The Hazbin Hotel had never exactly been normal, but these days, it had become even more unusual. What began as Charlie Morningstar's ambitious attempt to redeem sinners had grown into something far bigger, with the Morningstar family themselves taking residence within the hotel alongside Charlie's friends, residents, and ever-growing collection of redemption projects. Between rehabilitation, demonic chaos, and the occasional disaster, the hotel had become a strange sort of home for Hell's royal family. Even Lucifer Morningstar, the King of Hell himself, lived beneath its roof, making the hotel one of the most important—and unpredictable—places in all of Hell.

Of course, being royalty in Hell came with its complications. The citizens of the Pride Ring had rather mixed feelings about the Morningstars. Some genuinely admired the family, believing Charlie's dream and Lucifer's involvement were proof that the royal family actually cared about Hell and its people. Others couldn't stand them, viewing the Morningstars as arrogant rulers who had no business meddling in the lives of sinners. Unfortunately for the royal family, hatred had a tendency to become much more dangerous than simple insults. The Morningstars, and Lucifer in particular, had become a hotspot for violence, assassination attempts, and demons eager to prove themselves by taking a swing at the King of Hell.

Which was precisely why Amelia existed. As Lucifer's personal bodyguard, she had one of the most demanding jobs in the entire hotel—and somehow, she was exceptionally good at it. Amelia had originally arrived as one of Charlie's redemption projects, another sinner given a chance to prove that she could become something better. Then Lucifer hired her. Somewhere between protecting him from assassins, breaking up fights, dragging him away from situations he absolutely shouldn't have been involved in, and keeping him alive through his own questionable decisions, redemption quietly became a back-burner thought. Now, Amelia's primary responsibility was keeping the King of Hell alive, whether he liked it or not.

And right now, Lucifer was in the hotel lobby, lounging comfortably while discussing royal matters with Charlie and Vaggie. Something involving Heaven, diplomatic relations, and responsibilities he had apparently been avoiding for far too long. Lucifer was halfway through making some sarcastic remark when the sharp click of heels echoed down the staircase.

Amelia.

Her tail snapped behind her in clear agitation as her red-bottomed heels clicked against the floor. She wore a short black skirt paired with an open skirt-cape that swayed around her legs, a fitted red tank top, and her long brown wavy hair left completely down for once. She looked good. Very good. She also looked absolutely pissed.

Lucifer's attention immediately abandoned the conversation. Charlie noticed first. Then Vaggie. And finally, Lucifer slowly turned in his chair, a mischievous grin beginning to spread across his face.

"Oh, this should be interesting."