Asmodeus led them down a velvet-lined hallway toward what he called his humble office.
It was not humble.
The walls shimmered with rose-gold embossing that seemed to move when you weren't looking directly at it. The carpet swallowed footsteps like it didn't want noise to exist. Perfume and incense mixed in the air with a low, warm hum of magic that made the room feel alive.
Even the chandeliers were shaped like twisting crystalline hearts, glowing softly.
They took their seats across from a glossy desk shaped like an enormous stylized flame. Asmodeus swept into his chair with theatrical grace, crossing his legs and folding his hands.
"Well, well," he purred. "A group like yours is refreshing in this run-down Hell."
Charlie straightened politely.
"Thank you for meeting us," she said. "It's an honor to meet a Sin like your—"
Asmodeus waved her off with a grin.
"No need for formalities, princess. Your father and I used to be good friends."
He sighed dramatically.
"That was back when he returned my calls."
Charlie winced.
"Yeah… he hasn't been very active lately."
The softness in her voice made Vaggie wrap an arm around her instantly. Charlie leaned into it.
Asmodeus drummed his fingers, expression briefly tired.
"He's… lost," he admitted. "I hope he finds his way back. All the Sins do."
He turned sharply.
"Right, Bee?"
Bee was glaring.
Hard.
Max rested his tail lightly on her shoulder, grounding her.
"What?" Bee snapped. "He hasn't come to any of my parties in years! I send invitations! Handwritten ones!"
Asmodeus raised both hands.
"Not my fault! The Lust Ring has been slammed ever since humans discovered unlimited streaming porn. You would not believe the requests."
He ran a hand down his face.
"Anyway. Enough gossip. I need to see this harem contract."
Max summoned it with a flick of his fingers.
The parchment hummed into existence.
Asmodeus grabbed it eagerly.
Read.
And read.
And read.
His eyebrows climbed higher with every line.
Then he exhaled slowly.
Painfully.
Max's stomach dropped.
He reached for the contract.
Loona caught his arm and pinned it.
"Sit," she growled.
Asmodeus lowered the parchment.
"You crazy bastard," he muttered. "You risked your existence with this."
The girls froze.
"What do you mean?" Octavia asked quietly. "That sounds… bad."
Max tried to speak.
Loona tightened her grip.
"Don't interrupt."
Asmodeus cleared his throat.
"As I was saying. There are virtually no downsides for any of you. Security. protections. emotional guarantees. It's a sweetheart deal."
He tapped the parchment.
"For Max? Entirely different."
Max closed his eyes.
He knew this part.
"If even one of you leaves because he violates your clause," Asmodeus continued, "or he breaks a single rule… every contract collapses."
He snapped his fingers.
"And his soul fractures. Five ways. He unravels piece by piece until he fades."
Charlie gasped.
Vaggie shot upright.
"WHAT?!"
Octavia stared at Max.
"He didn't read them…" she whispered.
Loona released him just long enough to jab a claw at his chest.
"Then you're reading them now. All of them."
The girls moved to the side table.
Max swallowed.
And began.
Bee's ClauseMust be able to hang out with me anytime I need you.And must care about the happiness of everyone under this contract — including yourself.
Loona's ClauseNever abandon me or any of the girls in times of need.And never abandon your true self just to make others comfortable.
Charlie's ClauseHelp those in Hell.Never ignore someone in need.Keep yourself and everyone under this contract safe.
Vaggie's ClauseKeep Charlie happy.Keep us together.Protect her.Protect yourself.
Octavia's ClauseKeep me safe and loved.Give me a place to stay.An arm to cry on.Help me with my family.And… never let go.
Max blinked.
His chest tightened.
"Octavia," he said softly. "Yours is… poetic."
She turned bright red.
"Shut up…"
Charlie stepped closer, voice trembling.
"Can you do all of them?" she asked. "Because if one isn't realistic, we're breaking the contract. None of us are risking you."
Max shook his head immediately.
"No. Don't. I can do this. All of it. I already do."
Relief flooded the room.
Charlie sagged into Vaggie.
Loona exhaled.
Bee wiped her eyes when she thought no one was looking.
"Good," Asmodeus said, clapping once. "Then sign."
They signed.
The parchment flared.
Light burst upward into shimmering engagement cards.
"Congratulations!" Asmodeus boomed. "Officially recognized within the Lust Ring! One beautifully chaotic family!"
The girls exploded into excited noise.
Even Loona smiled.
Asmodeus waved lazily toward the doors.
"Go enjoy the Ring. Send the bill to me. And have fun — that's what Lust is for."
They left in a rush of laughter.
Only Max remained.
He sat back down slowly.
"So… what now?"
Asmodeus folded his hands.
The grin vanished.
"Oh, Max," he said quietly.
"Now we talk about why I really called you here."