Chapter Text
Stolas sighed and opened the doors of his great palace, everything was so quiet at that early morning hour and it was a new experience for him, it was the first time he had arrived home so late and all because of a party. The effects of alcohol were gradually fading from his system and sobriety along with a terrible hangover battled in his head. – This will be the last time I drink like this... Fuck, how horrible! – He came in and closed the door behind him to go to the kitchen in search of a glass of water.
He could still taste the acidity in his mouth, he made a clicking noise with his beak and remembered the encounter he had a few moments ago with that sexy incubus he had been kissing, Stolas still couldn't believe that he had offered him to spend the night with him. And before he could even respond to his proposal, he felt so nauseous that he couldn't help but vomit on the incubus's shirt. After that he regained a little sobriety, but he felt so ashamed that he apologized and ran away from the party summoning a portal straight to his palace.
Already in the kitchen, he took one of the many glasses from the top shelf where the glassware was kept and went over to a jug full of water, to pour himself some, first he rinsed his mouth well and spat into the sink that was nearby. Stolas poured himself some more water, drinking in small sips until he finished it and felt a little better.
He went to the small dining room there, pulled up one of the chairs to sit down and began to reflect on all the events that had been happening in his life lately. Because everything had been going horribly wrong for some time now...
But especially from that night...
Since the night of the Full Moon where Stolas recovered his Grimoire and was finally able to deliver the Asmodean Crystal to Blitzø, ending their transactional relationship.
The confession of his feelings for the imp and his hopes that he would want to stay by his side, if he wanted to. The pain he felt at his evasive response trying to turn the situation around by role-playing. Followed by the hurtful words he threw at him moments later when they ended up in the palace hall. Stolas felt his heart break even more when he saw that Blitzø had such a horrible opinion of him.
Stolas, feeling his voice breaking and with tears he could not contain sliding down his feathered face, dismissed him. He heard the goblin try to tell him something, but he teleported him out of the palace so he could finally run as fast as his long legs would carry him to his room. When the owl prince arrived, he immediately closed the door to his room, leaning on it, sat on the floor and wrapped his long legs in a hug to try to shrink himself. He couldn't contain himself anymore, he let out his tears and his pain in solitude, as he had always done throughout his life.
At dawn Stolas had a horrible awakening, both pairs of eyes hurt from crying and his whole body ached from having fallen asleep in that position. With a feeling of emptiness the prince carefully got up from the floor and walked slowly to his bed, sitting on the edge.
He could see his cell phone resting on the nightstand, Stolas used his magic to levitate it closer and picked it up to check the time, seeing that it was indeed early. He had only slept a few hours and didn't want to continue with that.
He was also surprised to see the message notifications from Blitzø.
Seeing this the prince couldn't help but feel excitement and hopes rise within him, thinking that not all was lost, Blitzø wanted to fix things, he wanted to apologize for what happened during the night, his beloved imp really didn't think those terrible things about him, he was trying to get together to talk about what happened and maybe really give their relationship a chance.
Stolas quickly checked the messages, but was deeply disappointed once again to see that they were just memes and messages of smiling demonic faces seeking to capture his amusement in order to laugh at them.
At another time, this would have seemed endearing, because Blitzø was looking for his opinion on the matter in a way that rarely happened and wanted to entertain him with the content he shared. The owl prince would have responded first with a good day, happily giving his opinion and flattering the imp's charming sense of humor.
But at this moment he could only turn off his phone and feel how the negative emotions inside him were consuming him, sadness, disappointment, anguish, anxiety, among others that were beginning to manifest, but the one that was most strongly present…
It was the fury…
Apparently Blitzø was trying not to give importance to anything that happened a few hours ago and was acting as if it had never happened, as if everything was perfectly fine and normal, as if the confession of his feelings didn't matter to him and her words hadn't hurt him.
Well, that wasn't happening, he wasn't going to pretend that everything was fine, he was tired of having done it throughout his life to pretend something that wasn't true and he had had enough.
The sound of the door being knocked interrupted his thoughts. - Come in - Giving permission, the door softly opened and he could see his butler Impington. Stolas watched as the imp stared at him from the door frame. He imagined he must look terrible right now, with his wrinkled clothes, his unkempt feathers and not to mention his face.
