Chapter 12: The Greatest Show
Absolute darkness. A beat echoed from the floor beneath their feet. A shimmer of excitement flickered across the faces of the gathered guests.
Hidden demons began to sing.
"Whoa, oh, oha oh!"
Then, a single narrow spotlight goes on, revealing Stolas in a ringmaster's outfit. He wore a top hat, cane, red swallowtail coat, and shiny black boots.
Lucifer quickly grinned at the prince's choice of apparel much like his own.
Stolas's back was to the crowd, alone. His head was bowed, the top hat casting his face in shadow. He lightly tapped the cane on the floor, setting the rhythm, and Hell worked its magic. Stolas struck a pose. Around him, many seated royals started stomping their feet to the beat of the music.
"Whoa, oh, oha oh!"
Stolas took another pose, his boots clicking against the floor as the crowd stomped along with the rhythm.
"Whoa, oh, oha oh!"
Stolas began to sing.
"Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for."
"Whoa, oh, oha oh!"
"You been searchin' through the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor."
"Whoa, oh, oha oh!"
"And buried in your bones is an ache that you can't ignore."
He reached up and ran his claws over the brim of his top hat. He released it and allowed his hand to drift downward to rest on his cane.
"Takin' your breath." He tosses the cane, catching it after it twirls in front of him.
"Stealin' your mind." He opened his hand, letting the cane drop before snatching it out of the air again.
"And all that's real is left behind."
Stolas turned and walked between the tables, sending his coattails out to trail in his wake. Spotlights illuminated his path.
"Don't fight it, it's comin' for you, runnin' atcha. It's only this moment, don't care what comes after."
He slid to a halt between two tables, motioning in front of him with his cane as a spotlight came on where he pointed.
"Your fever dream, can't you see, gettin' closer."
He pointed at a different angle, where a second spotlight lit up. Then he spread his arms, the third and final spotlight erupting directly in front of him. A stage magically appeared in the room.
"Just surrender, cause you feel the feelin' takin' over."
He leaned forward and bobbed slightly to the beat. Then, he slightly tossed his cane, grabbed it, and took off at a run.
"It's fire, it's freedom, it's flooding open."
As he ran, four decorated horse demons entered in rich red and gold armor, their hooves matching the song's rhythm. They marched behind Stolas, perfectly timed to the beat.
Meanwhile, a number of shadowed figures gathered in the center of the performance stage.
"It's a preacher in the pulpit and your blind devotion (Oh)"
A series of lights suddenly flickered on, revealing several demons in colorful and strange outfits. Each demon stood on raised platforms, striking elaborate poses and moving in flowing gestures. Stolas continued his march toward the center stage.
"There's somethin' breakin' at the brick of every wall that's holdin' (Oh)"
In the background, shadowed figures rode the majestic, armored horses around the stage. A few demons on stage held torches high above their heads, the flames casting flickering shadows as the spotlights slowly faded into darkness.
"All that you know, so tell me, do you wanna go?"
Suddenly, the room exploded into light as four imps with torches spat fire into the air, creating arches of flames. The stage lights flashed on, showing everyone. In the back row, a pair of demons tossed rings high into the air, effortlessly catching them.
The imps used the Baphomets as springboards, launching themselves into the air to be caught by waiting Hellhounds.
"Where it's covered in all the colored lights"
A puff of smoke erupted on the side of the stage, revealing an imp strapped to a spinning wheel. Sparks flew as the wheel turned. Another imp stood across from the wheel, grinning as they hurled knives, each blade narrowly missing the limbs of their partner. Stolas walked past as dancing imps swirled in the background.
The imps twirled ribbons of fire, the Baphomets spun massive, glowing hula hoops, and the Hellhounds breathed streams of flames.
"Where the runaways are runnin' the night"
An imp with impossibly long legs strutted onto the stage, a smaller Baphomet perched on their shoulders. Stolas bent slightly, moving beneath their towering legs before straightening up beside them.
"Impossible comes true, it's takin' over you"
The Baphomet performed a front flip off their partner's shoulders without missing a beat, landing on a wooden lever. The impact launched a succubus high into the air. Her wings fluttered as she spun gracefully above.
"Oh, this is the greatest show"
#
Smoke filled the room, curling around the tables and cloaking the entire ballroom in an eerie mist until suddenly—
"Woah!"
Stolas burst out of the smoke as he sprinted forward. To his left and right, horse riders galloped alongside him. Behind them, a line of performers rushed to the center of the room.
"Colossal we come, these renegades in the ring!"
The performers followed Stolas's lead, flanking him with two majestic Hellephants, their tusks adorned with golden trimmings. Acrobats balanced precariously atop tall poles and danced along high wires.
"Woah! Where the lost get found and we crown 'em the circus kings!"
A flash of light enveloped the scene, and in an instant, Stolas was surrounded by his fellow performers.
"Don't fight it, it's comin' for you, runnin' at ya!"
As the song intensified, the performers erupted into a frenzy of flips and acrobatics. Fire breathers let loose streams of flame that cut through the smoky air, while the Hellephants reared up on their hind legs.
"It's only this moment, don't care what comes after!"
Dancers encircled Stolas, their movements synchronized, creating a swirling vortex of color and motion around him. A group of demons atop a large barrel juggled bowling pins with effortless skill, their rhythm perfectly in sync with the music.
"It's blindin', outshinin' anything that you know!"
The acrobats, tethered by long, sturdy ropes held by other demons, bounced and flipped high above the stage. Each leap sent them soaring, their bodies twisting and turning in the air before they landed with practiced ease.
"Just surrender 'cause you're comin' and you wanna go!"
White petals began to rain gently down as Stolas spread his arms wide. The crowd gasped as several ropes lifted acrobats skyward, spinning through the air. Trails of golden sparks spiraled behind them, creating a dazzling display that lit up the dimmed room. Among them, other performers hung from trapeze swings, swaying in time with the rhythm of the music.
"Where it's covered in all the colored lights! Where the runaways are runnin' the night!"
A stocky imp entered, riding atop a baby Hellephants that lumbered across the stage. The imp waved enthusiastically to the crowd, eliciting a chorus of laughter from children and adults alike.
"Impossible comes true, intoxicatin' you! Oh, this is the greatest show!"
On the ground, acrobats leaped through a series of hoops that appeared as if by magic, each jump more impressive than the last. Their movements were fluid and precise, each landing met with applause from the captivated audience.
"We light it up, we won't come down!"
Not to be outdone, a pair of hellhounds charged onto the stage, leaping through flaming hoops with fierce intensity. Their dark fur contrasted sharply with the bright flames, making their stunts even more thrilling to watch.
"And the sun can't stop us now! Watchin' it come true, it's takin' over you! Oh, this is the greatest show!"
Two Hellephants balanced on their hind legs while another pair stood on their front legs. Around them, horses galloped. The demons danced with wild abandon. Above it all, a lone acrobat swung, tracing wide arcs through the air.
"It's everything you ever want (Hey, hey)
It's everything you ever need (Hey, hey)"
And it's here right in front of you (This is where you wanna be)"
In a fluid motion, Stolas removed his top hat and handed it to the Hellephant closest to him. The Hellephant passed the hat to the acrobat soaring above.
"This is where you wanna be (Hey, hey)
It's everything you ever want (Hey, hey)"
The hat was then dropped from the acrobat's hands to a performer below, who caught it and passed it to the next. The hat continued being tossed and handed from one performer to another, rolling over shoulders, spinning on fingertips, and even balanced on the tips of feet, as it made its way across the stage.
"It's everything you ever need (Hey, hey)
And it's here right in front of you (This is what you want)
This is where you wanna be (Hey, hey, hey, hey)"
Finally, the hat completed its journey back to Stolas. He caught it with a flourish, placing it back on his head as he dashed into the shadows at the edge of the performance. This allowed the spotlight to shift back to the other demons, who continued their vibrant dance.
"Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Where the runaways are runnin' the night (Oh, oh, yeah)
Impossible comes true, it's takin' over you (Hee)
Oh, this is the greatest show
We light it up, we won't come down
And the sun can't stop us now
Watchin' it come true, it's takin' over you"
Suddenly, both Stolas and Danny, dressed in matching ringmaster outfits, sprinted from opposite ends of the stage. They slid into the center on their knees before getting back up.
In the audience, Stella and Octavia's eyes widened in surprise as they glanced toward Danny's now empty seat. The children seated around him were just as startled, their attention entirely captured by the unexpected twist in the performance.
Seeing her friend up there dancing with a wide smile seemed to bring everything together to the birthday girl.
"This is the greatest show!"
The master and apprentice twirled to the front of the group, their bodies moving with the rhythm as though the music itself was guiding them. In the back of Danny's mind, there was a sense of letting go, of trusting the flow that seemed to pull him along. Stolas glanced upward as a new spotlight revealed a group of acrobats soaring through the air, twisting and flipping.
A large hoop of fire descended from above, and the imps quickly lined up. They launched themselves through the blazing ring, spiraling through one by one.
"Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Where the runaways are runnin' the night"
Stolas and Danny mirrored each other's movements, bending one leg up while twirling an arm in a graceful arc. Their legs swung back in a half-circle across the ground, their full bodies following. Just as they turned away from the crowd, they kicked up their left legs and jumped into the air, spinning 180 degrees before landing smoothly on their right legs, top hats securely in place. They then returned to a relaxed "T" position.
"Impossible comes true, it's takin' over you
Oh, this is the greatest show!"
Two imps swung down from high wires to land beside Danny and Stolas. The ringmasters held their canes behind their heads with both hands as they kicked their feet to the beat, the energy of the performance building with each passing moment.
The imps began stacking themselves atop the shoulders of the towering Baphomets, forming human pyramids that reached skyward. Hellhounds circled the base of the pyramids as the imps balanced at dizzying heights.
"We light it up, we won't come down
And the walls can't stop us now"
Stolas and Danny hopped into a squat, twirling their canes around their heads before catching them in their right hands. They spread their legs apart, both hands gripping the cane at the center, then with a quick hop, brought their feet together as they pointed the cane downward, matching the direction of their outstretched left arms.
Watchin' it come true, it's takin' over you
Oh, this is the greatest show!"
The duo brought their hands and canes together, shifting the cane to their left hand. They took a wide step to the right, their arms curling upward while pressing the cane to the ground. The background dancers followed their lead, moving in a wave that echoed the ringmasters. Stolas and Danny placed their right hands over their hearts before extending them outward again.
At the pinnacle of the pyramids, imps flung themselves into the air, their bodies spinning and twirling in the spotlight before being caught mid-flight by Hellhounds. Others flipped gracefully from their Baphomet perches, landing precisely on the stage.
As they landed, the Baphomets formed a circle and began spinning faster and faster until they became a blur of motion.
"'Cause everything you want is right in front of you
(Oh, this is the greatest show)
And you see the impossible is comin' true"
Stolas and Danny gestured to everyone in the crowd with the cane in their right hands before hopping from their left and right foot to the beat.
(Oh, this is the greatest show)
And the walls can't stop us now, yeah
(Oh, this is the greatest show)
(Oh, this is the greatest show!)"
Stolas and Danny crossed their legs, lowering themselves into a turn before facing each other, extending their top hats outward.
"Oh, this is the greatest show
Oh, this is the greatest show
Oh, this is the greatest show!"
The spotlight shifted, revealing a massive cannon on the side of the stage. The crowd gasped in anticipation as imps began to clamber inside, readying themselves for the finale. Baphomets took their places at the cannon's massive cranks, their muscles tensing as they prepared for the grand finale.
"Oh, this is the greatest show (Oh, this is)
Oh, this is the greatest show (This is)
Oh, this is the greatest show (The greatest show)
Oh, this is the greatest show (This is the greatest)
Oh, this is the greatest show!"
With a resounding boom, the cannon fired, launching the imps high into the air, spinning and flipping across. On the other side of the stage, the Hellhounds leaped up, catching the imps before landing back on the stage.
Stolas and Danny moved through the performers, arms wide, directing the show's final moments. Each time they pointed to a demon, the performer struck a different pose, contributing to the grand crescendo. After a full circle, they adjusted their top hats and slid backward dramatically. Dropping to their knees, they watched as imps cartwheeled in front of them. They spun across the stage from a kneeling position, ending in a standing position at the very front.
For a moment, there was silence. The room seemed to hold its breath.
Stolas and Danny's smiles began to strain. Was it not good enough?
Then the first round of applause began, and it came from the Morningstar family, Lucifer and Charlie in particular. They beamed with happiness at the affair. On the side, Lilith gave her modest clapping.
"Oh, my gosh! I loved it! Everyone was amazing!"
Lucifer chuckled at his daughter's enthusiasm. "Quite the performance, there. I approve!"
Then, like a dam breaking, the rest of the room erupted. The guests leaped to their feet, clapping and cheering wildly. The younger demons jumped up and down excitedly while the more refined guests exchanged impressed glances before joining in the applause.
Octavia cheered her heart out to her father and Danny.
In contrast, Stella and Andrealphus rolled their eyes and clapped bitterly if only to fit in with the rest of the royals.
Danny relaxed his pose. Giving a sincere bow. His heart beat even faster than when he first met the King of Hell. Performance anxiety was a hell of a feeling her slapped himself out of backstage. He took a breath and waved to everyone.
Stolas straightened, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as he soaked in the crowd's adoration. A small smile tugged at his lips. He raised his cane in the air, twirling before bowing to his audience.
"Thank you, thank you, one and all!" Stolas's voice rang out clearly over the cheers, filled with charm and showmanship. "What a spectacular night this has been! I trust the entertainment was to your liking?"
The crowd roared even louder in response. Stolas chuckled softly, bowing once more.
As the applause continued, Stolas glanced at the table where Octavia sat.
She smiled brightly. "That was great, you two!"
His apprentice followed, and Stolas walked over to his daughter and sincerely hugged her. He smiled when she gave one to Danny as well. "We have the approval of tonight's princess, and that's all a father really needs."
Lucifer applauded at the sentiment while pulling Charlie into a side hug. He stood and spoke. "Well, well. That was quite the spectacle. I must admit, I didn't expect it."
Charlie grinned. "This was one of the more exciting parties I've attended in a while." Not many in her social circle tried to go for pizazz.
Danny and Stolas straightened. "Your Majesty. We're honored."
A smile grew on Lilith's expression when she stood as well for the first time in a while. "Your effort clearly shows."
Stolas chuckled softly. "I'm glad you think so, Princess. Honestly, we were... a little out of our element."
Danny rubbed the back of his head. "It was a grueling month or so to get this all ready."
Octavia gaped. "You guys were keeping this from me for a month!"
Lucifer raised a brow. "Out of your element? Please, Stolas. You looked like a natural. The kid wasn't bad, either. Might even be on par with the training performances at Lu Lu World ."
Danny turned bashful.
Stolas blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the compliment. He gave a humble nod, feeling a warmth of pride in his chest. "Thank you. That means a great deal coming from you. My apprentice and I deeply appreciate it."
Lucifer waved a hand. "For what it's worth, you both did well."
Danny and Stolas breathed a breath of relief before sharing a hug themselves.
"I suppose years of watching the circus have finally paid off," Stolas said with a wry smile. It was too bad he never saw Blitzo. "Alright, we'll be having an intermission before the next event, so please, mingle among yourselves and have a good time."
Soon, the room calmed down, and idle chatter continued as before.
Chapter 13: Private Chat With the Princess
Danny wandered aimlessly. Stolas had returned his clothing to the formal suit he'd been wearing before their performance. He glanced over to where Octavia was surrounded by her parents and other prominent families, engaged in what seemed to be polite yet tiresome conversations. He didn't want to intrude, so he gave her some space. The performance with Stolas had been exhilarating, but now that the adrenaline had worn off, he felt a bit overwhelmed by everything.
