The assembly erupted into applause after Lucifer's words, but the clapping abruptly ceased as a lone figure emerged from the shadows. Lucifer's eyes widened in surprise as the clapper stepped forward, revealing their identity.

  The mysterious figure bowed low before Lucifer, their voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well said, Your Majesty! I must admit, I'm astonished. I didn't think you, of all people, still harbored a shred of loyalty towards God."

  A wide, mischievous smirk spread across Lucifer's face as he crossed his legs, placing his hand under his chin. His piercing red eyes sparkled with amusement, and his voice dripped with irony. "Well, what can I say? I _was_ the Archangel, the most beloved one."

  The mysterious figure's eyes twitched at Lucifer's response, and the assembly gasped in unison. Charlie's gaze was riveted on the figure, transfixed by his mesmerizing green eyes. They shone like beacons, soothing and hypnotic, making it impossible to look away. His attire was resplendent – a pristine white suit adorned with feathers that shimmered like celestial bodies, eclipsing the beauty of the moon and sun.

  Lucifer's voice dripped with amusement as he addressed the figure. "What brings a loyal Archangel like you to a place like Hell, Gabriel?" The demons' jaws dropped in astonishment, their whispers echoing through the hall: "Gabriel, the Archangel?"

  Gabriel's smile was laced with venom as he spoke, his voice dripping with condescension. "I've come to witness your futile attempt to infiltrate Heaven with your filthy demons. But I must say, I'm underwhelmed. Your plan is pathetic, a far cry from the brilliance I once admired in you." His gaze turned scathing. "You should have obeyed without question, Lucifer. You were created to serve, not to defy."

  As Gabriel's anger intensified, his hand closed around a delicate flower. It bloomed instantaneously, its petals unfolding like tiny wings. But in the same breath, the flower withered, its beauty fleeting. The gesture was a poignant reminder of Gabriel's divine power and Lucifer's own mortality.

  Lucifer's gaze flicked to Charlie, who was trembling visibly. He let out a soft sigh, rose from his throne, and approached Gabriel. His voice took on a warning tone. "That's enough, Gabriel."

  Gabriel's eyes flashed with defiance, but he persisted. "Lucifer, answer my question: How do you plan to redeem those already in Hell?"

  Lucifer laughed hardly that his tears came out. Everyone looked at him with visible confusion. He then said, "Oh Gabriel, Are you scared that the demons might come to Heaven? Gabriel moved his eyes to find answer. Lucifer's eyes were locked on him. He then ascended from his throne and came closer to Gabriel. He then whispered, "As I thought, you know there is a way. That is why you are here."

  Gabriel's eyes widened, but a sly smile spread across his face. "Dear Demons," he began, his voice dripping with condescension, "your precious princess, Charlatan Morningstar, will never be able to redeem you. Your filthy beings will never set foot on the sacred floors of Heaven."

  The assembly hung on Gabriel's words, their faces rapt with attention. The cameraman broadcast the declaration throughout Hell, ensuring every demon witnessed Gabriel's disdain. However, one figure stood out - Alastor, whose eyes gleamed with amusement, his expression a stark contrast to the tension surrounding him.

  Lucifer's gaze shifted to Charlie, who rose from her seat, her body trembling slightly. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and began to speak. "Why do you dare to set foot in Hell, if you find it so detestable? You Angels claim Heaven's purity is paramount, yet you return to Heaven after visiting us. You deny our King entry to Heaven, yet you enter Hell at your whim. Don't you think the King of Hell shows you great mercy, allowing you to disparage him in his own castle?"

  Gabriel's expression transformed, his eyes glazing over as if mesmerized by Charlie's words. He seemed momentarily speechless, his usual composure rattled. A low, menacing chuckle rumbled from his throat, sending a shiver down Lucifer's spine.

  Lucifer's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he sensed the underlying threat in Gabriel's laughter. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, the silence between them heavy with unspoken challenges.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Gabriel seemed to materialize beside Charlie, his movement imperceptible to the onlookers. His hand closed around hers, his touch cold and unsettling. Charlie's eyes widened, but she didn't pull away.

  "I invite you to Heaven," Gabriel said, his voice dripping with an unnerving sincerity. "As Lilith's daughter, you have a place among us. She misses you dearly." His gaze locked onto Charlie's, filled with an unspoken promise. "We can discuss the redemption of these... creatures, and the role you might play in their salvation."

  Lucifer's anger ignited, his eyes blazing with fury. With a swift, powerful motion, he hurled Gabriel across the room, sending him crashing into the stone floor. The air seemed to vibrate with Lucifer's rage as he turned to Charlie, his voice low and menacing.

  "She will never set foot in Heaven," Lucifer growled, his words dripping with conviction. "As long as I reign as King of Hell, I will never permit it."

  Charlie opened her mouth to speak, but Lucifer's gaze silenced her. His eyes burned with an unspoken warning, and Charlie felt a shiver run down her spine. She closed her mouth, her words unspoken, as Lucifer's fierce protection enveloped her.