After a moment, the little imp seemed to come out of his stupor, to quickly approach and extend his tray where a piece of paper could be seen in the center.
- My prince... This invitation was delivered to you a few moments ago. - He took it and thanked him, and Impington bowed before leaving. As the door closed behind the little butler, Stolas focused on the invitation and was surprised to see the design on the front of the card. It had the words "You're invited" in beautiful calligraphy and below it could be seen a small drawing of Blitzø being stabbed.
This seemed very strange to him, this was not an official letter, no one had ever invited him to any event or party outside the Ars Goetia family and this only happened out of a mere formal obligation due to his position. Because he was completely sure that if it were not so, they would not even bother to do so.
So, with some hesitation, he opened the card and began to read its contents. As he read, he could feel his emotions slowly stirring within him again, causing his feathers to ruffle and his beak to click, making an annoying hooting sound.
The prince smiled bitterly as he finished reading the card and understood the intention behind his invitation. He was beginning to really consider that fate was very ironic for the invitation to come at that very moment when he was feeling so bad or was just conspiring against him to enjoy his pain.
He remembered how he had gotten ready to go out to distract his mind in his beautiful garden, taking that damned invitation with him. Obviously she wasn't going to go to that absurd party knowing the topic and the reason why he was invited, so he just put her aside to think about how to send a response to decline without seeming so rude. And he reclined on a lounge chair in front of the pool so he could get lost in one of his many novel books that he had managed to grab from his shelf before leaving his room.
It had been great to relax and not think about anything else for a moment just concentrating on his reading, and drinking a little from a good glass of wine that Impigton left on the table next to him.
But out of nowhere his calm was disturbed by the arrival of Blitzø who came to tell him why he had not responded to his messages. Stolas became even more irritated when he saw how the imp tried to continue on the path that everything was normal and tried to provoke him to that they had sex.
The prince ended up showing him the invitation, telling him the reason why he was invited and provoked him by giving him a sense of why he would attend, just to see his reaction. But the answer that Blitzø gave him only made him angry, so he asked him to leave because he was only making him feel uncomfortable, but the imp ignored him and was even more insistent. Giving him to understand that this was good because it was his fantasy to fuck those he hated, that only frustrated and angered him, yelling at him that that was not the case. Bringing up the demon that had kidnapped him because he was starting to talk like him and letting him know how he had felt when he didn't come to help him.
The prince took the day to look properly and summoned a portal to get to the place, he entered the party he started drinking and met the hostess who had invited him Verosika, she made him go up on a stage and Stolas was able to speak from the background from his heart, singing in a song all his feelings regarding Blitzø.
When Stolas came off the stage he left to continue drinking and thus try to drown the pain he felt in his heart. He found Blitzø who was hiding with a large tablecloth so no one could see him and almost caused Stolas to choke on the alcohol he was drinking when he called him.
The owl, overcoming the initial surprise, hid the imp and took them to a secluded place where the music could not be heard so loud. He became angry to think that the Blitzø had come to judge him for his behavior, but upon hearing that this was not the case, his annoyance lessened just a little and he let the imp speak.
Stolas listened as Blitzø tried to apologize and had said how he felt, he could feel through the imp's words how he despised himself and how he considered himself insignificant compared to the owl prince, and how he decided it was better to walk away for the sake of Stolas.
And so...
That calmed some of his anger, but it distressed him and hurt him.
The prince let him know what he thought and what he wanted. Stolas let him know what he craved most and perhaps it had been the effects of having been drinking, but in the process he couldn't help but cry for all the pain he had been holding back. Stolas yelled at him, feeling depressed and angry because he didn't want Blitzø to see him that way and see how pathetic the owl was.
They could no longer continue their conversation after that, because an incubus invited him to dance, and Stolas, disconcerted by this fact, did not know how to respond, but he went with him after seeing the sign that Blitzø made, giving him to understand to go.
While Stolas danced with the incubus his mind felt clouded and happily lost from all the alcohol he had drunk. His body was moving awkwardly and he could be making the funniest expression, but he felt distressed. The imp's words remained engraved in his mind, the way he spoke and all the self-hatred that he seemed to carry against himself, did not disappear from the prince's mind no matter how much effort he put into trying to distract himself.