As he turned a corner, lost in thought, he suddenly collided with someone. He stumbled back a step and tried to regain his composure. "I-I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention—"
The person he had bumped into spoke. "No, no, it's okay. I should have been more careful."
Danny looked up and realized he had bumped into the Princess of Hell herself. He fumbled. "Princess! I—uh— I didn't mean to... I mean, I'm really sorry. You probably don't even remember me from earlier..."
"Daniel, right?"
He froze. "Yeah..."
Charlie chuckled. "It's nice to meet you again, Danny. No need to apologize, really. If anything, I want to congratulate you again. You and Stolas performed wonderfully up there."
"Heh, heh. Thanks."
She smiled. "Again, I'm Charlie. But you probably already knew that."
Danny nodded. "It's... a pleasure, Charlie."
Charlie laughed. "I guess that makes two of us, then."
"You know, you're much nicer than I expected the princess of hell to be. The same goes for the rest of your family. Um… No offense."
She waved it off. "None taken. The titles give that kind of reputation. Now, not only are you the birthday girl's best friend, but you're also Stolas's new apprentice.
Danny scratched the back of his head. "I actually met Stolas first before he introduced me to her. It's been nice ever since."
Charlie cooed. "Awe…" The Princess desperately wanted to tease the boy about the blushing expression he was making, but she decided to spare him any more embarrassment. "I suppose more congratulations are in order. That must be interesting."
"I'm not ready for magic yet."
Charlie waved a hand. "Trust me. Bide your time when it comes to magic. There was this time when I accidentally set the living room on fire."
"Oh, I hope your parents weren't upset."
"Nah. They were more happy that I conjured up something more than a few sparks."
Danny thought back to Stolas casting a shadow over the city to look at the night sky. "Yeah. I've got a ways to go."
Charlie nodded. "So, are your parents around? They must have liked the show, too."
Danny shook his head. "My mom and dad aren't with me now. I've been under Stolas's care recently. By the way, what do you know about a pou-."
"Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry for bringing it up. That was insensitive of me."
Danny blinked at her reaction but accepted it. "It's fine."
#
"So, Charlie, what was it like growing up in Hell?"
Charlie paused for a moment. "Well," she started, "it was... different, I guess. But it's home, you know?"
Danny nodded, leaning in slightly. "Was it tough? I mean, being the Princess of Hell and all."
"It had its challenges." Charlie smiled. "There's a lot of pressure when you're expected to live up to certain expectations, especially with my dad being... well, you know, Lucifer."
His gaze shifted to the king and queen of hell. "What are your parents like? I've read stuff about them, but you're their daughter. So..."
"Despite what others might think, my parents love each other very much. The only ones they get vicious over are those who hurt our family. Though it can get cheesy at times when I'm in the same room as them." Charlie's expression softened as she thought about her father. "Dad is... he's amazing, really. He's got this grandiosity about him that makes every moment feel like a stage show. Sure, he's like the most powerful being in hell, but he's also caring in his own way. He's always been there for me when I needed him. The problem is, I don't get to see him as much as I'd like. He's usually busy with one project or another, managing Hell and all the responsibilities that come with it. I know he tries, though, and I appreciate that." She glanced over at Lucifer, who was deep in conversation with a group of powerful demons
"Sounds like he really cares about you." Danny could see the affection and longing in her eyes.
"He does," Charlie agreed. "I just wish we had more time together. But I understand that he has a lot on his plate. Being the ruler of Hell isn't exactly a nine-to-five job."
Danny chuckled. "I can't even imagine ruling an entire realm. And what about your mom? What's she like?"
Charlie's face lit up. "Mom's incredible. She's always been there for me. She has this way of making you feel safe."
"She sounds wonderful." Danny smiled.
"She really is."
"It must be nice to have that kind of support from both your parents. It must be hard for kids with parents who don't support their dreams much…" A bit of Danny's personal feeling bled through.
"Yeah… In most things." Charlie's mood seemed to dip.
Danny raised a brow. "Really?"
Charlie paused. More often than not, other demons laughed at her idea. Granted, this was a child, so she held onto hope. "Well, Danny, have you ever met the sinners in the ring before?"
Danny shook his head. "The other hellborn suggested that I stay away from them."
"That is not… bad advice, considering that they are bad people from Earth who are sent here."
Danny thought about the news and the various crimes they reported. "I can imagine who the worst are like. I've heard that it's kind of a madhouse at… Pentagram City?" Think of all the criminals you have heard of and put them into one city.
"That's one way of putting it. Well," Charlie began, her voice soft but filled with conviction, "as you know, I was born here in Hell. Growing up, I always tried to see the good in everyone around me."
Danny nodded, offering her an encouraging smile. "I can agree with that. I try to do that, too."
Charlie's heart lifted at his words, feeling a small spark of hope. Finally, someone seemed open to her mindset, even if it was just a child.
"Hell is my home, and they are my people," Charlie continued, her voice growing more passionate. "It breaks my heart to see my people suffering every year. No one is even given a chance! I can't stand idly by while the place I live is subjected to such violence!"
She paused, gauging Danny's reaction. When he continued to listen attentively, she felt encouraged to go on. "So, I've been thinking... We need a humane way to hinder overpopulation here in Hell. Perhaps we can create an alternative way to change souls through... redemption?"
Danny didn't show any negative reaction, which gave Charlie the confidence to continue. "I think that's possible, yes! So, that's what my dream aims to achieve. I want to open a hotel that rehabilitates sinners!"
She waited, almost bracing herself for the inevitable laughter or mockery, but none came.
"That's... really nice, Charlie," Danny said earnestly. "You actually care about the people down here."
Success! This was the first step she needed to convince everyone. "Thank you! Unfortunately, nobody in Hell, including my parents, is supportive of the idea."
"It sounds like something that would make life in hell better for everyone if everyone was nicer." Then Danny tilted his head, curiosity written across his face. "But, how does redemption solve overpopulation?" he asked. He heard the word on the news, but sinners are dead already, so why does that matter?
Charlie put a finger to her lips. She was still talking to a kid. "Right! Well, redemption means that a sinner can leave Hell and go to Heaven!"
Danny nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Oh... Wait, are you saying you want to help sinners… get out of Hell?"
Charlie nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! I want to open a place where they can work toward redemption, where they can prove that they've changed, and maybe, just maybe, earn a way out of Hell."
Danny leaned forward. "Has anyone actually left Hell and gone to Heaven yet?"
Charlie's smile faltered slightly, and she shook her head. "Not yet."
"Really? No one since the beginning of time?" Danny asked. He had heard stories about figures like that Jesus guy doing something similar.
Charlie shook her head again. "No, but I'm determined to prove that it's possible. I just have to find the right way to help them."
"How does it work, though?" Danny asked, his brow furrowing in thought. "Like, if someone does become good enough, do angels come down and bring them to Heaven or something?" The logistics of such an idea baffled him; he wasn't sure how divine intervention worked in Hell or who judged souls.
Charlie blinked, realizing she hadn't fully thought that part through. "I... I don't know," she admitted, her voice softening. "I haven't figured that part out yet."
Danny's lips thinned as he considered her words. "Yeah... That's okay. You're just getting started. The important thing is that you're trying to do something good. But you might want to get clarification on that."
Charlie nodded, feeling both gratitude and determination. "Thanks, Danny. It means a lot to me that you believe in this, even if no one else does."
Danny grinned. "Maybe one day, you'll be the first person to actually get someone out of here and into Heaven."
Charlie's heart swelled. "Maybe I will."
#
As the conversation continued, Charlie's curiosity got the better of her. She leaned in with a playful grin and asked, "So, Danny, as her best friend, what did you get Octavia for her birthday?"
Danny hesitated for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. He recalled some advice he'd received a while ago, words of wisdom that had stuck with him: For a girl who has everything, give her something to remember."
"Well," Danny began slowly, "I thought about how she mentioned that the old, slow classical songs she used to dance to were kinda boring. So... I decided to do something different."
