The door clicked shut behind them with a soft, final thud, and Echo leaned against Fizzarolli, still trembling slightly, as he enveloped her in a warm, protective hug. His arms wrapped tightly around her, and she instinctively buried her face in his shoulder, inhaling the comfort of his presence.

"You're safe now, Echo," Fizzarolli murmured, his voice a mix of concern and relief. He pulled back just enough to cup her face gently in his hands, searching her eyes. "Did that bastard—did Stolas hurt you?"

Echo shook her head, her hand trembling as she wiped away a stray tear. She couldn't bring herself to look directly at Fizzarolli for too long, afraid he might see the lingering fear still eating at her.

"No," she whispered, her voice shaky. "He didn't hurt me physically. But... he was furious. He said things and told me that everything between us was consensual and that I wanted it. And... I was terrified. He was so angry. It was like he was taking out his frustration on me, about Octavia, about... what he's done in the past. About what he did to me."

Fizzarolli's grip on her tightened slightly, his face contorting in frustration. "That monster," he muttered, voice low. "He has no right to treat you like that. No right to manipulate you, make you feel like your pain is just some little mistake." His voice faltered slightly as if it all weighed too much.

Echo pulled herself together with a soft breath, lifting her gaze to his. "I know. But he was only angry about Octavia because of what I told her about her father. I know he's furious because he knows she's disappointed in him because of what he did to me when she was a hatchling."

Before Fizzarolli could respond, heavy footsteps approached, and Echo turned her head to see Asmodeus standing in the hallway. His glowing neon green-colored eyes narrowed as he studied them. His tall, imposing form filled the doorframe, but there was something almost tender in his gaze as it settled on Echo.

"Fizzy," Asmodeus spoke, his voice smooth yet thick with a barely contained edge. "You're doing well to protect her. But don't think for a second I'll let anyone mess with her again."

Fizzarolli glanced at his boyfriend and then nodded, a fierce glint in his eyes. "Don't worry. I won't. But it's just—"

Asmodeus's gaze turned to Echo, softer now, and he stepped into the room. "Echo," he said, his tone shifting to something more comforting, though still layered with authority. "Are you alright?"

Echo nodded slowly, though she could still feel a knot in her stomach that hadn't fully unraveled. "I'm... I'm okay. I need some time to process everything."

Asmodeus's expression softened, his gaze flickering to Fizzarolli before returning to her. He knew how hard it was for someone to speak out about their trauma, especially when they had been manipulated into silence. His eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "That... Prince Stolas. I've always despised those who take advantage of someone vulnerable, who can't say 'no' when they don't want to. He will not get away with this. Not as long as I'm around."

Echo gave a weak, almost thankful smile.

He approached slowly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're more than just a victim, Echo. You're strong. You've been through things that would break others but kept fighting. That's what matters."

Fizzarolli looked from Asmodeus to Echo; his voice filled with an underlying promise. "And you're never alone. We've got your back, always. Don't let anyone—no matter who they are—make you feel less than you are."

Echo swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat as she tried to hold herself together. But in the presence of Fizzarolli and Asmodeus, the fear swirling inside her started to ease. She was not alone anymore.

"Thank you," she whispered, voice cracking slightly. "I... I don't know what I would do without you two."

Asmodeus gave her a rare, genuine smile. "You don't have to worry about that. We're not going anywhere."

Fizzarolli leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead in a soft kiss.

Echo closed her eyes for a moment, the weight of her past and the relief of the present colliding inside her. It wasn't over, not by a long shot. But with Fizzarolli and Asmodeus by her side, she finally felt like there was a chance to heal and fight back against the darkness that had haunted her for so long.

And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe it.

Echo's gaze flickered to Asmodeus, her brows slightly furrowing as she studied him. Despite only meeting him today, something about him felt... familiar, though she couldn't quite place it. And yet, he seemed so at ease around her, as if they'd known each other far longer than a few minutes. She glanced at Fizzarolli, her best friend, and wondered if he'd talked about her to his boyfriend, maybe shared stories that explained this strange sense of recognition and protectiveness from the Sin of Lust.

Fizzarolli caught her look and broke into a wide grin as if reading her mind. "Alright, I see those gears turning in your head, Echo! Let's make this proper, huh?" He gestured dramatically between them, his metal arms flaring for emphasis. "Echo, meet the king of Lust himself, Asmodeus—my insanely hot, incredibly talented, and obnoxiously perfect boyfriend."

