 Husker

• Husker was so used to drinking your creations when he was an Overlord, they were always the best and reserved to only him and the premium players of the casino, and still, he got to keep the drinks made by your own hands, and was always a thrill to see which one you would surprise him with every month.

• But then he fell, Alastor taking everything from him, the first thing he missed was his full powers, being held back by a green chain, the second were your drinks, oh how he missed the nights he could just relax and wait for you to come in his office with a brand new drink to share, the cheap booze on the hotel does the job but it will never be the same.

• It was a normal day at the hotel, a few more people than usual, he laid on the counter of the bar helplessly, until Nifty came running, carrying a basket way bigger and way heavier than herself, she places the thing by his side and with a big smile says: “Someone leaved this for you Husk!!!!”, before he can ask who she already darted off to do Satan knows what.

• He hesitates to look at it, it could just be a prank, but then he notices his favorite whisky, together with an old cat toy that he remembers giving it to you as a joke, there's no note, no words, but he knows who sended it. He suddenly wants to cry, after all this time, why do you still…

• He holds back that sentiment and hides the items so no one buzzes into his business, he'll be drinking that latter, for now, his mood just got 100 times better.

𖤓 Carmilla

• She was working on her office when both her daughters came to her, fighting over who would deliver a big basket to her, she smiled, thinking it was a gift from her daughters, not an uncommon thing for them to do, but then the smile faded when they explained the situation.

• She thanks them and asks to be alone for a moment, they obey, but she can sense they're trying to hear behind the door. She analyses it, a big bottle of vodka, a few sweets and a letter, you don't get her tastes at all, but she opens and reads it regardless.

• You were thanking her for the supply of angelic weapons she sended to your factory, saying that your guards and yourself adored the gifts, yours was extra special, you asked for a personalized pistol. She looks at the drink again and lets out a sigh.

• She's not that much of a drinker, but will take your offer, having allies is way better than living in fear she might get shot in the back.

𖤓 Rosie

• Rosie was about to have a normal day at her shop as usual, but then she heard a commotion, and when she went to look a bunch of her cannibals were surrounding an unknown body, she steps closer to find a nicely decorated basket, with a bottle of wine, lively roses in colors red and black and piece of paper, that, like part of the basket, was now covered in blood.

• She takes it for herself, she recognized the uniform the other sinner was wearing, from your alcohol factory, so she knows what this is about, you want a meeting, no, that word is too formal, is more like a time with a friend but again, you are way too formal.

• She places the basket down in her table and smiles, you always have to make a big gesture even for the smallest of things, It's endearing really, she'll send you a letter back, first, apologizing for her cannibals attacking your worker (she knows you'll forgive her), and second saying the date and time you van come.

• She enjoys every sip of it until she gets drunk.

𖤓 Zestial

• Unlike all the others, gets the gift from your hands rather from a employee, he's surprised at first, it's not from your nature to give gifts, but he gladly takes it, a wine and a whisky, brand new, just waiting to be consumed, he knows your beverages are usually addicting for the normal sinner, making them want more and more, but Overlords are just fine, at least, he is.

• He offers to have a few glasses with you, it takes a bit of insisting to get you to agree, saying it was a gift he was supposed to enjoy, but he enjoys things way much when he's with you so you kinda got checkmated on that. Just like that, you two are sitting at your office and laughing way too loud for a thursday.

• He finds it funny that for someone who works with alcohol you don't have high tolerance, getting pretty much drunk after five glasses of whisky, he's giggly but in a way nicer spot than you are, so he catches you a few times from falling off your chair before calling your most trusted employees to handle you as they can.

• Is glad he was able to have fun and make you have fun as well.

he first took notice of you when he realized you were a surprisingly decent person for an overlord

both of you eventually bonding over your distaste for the Vees

He wasn’t one big on affection or flirting

so when he asked you out you didn’t even realize it was for a date

when you found out he killed the angel and simply held his hand and promised to keep his secret, he became even more smitten with you

although he wouldn’t show it apart from a faint blush whenever you did something he found cute

his daughters loved you which was the final push to convince him to ask you to be his girlfriend… officially.

——> Sfw: dating

Once you started dating, he began showing a lot more affection

He’d sometimes bring you flowers

definitely talks to you in Spanish as a way to tease you since you don’t know what he’s saying (If you do understand Spanish, you act like you don’t because you know the stuff he says he’d never say as much as he did if he knew you could understand it)

Not very touchy but sometimes resting his hand on your waist while you’re alone, ex. Watching a movie together

loves to get you to dance with him

especially twirling you

if you can dance he loves it

if you can’t, he still loves it anyways, watching you stumble around or trip over your feet as you twirl before steadying you and laughing

when it comes to dates, he prefers going to places that are more secluded with less people

loves it when you play with his hair

doesn’t mind whether he’s the big spoon or little spoon, does whatever you want from him.

wouldn’t ever work up the courage to ask for physical affection (hugs, kisses) but loves it when you give it to him

hates PDA and prefers to not boast your relationship, although you both don’t make an effort to specifically hide it

gentle but firm when handling you, whether it’s dancing together, hugging, kissing or cuddling.