Charlie's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh? What did you do?" Her mind clicked. "You're gonna since and dance with her?!"
Danny took a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm... going to sing a song and dance with her. I told it to Stolas first. He was excited about the idea and has taught me how to dance the past few weeks. He was surprised at how quickly I picked it up."
Charlie's smile widened, and she gave a delighted little laugh. "That's so sweet and adorable!" She leaned in and playfully booped Danny on the nose. "You make it sound like it's nothing, but singing a song for someone is a big deal!"
Danny blushed slightly, feeling both embarrassed and flattered by her enthusiasm. "It sounds easier when you say it like that. At least Stolas and the other backup dancers helped carry the earlier performance."
Charlie shook her head, her tone encouraging. "Nonsense! You'll do great. You just need to sing from the heart. After all, the afterlife is a musical, Danny. The world around you will help you express yourself."
Danny raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Wait, what?"
Charlie giggled and leaned back, her eyes thoughtful. "Think about your performance with Stolas earlier. I know you guys practiced, but did you ever feel something welling up inside you? Like in those moments when you weren't sure what to do or say next, but somehow your body just knew?"
Danny paused, letting her words sink in. During the show, there were moments when he felt a strange pull guiding him when he was unsure of what to do. He had brushed it off as instinct or muscle memory, but Charlie's words made him reconsider.
"Huh," Danny murmured, lost in thought. "You might be onto something."
Charlie's smile was warm and knowing. "See? I told you. Not many people believe it, but my family and I do. It's like the world is always ready to help you sing and dance through whatever life—or the afterlife—throws at you."
Danny chuckled, the idea sounding more and more plausible the more he thought about it. "Well, you guys are the original family down here. I'll consider your advice. Thanks, Princess."
Charlie rolled her eyes playfully and waved off the title. "Again, Charlie is fine."
Danny smiled. "Okay, Charlie. Thanks for the pep talk."
"Anytime," she replied with a wink. "I can't wait to see the look on Octavia's face when you sing for her. We can talk more later."
Chapter 14: Gossip Column
Octavia finally got a chance to sit with her father and Danny. Her mother decided to talk to some friends across the room.
Octavia's eyes sparkled. "Thanks again, Dad. Danny. I loved all of it. Really. I didn't expect that at all."
Stolas beamed. "Again, I'm so glad you liked it, my dear. We wanted to make this day extra special for you."
Danny smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about hiding this from you for the past month. We wanted it to be a big surprise."
Octavia chuckled softly. "You practiced when I wasn't around. I won't lie and say it didn't sting to hear about it being a secret, but the results speak for themselves. I don't blame you." Her eyes shifted to Danny. "You never mentioned anything about dancing before. Was that another secret from me?"
Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you believe me if I said this was my first performance?"
She gaped. "No way?!"
Stolas chuckled. "Indeed. We practiced whenever possible, especially when you were busy with your other studies. Sometimes late at night or when you were out with your mother."
Danny nodded. "Yeah, Stolas kept his promise of making me a Renaissance man. We set aside the science lessons for singing and dancing. He's been really good. His magic helped with training, but I guess I picked it up faster than I thought."
Octavia nudged Danny lightly. "I would have never guessed."
Stolas nodded. "Danny even suggested some of the choreography himself."
Octavia's eyes widened. "You came up with some of it?"
Danny shrugged. "That's a strong word. It's more like I took inspiration from other movies and videos online."
"I couldn't have done so myself. I prefer my information analog for the most part." Stolas chuckled.
Octavia's heart swelled. "It makes it even more special knowing how much work you put into it."
Danny blushed slightly under her praise. "I'm glad you think so. I was kinda nervous about it, to be honest."
"Really? You didn't seem nervous at all," Octavia said, genuinely surprised.
"Are you kidding? My heart felt like it would pop out as I was performing," Danny said.
Stolas patted him on the back. "It's always like that the first few times. You'll get used to it on the next one?"
Octavia smirked. "Next one?"
Stolas coughed and crossed his arms, not wanting to spoil Danny's personal gift directly. "What? Did you think we were going to stop at this one? You're wrong."
She smiled warmly at them both. "So far, this is honestly the best birthday I've ever had."
Stolas's eyes softened. "That's all I ever wanted to hear, my dear. And it'll only get better as the night goes on."
Before Danny could respond, a voice called out. "Stolas, darling! A moment, if you will."
Stolas turned to see a demon royal approaching them with an air of entitlement. It was clear that whatever this was, it wasn't something Stolas could easily brush off.
"Ah, of course," Stolas said reluctantly. He turned back to Octavia and Danny with an apologetic smile. "I have to take care of this."
Octavia waved him off. "It's okay, Dad. We'll be fine."
With a nod, the demon led Stolas away, already diving into whatever topic was on their mind.
Danny watched him leave. "Well, looks like we can finally talk again."
"How have the other guests been treating you?"
"The kid's table I was at seemed okay."
"Yeah. Most parents put the kids they don't want to deal with at that table."
"Really? They didn't seem that bad. A bit messy, but okay."
"Exactly. Their parents don't want them to make them look bad next to them. It's mostly just showing face coming here."
"That sucks."
"Yea… So," Octavia began, curious, "I saw you talking with Princess Charlie earlier. What did you two talk about?"
Danny perked up, scratching the back of his head. He still had to hide the next surprise. "Oh, yeah. Princess Charlie was something else. Not what I expected. Much kinder. She was a bit curious about meeting me after the show. She asked a few questions about myself here and there."
"Many royals say that when they talk to her long enough." Octavia frowned. "Should I be concerned she knows the truth?"
He blinked. "No… I think we're good. She was more interested in my connection with Stolas. I also asked about her parents."
"I'm still surprised not as many people know about Lilith as Lucifer on Earth."
He shrugged. "I guess belief in her isn't as popular. In any case, Charlie seems to love them and them back."
Octavia's lips thinned. "Wish I had that…"
"You're Dad's a good guy."
"And my mom?"
"… From what I've heard around. She can be… cold."
She sighed. "Right…"
"On a lighter note, the Princess seems to have this big project in the works."
"Oh, what kind?"
"We were talking about… well, her idea. She's got this big plan to open a hotel here in Hell."
Octavia raised a brow. "Uh, why?"
"It's supposed to help sinners, like, redeem themselves. You know, a way for them to get out of Hell and into Heaven."
Octavia blinked. "A hotel… for redemption?"
"Yeah," Danny nodded. "I didn't really get it at first either, but she's serious about it."
"Aren't sinners sent to Hell for a reason? You know, because they were bad?"
"She thinks that sinners can, like, change or something. If they work hard enough, they could earn their way out of here."
"That's a thing?" Octavia frowned. "How is it supposed to work? Has it ever happened before?"
"I asked that too, but she didn't have an answer for that yet. I thought it might have happened before, but I may be wrong."
"Sounds pretty impossible?"
Danny shrugged. "Charlie's pretty convinced that it could work. She seemed really passionate about it."
Octavia crossed her arms. "It's not that I don't think she means well, but why? Lucifer never did anything about it before."
Danny put a hand to his chin. "She said that she didn't want to keep seeing her people suffer every year. Overpopulation affects Earth and Hell. I guess 'Hell is other people' is true in some way."
Octavia's eyes widened, knowing the real reason the Princess saw the sinners suffering. She and Stolas hadn't told Danny about THAT yet, had they? "Yeah… Sure…" She coughed. "Well, if they were bad in life, why give them a second chance? Doesn't that defeat the whole point of Hell?"
"I don't know," Danny admitted. "Then again, eternal punishment can seem like overkill. Crime and punishment and all that."
Octavia sighed, shaking her head. "I'm not really one to question the Princess. If she thinks this will help, I guess there's no harm in trying. In any case, I don't think most demons here are going to care much about sinners getting out of Hell."
Octavia grabbed his hand. "Come on. Let's see the other kids."
#
Lilith stood beside Lucifer. She smiled and nodded along with the conversation, yet she wasn't 100% there.