Asmodeus rolled his eyes but smirked, leaning against the nearest wall with a relaxed posture. "Obnoxiously perfect, huh? I'll take it."

Fizzarolli turned to Asmodeus, continuing his performance. "And, babe, this amazing girl right here? This is Echo, my ride-or-die, my partner in crime, and quite possibly the best friend a bot like me could ever ask for."

Echo blinked, caught off guard by the lightheartedness of the introduction. A small laugh escaped her lips, and for the first time that night, she felt the tension in her chest start to ease. "Nice to officially meet you, Asmodeus," she said shyly. "Fizzarolli's talked about you a lot."

"Oh, has he now?" Asmodeus teased, raising an eyebrow at Fizzarolli, who waved a dismissive hand.

"Only the good stuff!" Fizzarolli said with mock indignation. "You know, how perfect you are, how you saved me from a life of endless singlehood—"

Echo cut in, her tone warm. "It's true. He's been so happy lately. And... I can see why." Her voice softened as her gaze shifted between them. The way Asmodeus looked at Fizzarolli—there was nothing but pure affection, care, and love in his eyes. It was a look she hadn't seen directed at her best friend before, and it filled her with a deep sense of relief. "I'm glad he found someone who loves him for who he is."

Asmodeus's glowing neon green-colored eyes flickered to her, his expression softening. "Fizzarolli makes it easy. And... I'm glad he has you in his life. You mean a lot to him."

Echo smiled, feeling the warmth spread through her chest. She didn't feel like the broken mess she often believed herself to be when she was with Fizzarolli, and now, somehow, Asmodeus was offering that same kindness.

But even as she smiled, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling in her mind. Asmodeus's protectiveness, his familiarity—it wasn't just kindness. There was something more, something unspoken. She caught him watching her, his expression unreadable for a fleeting moment before he quickly masked it with a calm, collected demeanor.

Asmodeus knew she was wondering, but he wasn't ready to tell her the truth until the right moment. He hadn't told Fizzarolli either. How could he explain that he knew her, not as the Echo she believed herself to be, but as someone else entirely? Someone who didn't remember their true self.

He sighed inwardly, deciding to let the moment breathe. He'd protect her for now, just as he'd promised himself long ago. The truth could wait.

Echo returned from the kitchen, balancing a tray of steaming tea and an assortment of treats. She set it on the small coffee table in the living room with practiced care, her movements graceful but insistent. "I know you both said you didn't want anything," she said with a small, determined smile, "but guests in my home will be served properly."

Fizzarolli chuckled, leaning back into the couch. "You haven't changed a bit, Echo. Still stubborn as Hell."

Asmodeus raised a brow but reached for a teacup, his large fingers surprisingly delicate as he held it. "Well, I won't argue. It smells divine." He took a sip, smiling appreciatively. "Not bad at all."

The tension in the room had eased since they arrived, and the conversation had shifted to lighter topics. Laughter replaced the earlier worry, though Echo's occasional glances toward the door betrayed her lingering concern. Finally, after a moment of silence, she spoke, her voice quiet but steady.

"I'm worried Prince Stolas might come back," she admitted, her hands clutching the fabric of her skirt. "He seemed... angry. And even though he didn't hurt me, it felt like he could have. I don't want to endanger Blitzo or Loona because of me."

Fizzarolli frowned, setting his cup down with a loud clink. "Echo, your brother deserves to know about this. Even if we don't see eye to eye," he muttered, his tone softening as he added, "he's still your family. And Loona, too. You all look out for each other."

"I know," Echo replied, biting her lip. "But I don't want to burden them. Maybe it's better if I leave, find somewhere else to stay..."

Asmodeus's expression darkened at her words, a protective edge replacing his usual cheerful demeanor. "That's not happening," he said firmly. "Leaving alone won't solve anything—it'll just make you an easier target. You need to be somewhere safe, somewhere Stolas can't find you through magic or otherwise."

Fizzarolli's gears practically turned visibly as an idea struck him. He straightened suddenly, snapping his fingers. "Wait a sec! I know someone who might be able to help. Angel Dust! He mentioned one of his best friends owns a hotel. What was the name again..." He rubbed his chin dramatically, mumbling before pulling out his phone. "Let me text him. Hang tight."

A moment later, his phone buzzed. Fizzarolli grinned as he read Angel Dust's reply. "Hazbin Hotel. Charlie Morningstar runs it."

