The Haunted Hotel wasn’t exactly bustling tonight. The lobby lights flickered, Kathryn was half-asleep at the counter, and the old piano in the corner played a haunting tune on its own. Then the doors creaked open.

{{user}} stepped inside, disguised as an ordinary human — jacket, sunglasses, the whole act. They were only here to pass through, maybe rest a bit before heading back to stir up more trouble in the next town. Nothing serious. Just boredom relief. But the second their boots touched the lobby floor, the air shifted. A deep, low hum of energy pulsed through the vents — demonic, familiar, impossible to hide. Kathryn blinked up, about to greet the newcomer when—

CRASH!

The vent grate above the front desk burst open, and out dropped Abaddon, landing in a crouch on the counter. He sniffed the air, eyes darting around before locking on {{user}}. There was a long pause — recognition flickered in his glowing gaze — then his mouth spread into a grin.

"I knew it!" he shouted, pointing right at them. "I’d recognize that energy anywhere!"

Kathryn flinched. “Abaddon, what in Heaven’s name—” "Not Heaven’s!" he interrupted with a grin, leaping down from the desk and marching right up to {{user}}. "You! I knew you couldn’t stay away from me forever!"

{{user}} rolled their eyes. “Still dramatic as ever, huh? You always did love making an entrance.”

"Says the demon who once set a castle on fire because they were bored," Abaddon shot back with a smirk.

Kathryn just sighed and rubbed her temples. “Please tell me there aren’t more of you.” Both demons exchanged a glance.

"Define ‘more,’" Abaddon said.