Lucifer, however, noticed a heaviness in her eyes. They've been like that for a while.
As they stood in the circle of royals, he glanced at Lilith from the corner of his eye. Her expression was calm, polite, but not present. The lively spark that once defined her was dimmed, replaced by something more resigned.
He placed a hand on her lower back. "Excuse us."
They barely gave a nod of acknowledgment before resuming their conversation.
Lucifer led Lilith away from the group through the crowd and toward the exit. Once they were in the quieter hallway, he stopped and turned to her, his brows furrowed with concern. "Honey, are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine." She avoided his eyes. It felt so rehearsed. "Everything's fine."
Lucifer sighed and reached for her hand. "Don't lie to me, Lilith. You're not fine." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "And I think you haven't been for a while."
Lilith pulled her hand back. She glanced away and took a deep breath. "I don't want to do this here."
Lucifer tilted his head. "We need to talk about this. You're hurting."
Lilith crossed her arms. "And what exactly do you want me to say, Luci? That I'm getting tired of it all?" She kept her eyes forward, her shoulders tense. "Not now, Luci. This party… it's supposed to be something happy. For the girl." She took a deep breath. "I don't want to ruin it with my own problems."
Lucifer stepping closer and rubbed his neck. "I know you don't want to, but we can't keep pretending everything's fine. I brought us here tonight to try and bring the family together. To show that we can still... be a family."
Lilith closed her eyes. "Luci, I understand what you're trying to do. I do. But tonight isn't the time for this. It's Octavia's day. She deserves to have one night without our issues hanging over everything." She turned to face him, eyes softening. "We'll talk. Just not now."
Lucifer's shoulders slumped. Lilith was holding back. Pushing wouldn't change anything. "Alright, we'll talk later. But we can't avoid it forever, Lilith."
She nodded. "I know."
Then, without another word, Lilith headed back toward the ballroom. Lucifer stayed behind, staring at the door. Finally, he followed her back inside, though his heart felt as heavy as ever.
#
Stella continued to watch Stolas. He was sharing stories with a group of younger demons. She sighed, and she leaned in closer to her friends. "Can you believe him? Parading around like some sort of... circus performer. It's embarrassing."
The other demoness shrugged. "I don't know. Lucifer and most of the guests seemed to like it, so he must have been doing something right." She didn't want to admit that she was also enjoying herself during the show.
Stella rolled her eyes. "At least young Daniel has the excuse of acting like a child because he is one." Granted, the boy and her husband earned points from Lucifer. "I could overlook for now." She didn't want to admit that a part of her was actually enjoying herself during the show. That part of her was suppressed for the best. She waved her hand dismissively. "Be that as it may, the family needs a proper man, a proper prince. I imagined one to be commanding and strong, not flitting about in ridiculous costumes like some... entertainer."
The other demon in their group smirked. "To be fair, Stolas is emulating the King of Hell a bit. Both have a flair for the dramatic, don't they? They even had the same ringmaster aesthetic for a while. Not exactly what you'd call... manly in the conventional sense."
Stella huffed with irritation. "Yes. Yes. I know. That's one of the things I loathe about Lucifer, but would never say to his face. I much prefer one of his siblings. If only Stolas were more like Satan."
Her friends nearly spit her drink. "Really? The ruler of Wrath?"
"At least he knows how to run a tight ship." Stella put a hand on her hip. "He even runs a successful business across the rings. He knows how to take charge and make people submit. Barely anyone can say no to the demon."
"I don't know if it's some fallen angel power, but he just has this presence. And that body... He's huge." A devious smile crept on her face. "Such toned muscles. Oh my, I bet you could grind meat on th-" She paused as she turned back to her friends, who were giggling at her slip.
"Oh, no. Keep going. Don't let us stop you."
Stella cleared her throat and calmed her blush. "Right... Where was I, before that?"
"Your husband..."
"Yes... Stolas... He's not a… bad father, but he's marginally better than my own in some aspects, but he doesn't need to hear that. Octavia is turning out better than I initially thought." Devil knows how Stella would have appreciated her parents being more attentive. "I know he says it's for our daughter, but he could have easily hired someone else to be part of the act. I know Paimon was more content with hiring outside help."
Her friend raised a brow. "Didn't he try to get one of those Fizzaroli toys, but they were unavailable."
Stella deadpanned. "Just let me vent."
"Sorry…"
"The point is that I've sacrificed a lot to reach this point in my life. Growing up, my parents promised me a proper royal husband. The least he could do is the same."
The other demons exchanged glances. "Couldn't your parents have found someone that's… less work? Did they even try to find a better match?"
"Oh, please. I'm absolutely sure that as soon as they saw the invitation from Paimon, they jumped on it and sold me out. It was the easy ticket for a Marquises to associate with a prince."
"I mean, it could be worse. You've shown us those texts your brother sends your way sometimes?"
Stella shuddered. "Don't remind me. I have the right mind to bash his head in the next time he makes that tone with me. I swear, he should have never gotten a hold of that book on Earth royalty and how they 'kept the bloodline pure.' At least the first demon families had an excuse. There were limited options, unlike now." She sighed. "Regardless, we've agreed to keep appearances. We have an image to uphold."
"So, how'd your husband take your 'suggestions'?"
"I think my pestering is starting to work. He wasn't against trying to exercise more." Stella began. "Though... I can't say dancing would have been my first choice."
"I don't know. Some dancing can get the blood pumping. Do you know what I mean?" the other friend asked, enjoying the drama.
Stella huffed. "We are all aware of what your type is."
"The point is, how receptive has he been?"
Stella shrugged. "I'll get there eventually. I just have to keep wearing him down till he actually listens. There are plenty of ways to keep your spouse under control. I'll get there one way or another."
Chapter 15: Candles and Keepsakes
Octavia led Danny through the ballroom, with Danny following closely behind. As they moved past various demons, he glanced at her, brow furrowed. "Uh, who and why are we meeting these demons?"
Octavia glanced back at him. "They're not friends if that's what you're thinking."
Danny raised a brow. "Then why bother?"
She sighed. "They're more like... associates. Don't get me wrong, they can get grating at times, but for the most part, I can tolerate them." Goodness, she was starting to sound like her mother.
Danny chuckled awkwardly. "Sounds like a glowing endorsement."
Octavia smirked slightly. "Trust me, in Hell, that's the closest thing you get to friendship sometimes."
They continued walking until they reached a quieter section of the ballroom, where two demons stood apart from the others and engaged in conversation.
One was a tall girl with dark plumage and amethyst eyes.
The other, a boy with red and gold feathers, had a sharp beak, which gave him a hawkish appearance.
"Amara, Flamel," Octavia called out.
The two demons looked up from their conversation. Amara smiled coolly while Flamel gave a lazy, uninterested nod.
Octavia gestured to Danny. "Please, introduce yourselves."
"Flamel, heir to House Pyronis," the red-feathered demon boy.
"Amara," the girl introduced herself with a small smile. "Not as grand a title as Flamel here, but I manage." Her eyes shifted to Danny with curiosity. "So, Octavia, this must be your father's new… student?"
"I'm her friend as well." Danny stood his ground. "Name's Danny."
Octavia gave a slight eye roll. "Danny, this is Amara." She gestured to the purple-haired demoness. "And that's Flamel." Her hand shifted to the fiery-haired demon who barely acknowledged Danny's presence beyond a glance.
"Nice to meet you both." Danny tried to keep things casual.
"I met him through my father, and my time spent with him is not something I regret," Octavia replied dryly.
Amara eyed him up and down with a smile. "So, Octavia, we saw your little friend up on stage. A prince's apprentice and a showman, I see. Interesting choice."
Flamel finally spoke up. "You were alright up there."
Amara chuckled. "I saw you drumming your hands and feet."
Flamel guffawed, "Was not!"
Amara poked him in the chest teasingly. "Was so!"
Danny smirked. "Glad you liked it."
"Yeah… Yeah…"
Octavia turned to Danny. "Told you, they're decent."
