Warmth wrapped around them like a living thing.
The private spa hidden deep within the Lust Ring was nothing like the chaotic streets outside. Thanks to Ozzie's influence, the area was warded, soundproofed, and enchanted for comfort rather than indulgence. Pools of softly glowing water steamed gently, infused with magic, scented oils, and minerals that soothed both body and soul.
Charlie sank deeper into the water with a contented sigh, a towel draped loosely over her shoulders.
"Ahhh," she breathed. "I swear, it feels like it's been years since I've relaxed like this. The hotel's been consuming all my time. And then Adam pushed the extermination schedule up—" She groaned softly. "I haven't had a moment to just… stop."
Bee floated nearby, lazily rubbing shimmering oils into her fur, each stroke making it softer and brighter. "I would help if I could," she said apologetically. "But rules are rules. Sins can't directly interfere with other Rings. Helping Charlie too openly would count as territorial expansion."
Vaggie nodded, reclining against the edge of the pool. "We know, Bee. The last thing we want is you getting dragged into a political mess because of us."
"It's still a stupid rule," Octavia muttered, stretching her wings slightly as the water made her feathers gleam. "But Max said it was put in place ages ago—back when the Sins were a lot more aggressive than they are now."
She glanced toward the ceiling thoughtfully. "Honestly, I'm surprised how much he knows about Hell's history. He talks about it like he lived through it."
Loona exhaled smoke slowly, lounging with one arm over the edge of the pool. The cigarette she held wasn't harsh—it was one Ozzie himself had recommended. "Yeah. He knows more about this place than most demons born here. Gotta give him credit. And he didn't learn it for power. He learned it for us."
Charlie smiled softly at that. "He really did."
She leaned back, eyes closed. "He's… perfect for us. Even if he's weird sometimes."
Loona snorted. "Sometimes?"
They laughed, the sound echoing gently through the spa.
---
After nearly an hour of soaking, conversation, and pure relaxation, the group finally dried off and changed. From there, they wandered through Lust—carefully avoiding the louder districts.
Instead of clubs or explicit venues, they stuck to upscale shops, enchanted boutiques, and places that leaned more toward enhancement than indulgence. Ozzie had outlawed anything involving coercion long ago, but Lust still specialized in… amplifying experiences.
They stopped at a surprisingly normal-looking clothing store.
Charlie held up a red dress, elegant and flowing, clearly meant for a night out rather than anything overt. "What do you think?" she asked, hopeful. "It's nice, right?"
The others gathered around, nodding.
"Looks great," Bee said enthusiastically. "Very you."
They all found similar dresses—each tailored perfectly to their shapes. For a moment, it felt like a done deal.
Then Vaggie squinted at the tag.
"…Uh. Maybe not," she said slowly.
Charlie blinked. "What?"
"It says the dress automatically teleports a few feet away from the wearer when they lie down," Vaggie read flatly. "I don't think this counts as casual wear."
The mood deflated instantly.
"…Oh," Charlie said, deflated.
Bee, however, grinned—and promptly bought hers.
The others stared at her.
"What?" Bee said, unapologetic. "I wanna surprise Max. Besides—how many dresses do you know that have four armholes? I'm taking it."
Octavia glanced at her own dress, hesitating. "…Not now," she decided, setting it back. "But maybe later."
They continued shopping, laughing, buying smaller things, and enjoying the rare freedom of just being together.
---
Eventually, hunger set in.
They chose a restaurant tucked away from the louder streets—no performers, no suggestive menus, just good food.
As they waited, Loona sighed impatiently.
Without warning, a shadow pooled briefly near her chair. A perfectly cooked steak bite emerged, floating into her hand. She popped it into her mouth.
Octavia stared. "Since when can you do that?"
Loona shrugged. "Max gave me access to his shadow storage. Mostly for snacks."
Charlie blinked. "That's… actually really sweet."
"He could probably do it for you too," Loona added. "Just ask."
Their food arrived soon after, and conversation flowed easily.
They talked about the hotel. Work. Parties. Stress. Small victories.
Then Bee casually dropped a bomb.
"So," she said, on her fifth plate already, "when do you think the wedding should be?"
Everyone choked.
Octavia coughed violently. "Bee!"
Charlie turned bright red. "We—we've only been engaged for a week."
Vaggie groaned. "You're doing this on purpose."
Bee laughed. "Fine, fine. Just a thought."
The table settled into awkward silence for a moment—then slowly shifted into something more serious.
They talked about Max.
About politics.
About what he'd become once married. What that meant for them. Whether Hell would see them as symbols, targets, or leverage.
None of it was frightening—but it was heavy.
By the time the meal ended, they were emotionally spent but closer for it.
---
They booked a hotel for the night rather than returning immediately.
It felt right—to stretch the day just a little longer.
As they settled in, each of them found themselves thinking the same thing.
They missed Max.
And tomorrow—
They couldn't wait to go home.