——> Nsfw

you didn’t get physically intimate for a while even after you started dating

it’s not often you two do

but when you do, he’s amazing at it

definitely a service top

again, firm but gentle

loves leaving bites and hickeys, marking you as his all over

gives wry smirk and bites his lip when trying to restrain himself

he doesn’t usually initiate sex unless you’ve somehow managed to work him up without realizing

but he’d gladly fulfill any need, desire or fantasy you have

“just tell me what you want, corazón, and I’ll give it to you”

whenever you’re having a makeout session he purposefully rubs his legs against you to see you getting worked up

bonus points if you start shamelessly humping him and beg him to move too, he loves seeing just how much you need him

when it comes to positions, he doesn’t care as long as you’re facing him- he wants to see your face

Not incredibly vocal, maybe a few grunts and soft or low moans

"Yeah, well... she didn't!" Vox said defensively, his voice rising slightly. "She was actually elated about the whole thing- you know what, let's just drop it now."

"You were the one who brought it up in the first place," Velvette mentioned with a raised eyebrow, scrolling through her phone again.

"Because I knew you two would ask about it eventually, and now I want to stop talking about it, so let's just stop talking about it!" Vox snapped, his screen glitching momentarily with irritation.

It had been a few weeks since Vox last saw you, and he was riding the biggest high he'd ever felt since... well, ever!

He owns Alastor now. His meticulously crafted plan to ruin Charlie Morningstar's reputation is going perfectly. And while Angel Dust doesn't know it yet, very soon he'll be a massive help to the cause. Everything is falling into place like dominos.

Vox doesn't think he's ever been this excited in his entire life — both living and dead — and he's certain that no one in Heaven or Hell can take this feeling away from him now-

"Vox." A voice spoke, the same siren voice that haunts his dreams and mind constantly, the voice that makes his body shiver with both fear and something he won't admit.

Vox spun on his heels, his digital eyes widening at the sight of your shadow cast against the wall. "Heh," he breathed nervously, his voice crackling with static. "Uh, hey!" His tone came out soft and fearful. "Hey- hey, hi!" He corrected himself quickly, forcing more confidence into his words. "What are you doing here? Usually you just send your... other shadows to deliver messages."

For weeks now, Vox had been making private deals with your shadows — the ones who watch over the Vees — desperately begging them not to tell you that he'd completely disregarded your explicit wish to drop his plan about taking over Heaven. He'd offered them favors, information, anything to buy their silence. But clearly, one of them had turned into a fucking rat and told you everything.

"What do you think you're doing, sugar?" you asked him, your voice carrying that deceptively sweet tone.

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Vox stammered, gesturing vaguely. "Just about to, uh..." He turned his head, watching as dancers passed behind him in the hallway. "Go on stage. For a normal... VoxTek promotional thing. You know how it is business as usual!"

"Do you think I'm that stupid, Vox?" you asked. "Now don't you dare lie to me, honey, otherwise this isn't going to be pretty for you. I suggest you start telling the truth."

"I'm not lying!" Vox lied.

"Tell me that you haven’t gone through with your little plan about Heaven," you said, and suddenly a black chain materialised around Vox's neck. Your hands pulled him closer toward the wall where your shadow was pressed flat. "Tell me that you haven't been bribing my shadows to lie to me. Tell me, Vox, that you have not disobeyed a direct order from me.."

"HAHAHAHAHA!!" Alastor's voice screeched with unrestrained glee, the sound of his laughter echoing through the room as he wheeled his chair — his body still bound to it with restraints — toward you and Vox. "You-“ Tears actually welled up in Alastor's eyes from his excessive laughter, his grin somehow growing even wider. "You mean to tell me that you sold your soul, Vox? Oh, this is simply delicious! The irony is exquisite!"

"Why don't you just shut your pie hole, Alastor!" Vox yelled, his screen flashing with angry red static.

"Aww, is Vox going to throw a tantrum now?" Alastor taunted, his voice dripping with amusement as he leaned forward in his chair. "Are you going to short-circuit from embarrassment?"

"Don't forget who owns you, Alastor!" Vox shot back venomously, though the retort didn't have nearly the impact he'd hoped for, considering the chain currently wrapped around his own neck made his situation rather obvious.

"And don't you forget who owns you, old pal," Alastor countered smoothly, his grin never faltering. "I mean, going against their wishes like this? My, my, how the mighty have fallen." He then turned his attention away from Vox entirely, focusing on you with much interest. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Alastor, the Radio Demon. Quite the pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Alastor's shadow detached itself from behind him, moving independently across the floor and up the wall toward you. It took your hand with surprising gentleness and pressed a delicate, courteous kiss upon it.