Amara let out a light laugh. "We'll have to try harder next time."
"I don't see much of your kind around here." Flamel gave Danny a once-over.
Danny heard the same from Axel and Brody.
Flamel simply shrugged. "So, how'd someone of your… rank get connected with Octavia's dad of all demons?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was an accident?" Danny shrugged.
Amara and Flamel raised brows at that. "You accidentally befriended a prince of hell?"
"That's one way of putting it." Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "I was fiddling with a spellbook I found, and the next thing I know, I'm face to face with Prince Stolas."
"A teleportation spell?" questioned Amara.
"Uh… Yeah…" Danny was technically summoning Stolas, but they didn't need to know that.
Amara grinned. "Huh. Not bad. What happened after?"
"Well, after some explaining, we talked a bit and hit it off. Then we… struck a deal?"
"You made a deal with Prince Stolas?!"
"Eh… Kinda. It's nothing soul-binding. He asked that we wait till I turn 13 or so."
"Huh. your parents, uh… parent…, was cool with it?" commented Flamel.
Danny waved off the question in dismissal. "It's fine. I'm doing okay as it is. Besides, Stolas took me on as his new student. I've been under his care so far." He shifted awkwardly for a moment. "So... what do you guys do for fun around here?"
Amara glanced at Ignis with a small smile. "Fun? Depends on your definition of fun."
Ignis crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not one to stay idle. It's not as common, but I like dueling.
"Dueling?" Danny asked, intrigued. "Like fighting?"
"Basically. Magic is nice and all, but I feel alive with a blade in my hand."
"Sound interesting."
Flamel nodded. "It's mostly friendly bouts, sometimes more intense. I have a lot of pent-up energy, especially around the royal circles. It's a good way to blow off steam. Ever thought of picking up a sword?"
Danny thought back to all those times his mother offered to teach him how to use practice weapons so he would be ready when their anti-ghost weaponry was ready. "It's come up a few times."
Amara rolled her eyes. "You basically challenge every strong-looking demon you come across, Ignis." She turned to Danny. "I prefer less violent activities. Not everyone can access a Grimoire, but I do well with alchemy."
Flamel huffed. "This girl keeps trying to get me into it, saying that it's in my blood or whatever."
She rolled her eyes. "Your ancestor quite literally helped the mortals create the first draft of the philosopher's stone."
Danny blinked. "Wait. That thing was real?"
Amara waved her hand. "Eh, kinda. The one that was first made could do a few things like healing and longevity, but people got it confused with what the final product is supposed to be."
"Well, if I ever decide to pick up the blade or the flask, I suppose I know who to ask," smirked Danny.
Flamel raised a brow at the boy. "Build some muscle first. I wouldn't want to get blamed for breaking something."
Before they could continue, Stolas stepped back onto the stage. He tapped the floor. The room gradually quieted.
"I hope you've enjoyed the evening thus far." His eyes landed on Octavia. "It is time for the birthday cake!"
"We can talk again later." Octavia pulled Danny toward the main table.
The room's lights dimmed again, drawing the guests' attention toward the main entrance. The large double doors at the room's far end slowly swung open.
A group of imps each carried a small lantern, illuminating the path as they marched forward.
A trio of demons led the procession, pushing a massive cart covered with a velvet cloth. The crowd fixated on the surprise. As they neared the center of the room, where Octavia sat at her table, the demons positioned the cart directly in front of her.
They pulled away the velvet cloth, revealing a towering birthday cake. Silver stars and crescent moons adorned the sides. At the very top of the cake was a sugar sculpture of an owl about to take flight.
There was a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs." They admired the swirling patterns, edible jewels, and lace-like icing.
Octavia's eyes widened in surprise and delight. Her smile beamed brightly.
The imps lit the various sparklers on the cake, replicating shooting stars in the room's darkness. As the sparklers on the cake began to fizzle out.
The imps and demons who had escorted the cake now began to hum a soft tune of "Happy Birthday." It was soft at first before growing louder.
"Happy birthday to you..."
Even the more dignified guests joined in for the sake of the festivities.
Octavia's cheeks flushed with warmth. She glanced around at everyone
"Happy birthday to you..."
The room's lighting dimmed further, leaving the cake's candles. The soft glow bathed Octavia's face.
"Happy birthday, dear Octavia..."
The song's final line was drawn out, and the crowd's voices lifted in unison, holding the last note.
"Happy birthday to you!"
The last note faded into silence. Octavia prepared to make her wish. Taking a deep breath, she made her wish. With a small smile, Octavia blew out the candles.
The room erupted into applause.
Stolas clapped the loudest. Even Stella gave a polite nod of approval.
Octavia didn't feel the usual pressure. As the applause continued, she caught Danny's eye across the table. He gave her a thumbs-up, a grin on his face. Octavia returned the gesture with a smile.
Despite her mother's protests, Octavi insisted that Danny sit with them as they ate her birthday cake.
Danny grabbed his fork and glanced over at Octavia."So, how does it feel?"
Octavia dug into the cake. "I'm more excited about the actual party than anything else.."
Danny took a bite of the cake. "Glad I could help." His eyes lit up as the rich chocolate melted in his mouth. "Okay, this is amazing."
Octavia took a bite and savored the flavor. "Yeah, my dad doesn't disappoint."
Everyone ate in comfortable silence for a few words here and there, listening to the classical music overhead.
#
After about 30 minutes, the servants collected the leftover cake plates, leaving the tables cleaned again.
Stolas moved to the head of the room. Clearing his throat, Stolas lifted a hand, signaling the room's attention. "My dear friends. Now that we've filled ourselves with sweet indulgences, it's time for the part of the evening that I know my dear daughter has been waiting for... the presents."
Stolas gestured toward the side of the ballroom where an impressive collection of ornately wrapped gifts sat in wait.
"As you can see, our dear Octavia has been spoiled," Stolas said with a chuckle. "But I think it's only fair that we begin the gift-giving in true style." He motioned to a nearby servant, who brought forward the first gift, its wrapping shimmering in dark purples and golds.
Octavia couldn't entirely hide the hint of curiosity
Stolas looked toward her. "Shall we begin, my dear?"
Octavia stepped forward, all eyes on her.
Stolas and Stella stood nearby, watching their daughter.
Octavia picked up the first gift. She carefully untied the bow and lifted the lid. Inside was a crafted necklace of black pearls and onyx.
"This one is from the Dravenor family," Stolas noted. "A fine piece of craftsmanship."
Octavia nodded, setting the necklace aside with a polite smile. "It's nice."
Next came a much larger package wrapped in shimmering gold paper. Octavia glanced at the card, which was marked with the sigil of the Vespernox family. Inside was an elegant, oversized book bound in dark blue leather. Skimming the first few pages showed that it was a copy of their family recipe book.
She continued to open each gift in turn. There was a lavish, jewel-encrusted hairpin shaped like a rose, a set of enchanted cushions that promised to ensure the most restful sleep imaginable, and a bizarre but beautifully constructed grandfather clock. The pile started to grow as the minutes passed.
The next caught Octavia off guard. It was small and wrapped in white velvet. She glanced at the tag. "From the Morningstar family."
From the side, Charlie and her father grinned in excitement.
Octavia opened it and found a small, handheld telescope. The craftsmanship was flawless. "Wow!" With this, she and Danny didn't need to lug their entire setup to watch the skies at the park! Octavia's eyes widened in surprise. She looked up at Lucifer and held the telescope up to the light. It was something she would actually use. The birthday girl bowed. "Thank you very much, your Highnesses."
Lucifer, Charlie, and Lilith waved it off playfully. "A child's smile is all that matters."
#
Then, as the last guest presents were opened, Stolas and Stella glanced at each other. In preparation for today, they set aside their feelings to give their daughter a sincere gift.
Her father motioned toward a smaller, more modestly wrapped box that rested beside his chair. "Octavia, this one is from your mother and me."
