Charlie's eyes widened in terror as Lucifer's grip on Vaggie's neck tightened. The air around them crackled with fiery energy, and Lucifer levitated above the table.

  "Dad, please!" Charlie begged, tugging at Lucifer's arm. Tears streamed down her face as Vaggie's consciousness began to slip.

  Lucifer's blazing eyes locked onto Charlie, his grip easing. Confusion etched his face; he'd never seen his daughter cry before.

  "Char..." he began.

  "We're leaving," Charlie declared, her voice firm.

  Lucifer's expression darkened. "Listen to me."

  Charlie stood tall, her voice unwavering. "No, Father. Now listen to me. I'm leaving, and I've arranged a meeting with Vox. I'll tell..."

  Lucifer's face contorted, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. His red eyes burned with intensity, and his smile vanished.

  "What. Did. You. Just. Say?" he spat, each word dripping with malice.

  Charlie gasped, fear gripping her heart, but she stood firm. Lucifer's gaze drifted into the distance, his eyes vacant.

  "Don't tell me you plan to save the people of Hell," he said, his voice laced with disdain.

  Charlie summoned her courage. "I won't just save them, I'll ensure their place in Heaven."

  Lucifer's finger snapped, and Charlie found herself seated, Vaggie now distant, mouth covered and hands chained.

  "Char Char, finish your meal, then we'll discuss," Lucifer said, his tone deceptively calm.

  Charlie rose, defiance in her eyes. "Why don't you—"

  Lucifer's angry gaze silenced her. "I told you to eat. Are you defying your father?"

  Charlie sat back down, her voice measured. "No, Dad. I'm eating."

  Lucifer's smile returned, and he patted her head. "That's my girl. Call me Dad, not father. You know I love you."

  His eyes darkened, menace lurking beneath. "Don't you love your Daddy?"

  Charlie's voice trembled. "I do love you, Dad, but sometimes you're scary."

  Charlie finished her meal, and Lucifer snapped his fingers. Vaggie's restraints vanished, and she rushed to Charlie's side. Overjoyed, Charlie embraced her friend.

  Lucifer's expression turned serious. "Char Char, my dear daughter, do you understand the dangers these people pose?"

  Charlie's trembling subsided, replaced by a mix of fear and determination.

  "Ever since your mother left," Lucifer continued, his voice warm with concern, "you've been my sole focus. You're my only daughter, and I won't lose you to these demons. You're not leaving the castle until you give me a good reason to allow it."

  Charlie met his gaze, fear lingering in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Dad, but they're our people. Just give me some time."

  Lucifer's expression hardened. "This conversation is over. Return to your quarters."

  Lucifer turned, snapping his fingers. Female maids rushed in, bowing deeply. "Take my daughter and...that Angel to her quarters," he ordered, his tone dripping with disdain.

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  Charlie bristled at his words. "Father, you can't treat Vaggie like that. And I'm not staying here."

  Lucifer's glare froze Charlie's blood. His piercing red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, making her tremble.

  He closed the distance, his voice low and menacing. "My dearest Char Char, you will stay here. No more defiance. For my sake, call me Dad."

  As he hugged Charlie, his embrace felt suffocating, his grip tightening like a vice.

  Charlie's eyes narrowed, confusion and frustration warring within her. "Your double standards were the reason you were cast out of Heaven," she said, her voice steady. "I'll give the demons redemption, and they'll leave Hell for good. You'll be left alone, surrounded by your hollow pride."

  Lucifer remained turned away, his back a stark rejection. "My naive Char Char," he said, his voice low and dismissive, "go to your room and rest. We'll talk later."

  Charlie's defiance simmered, but Vaggie's gentle touch on her shoulder stayed her. Vaggie's subtle headshake cautioned caution.

  Charlie's eyes flashed with frustration, but she bit back her retort. With a forced nod, she turned to leave, Vaggie guiding her away.

