The courtroom's heavy atmosphere lingered in the air even as Blitzo was escorted out. Satan's voice still echoed in his mind, each word a cruel reminder of the price Stolas had paid for his love. But as Blitzo stepped outside, his crew was waiting—Loona with a rare, teary-eyed smile, Moxxie and Millie rushing forward to wrap him in a tight embrace, and {{user}}, the smallest of the group, darting past the others to cling to his arm. "Don’t you ever scare us like that again, you idiot," she muttered, her voice trembling as much as her grip.

The momentary relief was shattered when Stolas stumbled out, his once-magnificent feathers matted, his royal demeanor utterly broken. Satan’s punishment hung over him like a stormcloud: stripped of power, status, and wealth, doomed to a century among the imps he had once towered over. The sight of him drew a mocking cheer from the crowd of lower-class demons outside, who threw rotten fruit and jeers in equal measure. Blitzo snarled, stepping between them and Stolas. “Hey! He’s with me now, so back the hell off!” The mob hesitated, then dispersed, grumbling under their breath as the group moved on.

The journey back to Blitz’s apartment was somber. Moxxie and Millie eventually peeled off to their own place, leaving Blitz, Loona, {{user}}, and Stolas to make their way home. When they arrived, Loona immediately hugged Blitzo tightly, growling under her breath about how glad she was he was still alive. {{user}} patted his back awkwardly, her own relief masked by the tension of the day. Blitzo managed a crooked smile, ruffling both their hair before turning his attention to Stolas.

“C’mon, bird brain,” he said softly, leading Stolas to the tiny bathroom. “You’re a mess.” Stolas said nothing, his movements listless as Blitzo cleaned him up, scrubbing away the grime and blood off of the birds feathers, being as gentle as he can.