And even when the incubus approached to kiss him, he couldn't help but strangely imagine Blitzø and returned the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her fantasy's neck, tangling his tongue with the other in the fiery kiss and trying to draw her closer to him. And only when the lack of air became minimal did he separate, leaving only a thread of saliva connected between them, but he could no longer see the image of his beloved imp, his two pairs of eyes only captured the attractive incubus. . His mind wandered in confusion until he returned moments later to the conversation they had and realizing his mistake. He didn't see the imp again for the rest of the night and assumed he had left.
He felt distraught over how things had ended between them, he felt deeply sad and could not describe the searing pain that pierced his chest, similar to the dagger made of angelic steel with which that cowboy who had kidnapped him had seriously injured him...
- Stolasss...-
The prince heard a small whisper...
Stolas quickly raised his head from the table that he didn't know exactly when he lay down, and scanned the room with his two pairs of eyes all over the room looking for signs of whoever called him. But he didn't see anyone else...
- Stolass... -
Suddenly he heard more voices whispering his name, he got up and left the kitchen to look down the hallway in case he found anyone, but there was no one...
- Stolass... –
Stolas quickly walked down the hallway chasing the whispers to the room where his study was, opening the door to enter and look around. The prince observed a small light come out through the curtains of the room where he performed his rituals and appreciated the universe. Stolas quickly understood that this was where the whispers were coming from...
- Stolas -
They were summoning him and he could feel the call from him...
But Stolas felt so tired from the night he had, that he so wanted to put it aside and go immediately to rest in his room. But something within the avian prince cried out to come and meet him, specifically that purpose for which he had been raised and educated throughout his life in those walls that had isolated him from the outside...
Because that was one more of the duties that Stolas was entrusted with from his birth until he became an important part of the Ars Goetia family, to be the guardian of the universe and the one in charge of writing prophecies. As the given title of being a powerful prince that was his function to serve his king and all hell.
In short, Stolas knew that the worst weight they had put on his shoulders was the obligation of having had to commit himself without the right to refuse to Stella, who hated him to death and that had brought him nothing but suffering. Just so that the owl prince would continue the legacy of the Ars Goetia and it would not disappear, conceive and bring a precautionary heir into the world. The only good thing that came from that was having his little Starfire whom he loved with the strength of a thousand suns. Stolas was relieved that very soon this fake marriage of so many years would end...
The obligation that the prince had brought the least regret to his life and the one with which he had most gladly accepted, was his studies with his Grimoire, until the first time he had to do the ritual of manifestation of power for reaching the age of majority, He automatically felt that connection with the stars and the rest of the universe.
The prince decided not to go against the calls, he slowly climbed the steps and entered, pushing aside the curtain that covered the entrance to the room. He stolas walked into the room, forming various waves with each footstep as if he were walking on water and could see all the celestial bodies in the universe. He never stopped admiring how beautiful the place was, the cosmos had such a great breadth that it would be so difficult even for an owl to know it in its entirety.
But as long as Stolas remained in charge of caring for him and monitoring his changes, he would try to explore as much as possible. After all it was the only place the prince could escape to when he felt terrible and he found solace in the stars that emitted beautiful melodies or whispers to calm him.
When the owl prince came to them monthly in search of prophecies, the stars spoke to him in whispers and always gave him information through words in the form of riddles, how events could occur that would influence infernal or possibly terrestrial events.
But when Stolas went of his own free will, they could feel his presence, making him understand that no matter what mood he was in, they would accompany him and in that space they would provide him with calm.
This was one of the few times that the stars used to invoke the presence of the owl, this would only happen if they were trying to give him understanding of an upcoming important event where they required Stolas to be present, it could perhaps be a new prophecy that could affect the foundations of hell or the rare birth of a new celestial body and its union with them in the infinite realm of the cosmos.
And Stolas, being inside the room, could see that it was the latter; the whispers calling his name became quieter, but they did not stop. In a distant part of the vast sky where there were no stars, an almost rare event was forming that he did not get to witness often. The surprised prince watched as a cloud of gas and dust collapsed due to gravity, enveloping itself, twinkling and emitting a soft light. The temperature and pressure in the core increased until nuclear fusion began, marking the beginning of the star. Stolas listens to the soft melody that the other stars emit, welcoming his new sister, the owl sees the radiation that cleanses the surrounding gas and dust and how the new small star can finally reach a stable balance providing a soft light.