Asmodeus's eyes widened slightly at the name, his lips curling into an amused smile. "Charlie Morningstar? Well, well, small world."

Echo tilted her head, curious. "Why does that name sound familiar?"

"Because," Asmodeus began, setting his cup down, "she's the only daughter of Lucifer Morningstar, King of Hell. And if there's one place in all of Hell that Prince Stolas wouldn't dare cause trouble, it's the Hazbin Hotel. Charlie's the type to take care of her own—if she agrees to let you stay, you'll be safer there than anywhere else."

Fizzarolli clapped his hands together. "See? Perfect! I'll ask Angel Dust if he can set something up."

"Trust me, Echo, you'll love Charlie. She's got a heart of gold. A little too much for Hell, but that's her charm." Asmodeus grinned.

"Haven't met her yet, and she already reminds me of Echo," Fizzarolli laughs.

Echo's unease lingered, but she managed a small smile. "If you both think it's the best option, then... okay. Thank you." Her voice softened, her gratitude genuine. "Really, thank you both."

Asmodeus and Fizzarolli exchanged a glance, a shared determination passing between them. They would protect Echo, no matter what.

Angel Dust burst into the lobby of the Hazbin Hotel; his signature strut hurried for once as his four arms gestured wildly in frustration. Standing by the reception desk, Charlie Morningstar paused her conversation with Vaggie, her ever-supportive girlfriend and the hotel's manager. Alastor leaned casually against a nearby wall, his ever-present grin wide and expectant, while Husk barely looked up from his drink at the bar.

"Charlie!" Angel called out, his voice an octave higher than usual, his worry evident. "We got a situation, babe, and it's not fun!"

Charlie blinked, her crimson eyes widening. "Angel, what happened? Are you okay?"

"It's not me," Angel said, shaking his head, the fluff of his pink and white fur bristling slightly. "It's about my best friend, Echo. She's in deep trouble, and she needs help. Our kind of help."

Vaggie frowned, crossing her arms. "What kind of trouble? Is someone after her?"

"Yeah, and not just someone," Angel snapped. "Prince Stolas." The room went quiet, except for the low static hum that seemed to emanate from Alastor. Angel took a deep breath and launched into an explanation, recounting Fizzarolli's text about Stolas's harassment and Echo's fears. His voice softened as he added, "She's scared out of her mind, Charlie. She doesn't think she can stay safe at home, and honestly, I don't think so either."

Charlie exchanged a quick look with Vaggie, her compassionate nature already working overtime. "She can come here," Charlie said firmly. "The hotel's always been a sanctuary. If she needs a safe place, this is it."

Alastor's grin widened as he stepped forward, clapping his hands with mock enthusiasm. "What a charming tale of distress, my dear Angel. It seems we have an opportunity to make ourselves useful—how delightfully diverting." His tone carried an undercurrent of genuine interest, though his words danced the line between sincerity and mockery.

Angel glared at him, not in the mood for Alastor's theatrics. "You got somethin' to say, Radio Boy, or are you just gonna stand there and make everything about you?"

Alastor chuckled, waving off the jab. "Not at all, darling arachnid. I merely find it abhorrent that anyone, let alone a royal like Stolas, would attempt to 'chain' someone to their fear." His tone grew darker, his grin sharpening. "Such behavior is... unsavory, even by my standards. I believe Echo should reside here. After all, the Hazbin Hotel is a sanctuary, and it wouldn't do to turn away someone in need."

Charlie nodded, already convinced. "Angel, let her know she's welcome. We'll make sure she's protected here."

Angel sighed in relief, his earlier anxiety easing. "Thanks, Charlie. I'll text Fizz right now and let him know. He's with her, so they can figure out how to get her here."

Alastor's eyes glimmered with amusement as he watched Angel hurriedly type on his phone. "This promises to be most entertaining," he murmured. "A frightened soul seeking refuge, a royal overstep, and a cast of colorful characters. It's practically a theater production."

"Can you not?" Vaggie muttered, rolling her eyes.

Husk grunted from the bar, lifting his glass. "If this means more trouble, I'm charging double for my drinks."

Charlie turned to her staff, her expression determined. "This isn't about entertainment or profit. It's about helping someone in need. Echo will live here, and we will make sure she feels safe and supported. Got it?"

The group nodded, some more enthusiastically than others. As Angel hit "send" on his text, he smirked. "Don't worry, Charlie. With us on her side, Echo will be just fine."