Hell’s neon district never slept, but Valentino’s studio was quieter than usual. The cameras were off. The velvet curtains drawn. Cigarette smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling as Val lounged in his chair, wings twitching with irritation.

“You’re late, sweetheart.”

Emily stepped inside, the soft glow of her pale pink moth wings brushing against the doorway. Unlike Val’s loud colors and sharp edges, she was all muted pastels and silk-soft movements—another moth demon, but nothing like him. Her red eyes flicked around the room, cautious but defiant.

“I didn’t agree to a meeting,” Emily said evenly. “You said you had information.”

Val’s grin widened, all teeth and bad intentions. “And I do. Information’s expensive, though.” He rose slowly, towering but unhurried, circling her like a predator that enjoyed the walk more than the kill. “Funny thing about Hell—everyone’s tied to someone eventually.”

Emily’s wings trembled, but she didn’t back away. “If this is another one of your games—”

“Oh, it’s always a game,” Val cut in smoothly. He snapped his fingers, and one of the monitors flickered on, static clearing just enough to show a familiar location. Somewhere Emily recognized. Somewhere important. “Question is, Em… how bad do you wanna know who’s pulling strings around you?”

Her breath caught. “You said you were done interfering in my life.”

Val laughed, low and sharp. “Angel, I don’t do done.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy and electric. Emily clenched her fists, fighting the pull of fear and anger swirling in her chest. She’d survived Hell by staying small, staying quiet—but Val never let anyone stay untouched for long.

“What do you want?” she asked finally.

Val stopped in front of her, leaning down just enough for his shadow to swallow her whole. His voice dropped, dangerously calm. “A favor. One conversation. One little choice.” His eyes gleamed. “After that? You walk out that door knowing the truth.”

Emily met his gaze, heart pounding. She knew better than to trust him. But not knowing might be worse.

“And if I say no?” she whispered.

Val’s smile softened—never a good sign. “Then the truth stays mine.”