  As they entered the room, Charlie's anger boiled over. She kicked off her sandals and flopped onto the bed, replaying the argument in her mind. Vaggie sat beside her, a calming presence.

  "Charlie, he's your father," Vaggie said gently. "Never speak to him like that."

  Charlie's embarrassment washed over her, and she looked down. "I-I didn't mean to... He just makes me so... ugh!"

  Vaggie enveloped her in a warm hug. "He cares about you, Charlie. He just doesn't know how to show it. He loves you more than anyone in the world."

  Charlie rolled her eyes. "Then why won't he let me do what I want?"

  Vaggie's soft tone soothed Charlie's frustration. "Because he loves you."

  Meanwhile, in his chambers, Lucifer sat brooding. "I wasn't cast out of Heaven," he muttered. "I can return whenever I please."

  His gaze fell upon a family photo, where Lilith cradled newborn Charlie. A nostalgic smile spread across his face. "If only you'd listened to me, Lilith... stayed by my side."

  Lucifer emerged from his chambers, his presence commanding attention. He settled onto the throne, running his fingers through his sleek black hair. With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Let him in."

  The guards parted, admitting a demon with an unsettling grin and a radio stick. Alastor, the Radio Demon, bowed deeply. "Greetings, great King of Hell."

  Lucifer's smirk hinted at amusement. "Rise, Alastor. Speak your mind."

  Alastor's voice crackled like static. "Your Majesty, I've come to offer my assistance."

  Lucifer's eyes narrowed, anger flashing. He pulled the chain that was around Alastor's neck, the metal glinting menacingly. "Don't you recall your last punishment, Alastor?"

  Alastor's eyes widened in confusion. "My king, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I came to offer my assistance."

  Lucifer's grip on the chain tightened, pulling Alastor closer. "You dare to offer me help?" he spat, venom in his voice. "You, who tried to kill my daughter, Charlie. You think your pathetic assistance would be welcomed after such treachery?"

  Lucifer's eyes blazed with fury. "You and Vox conspired with that Angel Adam to take my wife. But Charlie, my daughter, has my blood. That's why Heaven's gates were closed to her. My lovely Lilith left her in your care, and you tried to kill the Princess of Hell."

  Alastor listened calmly, his expression unchanging. When Lucifer finished, he spoke in a measured tone. "Your Majesty, even if I had tried to kill her – which I dare not do – this chain around my neck prevents me from harming any demon. It's a constant reminder of my punishment. And because of it, Vox still lives."

  Lucifer's grip on the chain relaxed, and a low, menacing chuckle rumbled from his throat. "Aren't you Vox's friend?" he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.

  Alastor rolled his eyes. "No, my king."

  Lucifer snapped his fingers, and the chain around Alastor's neck vanished. Alastor bowed in gratitude. "My Lord, as you're aware, the princess is attempting to redeem the demons of Hell."

  Lucifer chuckled. "So what? Do you feel honored by that?"

  Alastor continued, "No, my king. I think some demons will take advantage of this..."

  Before he could finish, a strong gust of wind swept through, and Alastor's vision blurred. Lucifer stood up, his eyes blazing. "If anyone tries to harm her, I'll rip their necks."

  Alastor smiled. "They know that well, my king. But your daughter, the princess, plans to sneak out tonight."

  Lucifer's eyes widened as he considered this. Alastor pressed on. "My king, I can help you. Trust me, and the princess will never be harmed."

  Lucifer laughed. "Do you think I'm incapable of protecting my own daughter?"

  Alastor's smile remained. "I would never dare say that, my king. But today is her meeting with Vox. If you allow me, I'll stay by her side and protect her. I can even make her realize that redeeming these demons is nothing but a fantasy."

  Lucifer's eyes narrowed. "You want something in return, don't you? Your kind is notorious for their greed."

  Alastor's smile grew wider. "My freedom, my king."

  Lucifer's expression turned calculating. "As a generous king, I'll grant it to you."