  Gabriel just looked at Charlie and smiled. Lucifer had had enough, and his voice dropped to a menacing growl. "Gabriel, return to Heaven before I make sure you never can."

  He bowed low to Lucifer and vanished into thin air, his voice lingering as he whispered, "I will wait for you in Heaven, Princess Charlatan Morningstar."

  Lucifer turned to Charlie, his expression stern. "Go to your room." He then faced the audience, his voice taking on a commanding tone. "Leave. And, Vox, if you breathe a word about this incident, I'll make sure to share my thoughts on redemption with you personally."

  Charlie rushed to her room, her mind reeling with thoughts. Veggie was already there, waiting for her. Charlie threw her arms around Veggie, embracing her tightly.

  "Where were you?" Charlie asked, her voice trembling. "Did you know...?"

  Veggie gently interrupted her, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Charlie, don't you want to visit Heaven?"

  Before Charlie could respond, a knock at the door interrupted her. "Come in," she said.

  The door creaked open, and a hesitant voice spoke from the threshold. "Your Majesty, the king requests your presence in his chambers."

  Charlie's eyes widened in surprise. Lucifer never allowed her to enter his private quarters. A sense of trepidation mixed with curiosity stirred within her.

  Veggie's eyes remained fixed on Charlie, filled with unspoken questions. Charlie offered a reassuring smile. "Veggie, we'll talk later."

  With that, Charlie stepped out of her room and made her way to Lucifer's chambers. She raised her hand to knock, and before her knuckles even made contact with the door, a low, irritated voice growled from within.

  "Get in."

  Charlie stepped inside, her heart racing with trepidation. Lucifer sat in a chair, his face darkened by a scowl. The air was thick with tension.

  "Come here, Char Char," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "We need to discuss something of utmost importance."

  Charlie sat down, her voice trembling. "Father, please, I won't see my mother, so just—"

  Lucifer's expression darkened, and he rose from his chair, his voice thundering. "CHARLIE, how many times must I tell you to call me Dad?!"

  Charlie's body began to tremble. Lucifer sighed, his expression softening, and sat back down. In a low, measured tone, he spoke:

  "Listen, my princess. As my sole heir, you pose a threat to those who despise me. They want me to submit to them, but I'd rather cease to exist than bow to anyone. However, you... you are my vulnerability. My enemies believe that harming you will break me."

  Charlie spoke nervously, "Well, Dad, maybe they're trying to help. They might think that the only way to protect both Heaven and Hell is through diplomacy. And if they tried to assassinate me in Heaven, they'd know the consequences for Heaven would be catastrophic."

  Lucifer's expression turned disapproving, his voice laced with disdain. "If that's truly what they intended, why didn't they come to me directly? I am the King, after all. My authority is absolute. They don't want to harm you there, dear; they want to manipulate you. Just do as I say."

  Charlie stood tall, her voice filled with determination. "Dad, I want to go to Heaven. With only fifteen days left before the next extermination, I need to talk to them. I won't just sit back and wait for them to slaughter more of our people."

  Lucifer's face darkened, his growl low and menacing. "Charlatan Morningstar, I am not only your father but also the King of Hell. No one enters or leaves Hell without my permission."

  Charlie's eyes sparkled with defiance. "But, Dad, didn't my mother and Gabriel leave Hell? What about them?"

  Lucifer's anger boiled over, his voice cracking with emotion. "I don't want to lose you again."

  Charlie's eyes clouded with confusion. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

  Lucifer's expression turned cold, his mask of calmness slipping back into place. "This conversation is over. Go and rest. We will talk later."

  Charlie walked out of the room, her mind reeling with confusion. As she turned a corner, she spotted Alastor standing guard in front of a door. She approached him, curiosity getting the better of her.

  "Alastor, why are you standing out here?" she asked, nodding towards the door. "Why aren't you inside your room?"

  Alastor turned to face her, his unsettling smile still plastered on his face. "Ah, Charlie, I've been curious about something," he said, his voice low and mysterious.

  He took a step closer, his whisper sending shivers down Charlie's spine. "May I ask?"

  Charlie's cheeks flushed as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, ask anything."

  Alastor gestured for Charlie to enter his room, his smile still hinting at mischief. "Why don't we talk in here? A princess shouldn't be kept standing for so long."

  Charlie stepped inside, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks as she wondered if she'd made a mistake. As they sat down, Alastor's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing.

  "Will you really go to Heaven?" he asked, his voice low and intense.

  Charlie fidgeted with her hands, her brow furrowed in concern. "I-I don't know. Dad's not listening to me. He's being...overly sensitive about me going to Heaven."

  Alastor's chuckle sent a shiver down Charlie's spine. "Of course, he'd be sensitive," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "He almost lost you last time."

  Charlie's face darkened, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice low and menacing.