Octavia reached for the present. Her fingers undid the ribbon and unwrapped the paper. Inside was a beautifully carved and polished wooden box. Octavia gasped. Inside was a stunningly made music box. Etched into the wood were delicate carvings of stars. It was clearly modeled after her favorite constellation: Noctua. A tiny key shaped like a feather was atop a velvet lining.
Stolas leaned forward. "Go ahead, wind it up."
Octavia lifted the key, inserted it into the music box, and gave it a turn. The lid slowly opened, and a soft, familiar melody filled the room. It was the lullaby her father sung to her when she was younger, the same song that helped her drift to sleep after nightmares.
Her breath hitched as a tiny figurine spun inside the music box—an owl soaring through a sky full of twinkling stars.
Stella's voice cut through the music. "Between me and your father, you are someone we are going out of our way for."
Octavia's eyes watered as she ran her fingers across the box's carvings. She placed the box on the table and hugged both of her parents. "Thank you," Octavia whispered. "It's perfect." This was one of the few times that Octavia hugged both of them simultaneously.
Stolas smiled and pulled them all together. Meanwhile, Stella softly rubbed her daughter's back.
#
Her parent's gift was the last box in the pile. While Octavia didn't expect him to get a gift for her last minute, she would have liked to hear his thoughts. When everyone returned to their seats, Octavia turned to Danny, who watched her unwrap her gifts from across the table.
She placed her hands behind her back and tried to act nonchalant. "So, Danny. I know you didn't have to get me anything, but did you have anything in mind?"
Danny blinked as if snapped out of his thoughts by the question. "But I did."
Octavia paused and looked at him with wide eyes. "You did?" She turned back to the pile. "Did I misread one of the labels?"
A sheepish smile crept onto his face as he scratched the back of his neck. "Well… my gift isn't exactly something you can unwrap."
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Danny tilted his head slightly toward the stage. As if on cue, the lights in the ballroom dimmed, and in a sudden flash of smoke, several demons holding various instruments appeared. The crowd murmured in surprise and excitement as the demons took their positions, the atmosphere in the room shifting instantly.
Before Octavia could fully process what was happening, Danny was transported to the stage in a swirl of ethereal mist. Now holding a microphone in his hand, he looked out over the audience, but his gaze settled squarely on Octavia.
"This song goes out to you, Octavia," Danny said into the microphone. "Happy Birthday!"
Chapter 16: Firework
From her seat at the front, Octavia stared agape as her friend was about to do a solo performance just for her. At first, there were raised brows and curious glances from the audience, particularly from Stella.
The lights dimmed, and the room went quiet. A single spotlight illuminated the dance floor, revealing a small orchestra of demons with instruments.
This is different from the usual grandiose performances expected at such high-society events. The orchestra was appreciated. She braced herself for the worst, ready to intervene if necessary.
Dressed in the same sharp suit and with a microphone, Danny took a deep breath.
Danny turned to the band members beside him. "Stolas gave you the song, right?" He ignored the fluttering in his stomach.
Several imps gave him enthusiastic thumbs up. One of them winked. "We've got you covered, kid."
He recalled Charlie's advice. 'If I sing from the heart, the world will help.'
In truth, music was more than just entertainment—it was woven into the very fabric of existence. In moments of high emotion, melodies could manifest and transform the world around them, making even the most stoic of demons tap their feet in time.
From deep within his chest, he could feel the same pull from before. 'Alright. Let's do this.' He stepped forward into the spotlight in the center. All eyes turned to him.
Danny smiled at Octavia before glancing toward Stolas and Charlie. The princess silently clapped her hands excitedly before giving her a double thumbs up.
The band began to play, and Danny's heart raced. His foot tapped to the beat, and his voice joined the music before he knew it.
YT: Katy Perry - Firework | Epic Orchestra
"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?"
For a brief moment, Stella felt her chest shutter at those words.
"Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin,
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?"
Lilith's shoulders shifted, avoiding the gaze of her husband.
Meanwhile, Danny felt the internal hum as he lost himself in the song and walked about the floor. His confidence rose as his intent and actions grew in sync with building music.
"Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing...
Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you..."
Octavia and Charlie raised a hand to wipe the slight wetness in their eye. Octavia wasn't used to being the center of attention, but hearing Danny sing just for her felt amazing.
The string section started playing, shifting the atmosphere. They could feel the intensity building.
"You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine."
"Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July!"
Even the more stoic guests were tapping their feet or swaying to the rhythm.
With a subtle flick of his wrist, Stolas sent out his magic. A shower of sparks resembling that of a firework spewed from his chest.
Then, with a dramatic pause, Danny raised his hand as though holding onto that spark, feeling it burn brightly inside him. His gaze swept over the audience, and a powerful crescendo electrified the air.
Danny walked up to Octavia, extending his hand.
Octavia's eyes lit up with excitement as she took his hand.
Danny brought her to the floor and spun Octavia in a smooth twirl. A warm smile tugged at his lip. He was giving everything to the performance. Danny's voice pulled the audience closer as he gently spun her again. His arms swung in smooth arcs as he twirled.
Octavia followed his lead, feeling lighter than she had in ages. Octavia laughed as she let herself enjoy the moment. They glided across the stage, light on their feet.
Stolas saw his daughter's expression soften as they danced together.
Across the room, Lucifer Morningstar was seen tapping his foot to the rhythm.
Beside him, his daughter Charlie bopped enthusiastically as she clapped along. Once more, seeing their ruler enjoying the performance caused a ripple effect among the attendees.
"'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth"
"Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
As you shoot across the sky-y-y!"
Sparks shot from the corners of the stage, dazzling the crowd with vibrant colors. Danny spun in place, kicking his feet up in time with the beat, lifting his arms toward the sky as if tossing the sparks out into the room.
Octavia twirled gracefully beside him, her feet barely touching the floor as she glided across the stage. She glanced down, surprised to see the same glowing sparks rising from her chest. A deep violet firework bloomed above her, perfectly matching the color of her feathers and eyes. She smiled, captivated by its beauty.
Danny sidestepped across the stage, punctuated by a quick, playful hop. He slid into a smooth dip, one hand sweeping dramatically toward Octavia as she mirrored his movement. As his voice rose and fell with the bursts of color, he moved effortlessly, his body following the rhythm instinctively.
Grinning, Danny did a quick spin on his heel, stepping toward Octavia and extending his hand. She took it, and together they moved into a lighthearted waltz, their steps in perfect sync. He threw his arms wide, inviting everyone to join in, while Octavia performed a quick spin, her dress flaring around her as the music built.
The guests started clapping along. The sparks over their chests glowed brighter, like embers waiting to ignite. People looked around in wonder, some reaching toward the glowing sparks above their hearts, trying to touch the magic in the air.
Danny broke into a series of quick-footed side steps. Octavia landed softly beside him as they danced together. Fireworks exploded in brilliant colors behind them, crackling and shimmering all around. The crowd was mesmerized.
The music surged with life. With a dramatic leap, Danny spun forward, raising his arms as the stage lights burst into vivid red, white, and blue. The pair glowing under the shower of magical sparks.
A pair of noble demons exchanged glances before shrugging and rising from their seats, moving to the open floor and beginning to dance with surprising fervor. Another couple joined in, then another, until the dance floor was alive with twirling figures and laughter that echoed joyously against the marble walls.
"Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst"
"Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe!"
Danny's confidence grew . The magic of Hell responded. The very air seeming to pulse with energy. The chandelier lights brightened, casting dazzling patterns across the room, and the once-stuffy ballroom transformed into a scene of vibrant celebration.
Champagne glasses were raised, and more demons joined in, their reservations melting away as they moved to the infectious rhythm.
He spun on his heel, lifting his arms toward the sky as if tossing the sparks out into the crowd, his feet sliding effortlessly across the stage.
Octavia swayed gently to the beat, her cheeks flushing as Danny sang just for her. She moved closer, and Danny took her hand, guiding her into a smooth twirl.
Small fireworks burst across the stage. Octavia couldn't help but laugh.