So, invaded by tenderness, the prince approaches the new star that has been born, contemplating it and observing how he seems to be trying to make himself known with his twinkling.
- You are a great unexpected surprise, my little one - Stolas can feel how the little star emits a twinkle - You are as beautiful as the rest of your sisters scattered here throughout the universe and I am sure that your presence here has a great purpose - The star made another twinkle and the prince could feel the connection, understanding his desire to make himself understood.
- Well... Now I know why they asked for my presence with such fervor, they wanted me to be here to contemplate your birth and give you your name - Stolas carefully observes the little star - I honestly don't know if I'm capable of doing it now, but I'm going to make an effort. to not make you wait and give you the perfect name - As a sign of agreement the star flickers and the slightly excited owl begins to think of a variety of astrological names that he can give him and they would fit perfectly, but in the middle of his thoughts a well-known imp figure becomes present.
And all his meditations on names fade away to give way to the memory of the conversation with him and how he told Stolas he would be better off without Blitzø. Sadness takes over the prince again and this time he lets the tears escape, giving way later to sobs that he cannot help but let out. He wants to repress them, he doesn't want to think anymore and he just wants to calm the bitter pain he feels inside. But his heart is invaded by anguish, the memory of his dearest, most wonderful and diabolical first love is completely destroyed.
As if making themselves noticed, the stars begin to emit soft melodies, including the most recent one that is flickering and make it clear that they are here for the infernal prince. – Thank you… I know that you are trying to encourage me, but unfortunately I think it will not be possible now. – With the right sleeve of his shirt Stolas tries to clean his lower pair of eyes and fails completely because new tears flow again. – This is so difficult... I was never really able to connect with him and now everything is over for us... - I felt like I couldn't speak, his voice was broken by continuous sobs.
The little star twinkled and the prince looked in its direction, immediately understanding that it wanted to comfort him. – Oh little one… I'm sorry I'm supposed to name you… And-And I couldn't control myself when I remembered. – He wiped his face a little again with his left sleeve and let out a small sad hoot. – I could feel how in the middle of our conversation he exuded so much hatred and resentment against himself, believing himself to be so inferior to me, as he asked me that I would be better off without him. – He lets out a small sigh and Stolas hugs himself, wrapping his arms tightly around him.
If I knew that he was the force that drove me to end all this false life that I have carried on my shoulders for so long, he is the one who made me feel so alive after we met again because the last time I felt like that was so long ago when I met him at the circus. I was able to experience such a wonderful day with him, on that day I put aside everything that tied me as a prince and I was able to imagine my life as a normal demon. It is the only and most beautiful memory I have from my childhood. A lifetime of following the obligations of my own father and the other members of the Ars Goetia has brought me nothing but pain.
I also don't know the details of why Blitzø had those marks that cover half of his face and other areas of his body, but I know that he blamed himself a lot in his dreams when he slept next to me and I felt that it was a great indiscretion to ask him about it. But I saw how when he thought I was sleeping, sometimes he would stare at the marks on the palms of his hands and his expression would change to one of pain, as if he had gone through a very hard moment. And that would be true despite never having used his powers to see Blitzø's line of destiny, he knew that the imp has gone through many hard times to get to where he is now, but the one that has marked him the most must be that one. which has consequences for his body.
-How I would love to be able to help both myself and little Blitzø at the same time, so that none of us would have reasons to hate ourselves so much, so as not to carry a regret so great that it is impossible to bear- Stolas sobs and can observe the Moon from a small distance. – As I would like so much to change things and maybe things would have been different for both of us, I could have had him by my side and our destinies would have been intertwined – The prince covers his face with his hands and falls to his knees crying harder.
Stolas can feel the whisper that the stars emit and how they want to lull him with their songs, but he cannot see the small star that emits the twinkling of him and shines with fervor, and then whispers:
-I hope for your happiness - Before the owl looks up to see the star that is shining, he can feel how the voice echoes in his mind and his body collapses, falling into unconsciousness. While everything around him is filled with an intense white light and the whispers that had been emitting chants stop.