"My, aren't you quite the gentleman," you commented with genuine appreciation, your voice warm. Meanwhile, Vox was absolutely seething with jealousy. The first (and last) time he'd tried to kiss your hand in greeting, you'd slapped him clear across the face and he'd had to replace his entire screen. Why does Alastor of all people get to touch you and kiss your sweet… soft skin….

"Oh my fuck, Voodoo?" Valentino's voice cut through the tension as he walked into the room. "I haven't seen you in forever, baby-" He cut himself off abruptly when his eyes landed on the chain around Vox's neck. "What... what happened here?" he asked hesitantly, taking a cautious step back. He knew from experience that one wrong move, one wrong word, and his own chain would make an appearance around his neck too.

You waved your hand dismissively, and Alastor's shadow immediately disappeared from beside you, snapping back to its owner like it had been yanked by an invisible cord. The Radio Demon's eyebrows furrowed in surprise at the casual display of power over his own shadow. Interesting, he thought.

"Well now, Val," you said, your voice taking on that deceptively pleasant tone again. "Isn't it just so amazing to see you, sugar? And you know what? I really do appreciate the fact that despite my direct orders — my very clear instructions — to NOT go through with your little plan of taking over Heaven, you all still went ahead and did it anyway. So thank you so much for that, honey. I'm just thrilled." you said, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"But Vox said that you-" Valentino began, confusion evident in his voice as he gestured toward Vox. But an sharp elbow to the ribs from Vox made him stop mid-sentence, letting out a pained grunt.

Valentino sent Vox a bewildered look, and then the realisation dawned on him like a bucket of ice water. His eyes widened. You had never agreed to the plan. Vox had fucking lied to them, fabricated your approval entirely, and now they could very realistically die because of him.

"Now you listen here, and you listen good, Vox," you said firmly, your shadow solidifying even more as you leaned in closer. "You're going to drop this plan of yours. Completely. Otherwise, honey, it's no more empire for you. No more VoxTek, no more power, no more of this little kingdom you've built for yourself. Do we have an understanding?" You gave him a clear ultimatum before releasing him. Your shadow dissipated like smoke, and the chain vanished from around his neck. Then you were gone entirely, leaving only the faint scent of magnolias and magic in your wake.

"You mother fucking FUCK! Valentino exploded, rounding on Vox with fury blazing in his eyes. "We're going to fucking DIE now because of YOU!!"

"Val, just calm down and don't worry about it," Vox said, completely unfazed — although the quick rise and fall of his chest suggest otherwise.

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT?" Valentino repeated, his voice rising to a near-hysterical pitch. "DON'T FUCKING WORRY ABOUT IT?! I just covered for you! I'm well within the possibility of losing my fucking Overlord status because of YOU and your FUCKING stupid ego! Do you have any idea what you've done to us?!"

"Don't tell me she owns your soul too," Alastor spoke up from behind them, his tone dripping with amusement.

"YOU SHUT UP!" Valentino yelled at him, whirling around with fury blazing in his eyes. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he muttered under his breath, his hands trembling as he stalked past Velvette, who was just making her way into the room. He didn't even acknowledge her as he stormed out.

"What the fuck was that about?" Velvette asked, her brows furrowed in confusion as she watched Valentino's retreating form.

"Nothing," Vox told her dismissively, waving his hand as if to brush away her concerns.

"Oh, Valentino just found out that the sinner who owns your soul doesn't agree with your little plan to take over Heaven," Alastor spoke up cheerfully, his smile widening with malicious delight at the sight of an increasingly angry Velvette and a cornered Vox.

"WHAT?!" Velvette screeched, her voice cracking with disbelief. "Oh my gosh, Vox! You lied to us! You looked us straight in the face and lied!"

"It wasn't a lie," Vox corrected defensively. "It was just... a twist of the truth. Look, I think she would be quite happy once we finish the plan and she sees the results. Which is exactly why it has to work. Don't you see?"

"You are such a fucking ASSHOLE, Vox!" Velvette screamed, her face flushed with rage. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door so hard that it rattled in its frame. Vox immediately followed after her, already launching into explanations about how his plan would work, how it was all going to be worth it in the end, trying to convince both her and Valentino.

But that left Alastor alone in the room, a smirk playing across his face as his shadow began to detach from his body, already planning its journey to find the Overlord and tell her exactly what was happening — and how he would gladly spy on the Vees if she wanted him to.

Sitting in your usual armchair, you rubbed at your temples, your mind deep in thought about the situation with Vox and what needed to be done.