For Octavia, the rest of the room faded away. It felt like it was just the two of them. Danny's hand rested gently on her back, guiding her. She stepped with him, light on her feet.
Her smile grew wider. This felt... perfect.
On cue, sparks shot from the corners of the stage. Danny spun her again, this time lifting her gently as they moved together, her feet leaving the ground for a brief moment before landing gracefully.
With a graceful leap, the two of them landed in a crouch, then sprang up, arms raised high, their movements perfectly in sync. The crowd gasped as more bursts of light erupted above, fireworks raining down like stars.
Above the audience, tiny fireworks bloomed over their chests, matching the rhythm of the music.
Everyone was entranced, captivated by the colorful display of light and sound. Danny twirled again. Octavia followed with a series of light-footed hops.
Danny danced across the stage, spinning and kicking out his feet.
A burst of fireworks exploded above, filling the ceiling.
The two young demons twirled and spun across the floor, full of joy and energy.
"You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced.
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow."
Lilith's hands tightened underneath the table.
Lucifer made his way to her. He extended his hand. "Care to join me, my queen?"
Lilith raised an eyebrow. "Lucifer, you know I'm not much for dancing as of late"
With a playful grin, he took her hand and gently pulled her onto the dance floor. Lilith hesitated for only a moment before allowing herself to be led, and soon enough, the King and Queen of Hell were dancing. Soon, others began to join in.
"Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road.
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know."
Danny and Octavia spun together again. Octavia was spun out and then back into Danny's arms. One by one, tiny sparks of light flickered above everyone's chest, colorful bursts hovering just over their hearts.
Lights flickered and swirled around them like something out of a dream.
Throwing his arms wide, bursts of vibrant light shot up behind Danny like real fireworks. He leapt forward, approaching the crowd with a wide smile.
Spinning in time with the rhythm, his jacket flared dramatically as he turned, his feet light and fast on the floor. Octavia, right beside him with a quick, playful step, twirling once before dropping into a deep dip, her dark plumage shimmering in the light.
The two danced side by side, completely in sync.
Octavia she jumped into the air before landing with a spin.
The crowd cheered even louder as dazzling lights exploded behind them. The fireworks lit up the stage with fiery colors.
Octavia twirled back into Danny's arms, and they continued their dance.
"You just gotta ignite the light,
and let it shine!
Just own the night,
like the Fourth of July!"
As Danny hit the bridge, the stage erupted with light, casting an electric glow over the entire ballroom. He spun with his arms wide open, golden fireworks crackling above him in time with the music's intensity.
Octavia stepped forward with a quick, graceful spin. She leaped into the air and then glided back down to meet Danny's next move.
Danny kicked up his heels in a powerful spin, dropping low into a smooth crouch before springing back up. Octavia twirled beside him.
The lights exploded into a brilliant spectrum, splashing across the room as they danced. Octavia dipped low, spinning beneath Danny's outstretched arm before they both sprang back up.
Danny leaped high into the air, turning in a fluid spin with his arms raised. Octavia followed with a twirl of her own. The stage lights burst into vivid flashes.
"'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
As you shoot across the sky!
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe!"
Small fireworks burst across the stage.
The sight of Lucifer and Lilith dancing was enough to send the party into overdrive.
Danny had hoped to make the party more fun, but this was beyond his wildest expectations.
As Danny threw his arms wide, Octavia stepped in close, spinning under his arm before twirling away.
The sparks hovering above everyone's chest exploded into vibrant bursts of color.
Octavia leaped into the air in a graceful arc that perfectly caught the light. She landed smoothly and fell into step beside Danny.
He guided Octavia into a slower spin. They met at center stage.
Octavia spun gently around him before coming to a stop by his side.
Danny's feet glided effortlessly across the floor. He spun and twirled, and Octavia followed suit. Grinning, Danny threw his arms wide toward the crowd, as if inviting everyone to join in the magic of the moment.
Danny's voice soared through the lines. His heart raced with pure joy. The lights flickered and swirled around.
"Boom, boom, boom,
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon!"
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through!"
Champagne flowed freely as servants hurried to keep up with the sudden demand.
As Danny's voice soared higher, Octavia twirled toward him from the side of the stage. She glided across the floor, before stepping into sync with Danny as the music built to its peak. With a perfectly timed leap, Danny and Octavia moved together, landing in a low crouch before springing up with their arms wide, just as the sparks shot up behind them in a burst of dazzling lights.
As Danny reached the edge of the stage, he kicked out his leg before spinning on his heel, throwing his arms wide. Octavia took the cue, spinning beside him as she extended her arm out as well.
Octavia stepped in close, her hand brushing his arm before they spun apart.
More lights exploded into vibrant colors.
Danny and Octavia spun and kicked together. With a dramatic raise of his arms, another wave of fireworks erupted behind them. Octavia did a graceful backbend as the fireworks exploded above, then sprung up with a twirl.
"'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth!
Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
As you shoot across the sky!
Stella felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found Andrealphus standing beside her as he extended his hand.
"Andrealphus," she hissed, glaring up at her brother.
"Care to dance, dear sister?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows teasingly.
"I most certainly do not," Stella snapped, attempting to swat his hand away. But Andrealphus was persistent, and with a swift motion, he pulled her to her feet and onto the dance floor. Stella protested vehemently, but the divine rhythm that permeated Hell made resistance futile.
To the shock of both Stolas and Octavia, Stella moved to the beat, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips despite her efforts.
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst!
Make 'em go, 'Oh, oh, oh'
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe!"
The entire ballroom was having the time of their lives.
Octavia stepped forward, meeting him at center stage. She extended her arm, and Danny took it, pulling her into a smooth, sweeping turn.
Danny twirled Octavia under his arm, her dress fanning out around her like a blooming flower. He spun her once more, this time pulling her in close as they shifted into a classic ballroom dip, Octavia's back arching gracefully as Danny supported her.
With a flourish, they moved into a series of quick steps. Danny guided Octavia through a series of spins and elegant twirls. The floor beneath them glowed with each step.
"Boom, boom, boom,
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon!
Boom, boom, boom,
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon."
Danny and Octavia ended their performance with a dramatic finish—Danny down on one knee, extending his arm as Octavia spun gracefully beside him, her movements perfectly timed with the fireworks that burst behind them.
As the music peaked, Danny spun one last time, grinning as the stage erupted with color and light. The fireworks filled the room in a spectacular display, and the final notes played. The lights dimmed momentarily, only to explode into one last cascade of fireworks.
A final golden firework exploding above showered the room in shimmering sparks. The room soon erupted into thunderous applause. Like before, the duo on stage ended with a bow. Glowing embers lingered in the air.
The imps behind him hooted and high-fived, clearly proud of their performance.
Danny tried to catch his breath. A satisfied smile crept across his face. He turned to Octavia. "So... what did you think?"
Octavia breathed hard. "That was incredible..." She rushed over to him and pulled him into a hug. "That was amazing, Danny!"
Danny rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks... It was a mix of the training and... faith?"
Octavia met his eyes. "It was perfect. Thank you, Danny. It's one of the best gifts I could've asked for."
Danny's grin grew even wider. He smiled sheepishly at the crowd.
Lucifer stepped forward, clapping enthusiastically as he addressed the crowd. "Now that, my friends, is how you celebrate a birthday! Bravo, Danny! Bravo!"
Even the demon royals, known for their stoic expressions, nodded approvingly.
The guests echoed his sentiment, many still buzzing from the performance's invigorating effects. Stella, though still somewhat perturbed, couldn't deny the uplifted mood permeating the room. Even she found herself clapping along, albeit with a touch of begrudging acceptance.
Smiling proudly, Stolas walked up to the children and rested a hand on Danny's shoulder. "You were incredible. I couldn't be more proud."
Eyes widened as Charlie Morningstar bounced over to Danny and picked him up into a big hug herself. "That was awesome!"
Blushing, Danny felt the warm praise wash over him. It was a bit of a risk to his self-esteem, but it was all worth it. Maybe performing wasn't so bad after all.