You didn't like to hurt people. You were in Hell, yes, and you were an Overlord, so people half expected you to be ruthless and cruel. But that just wasn't what you liked to do- not anymore, at least.

At first it was different when you first arrived in Hell.

God, you were obsessed with making everyone pay for what had happened to you. You were utterly ruthless, taking out your rage and pain on anyone who crossed your path, until one day you killed someone who had a child.

They died in the same car crash. and whilst you were killing the dad in the comfort of their apartment in Hell for double crossing you, the young girl came out of her room fearfully as you were standing over her dead father's body, your hands still stained with his blood.

Realistically, you knew that she was probably as bad as her father — especially if she was raised by him in the kind of environment that would land them both in Hell — but your heart still ached and your mind was still haunted by the look on her face.

And since that day, you vowed that day to never kill again. No matter what.

You knew that Vox didn't have a kid, and very few people would genuinely miss him when he was gone but what were morals if you didn't follow them? You prided yourself on being a women of your word so what was the point of making promises to yourself if you broke them the moment things got difficult?

The sudden stop of jazz music playing from your radios, being replaced with harsh static, interrupted your spiraling thoughts. You lifted your head in confusion, walking over to the radio and twisting the knobs this way and that — but still, nothing but static came through.

"Hello, my dear!" a voice rang out cheerfully, making you jump back in surprise.

You furrowed your brows. The Radio Demon? But other Overlords' powers didn't work in your shop. You'd made sure of that with protective spells woven into every corner of this place.

"Don't look so confused, darling," the voice continued. You turned to see his shadow pressed against the wall, moving independently. "I'm merely here to offer you my services."

You stayed silent for a moment, trying — in all honesty — to remember his name. His real name. Arthur? No, that wasn't it. Albert? Something with an A... A- A- A-

"Alastor!" you said finally, snapping your fingers as it came to you. "How the hell did you get your powers working in here? I've got protections on this place that should keep every other Overlord's magic out."

"Simple disarming spell, my dear," Alastor replied smoothly. "I'm from New Orleans too, you know. We learn these things."

"I did not know that," you replied, settling back in your chair. You'd never had much interest in the Radio Demon — especially not after you found out that Rosie already owned his soul..

"Anywho, sugar, what do I owe the pleasure?" you asked. "I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to show off your magic tricks."

Alastor's shadow frowned slightly. He had expected you to be angrier, or more annoyed at the intrusion- not polite.

"Well, my dear, I was hoping to help you help me," Alastor said, making you furrow your brows.

"Mhm," you hummed, crossing your arms and waiting for him to continue. "I'm listening, honey. Go on."

"As you know, some of your shadows aren't exactly as loyal as you might have wished — especially if they can be bought by whatever useless trinkets and promises Vox gave them," Alastor began, his tone dripping with disdain when he mentioned Vox's name. "But you see, I am loyal. And more importantly, I am stuck with Vox every single second of every single day, forced to witness his every move and his every scheme. So my proposal is that we work together! I spy on Vox, tell you all the juicy details of what he's planning, and in return, you help me get away from him when this is all over but The Vee’s still leave the hotel alone."

You contemplated for a moment, tapping your fingers against the arm of your chair. You didn't like making deals willy-nilly. every deal you'd ever made was calculated, thought through from every angle. Every deal was proposed by you and created by you on your terms. Accepting a deal like this felt like you were on the lower end, like you were the one who needed something instead of the other way around, and that didn't sit right with you.

But on the other hand, Vox was a liar who had proven he couldn't be trusted. And his ego was getting much too big if he thought it was okay to try and play you like some kind of fool. Having someone like Alastor — who probably hated Vox just as much as you were starting to — spy on him? Well, you'd probably get information without any sugar-coating or manipulation. Alastor would tell you exactly what Vox was up to, if only because he'd enjoy watching Vox fall.

"Alright then, honey," you agreed finally, leaning forward in your chair. "Here's what we're gonna do. You tell me everything Vox does and I mean everything sugar. Every little thing he's cooking up in that TV head of his. Don't leave out a single detail. And once I deal with him properly, I will remove you from his care and I'll keep the hotel safe. Charlie and all her guests won't have to worry about a thing from me or anyone else. You have my word on that."

"Oh, how delightful!" Alastor cheered through the radios, his voice crackling with genuine enthusiasm. "I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership!"

"And one more thing, Alastor," you said firmly, your voice taking on that sweet but dangerous tone that made it clear you were absolutely serious. "If you double cross me or lie to me — if you so much as think about playing games with me, sugar — you can say goodbye to your freedom forever. And you can say goodbye to that hotel and all your little friends too. I don't make idle threats, and I always keep my promises. We clear on that, honey?”

authors note

okok hiii i hope you all enjoyed that!!

uh because of those last two episodes of hbht — i think i’ll probably write just one more part for story which i’m expecting to be much longer than part 1&2.