In Hell, Sinsmas was being celebrated, the demonic version of Christmas. The streets were lit with red and green lights that sparkled over pools of liquid fire, while sinners celebrated their excesses and vices with thunderous laughter and chaotic dances. Ishnofel knew that Lucifer had invented all of this out of sheer boredom, and he could feel the vibrant energy of the holiday madness even before crossing the doors of the Hazbin Hotel.
Inside the hotel, the decorations were impeccable: black and gold garlands hung along the hallways, floating candles flickered with a red and green glow, and a massive demonic tree, covered in lights that seemed to burn without consuming, dominated the main hall. Ishnofel walked through the corridors with his usual seriousness, his steps softly echoing on the dark marble floor, observing every detail with meticulous eyes.
—Ready? —exclaimed Charlie, radiant, her voice filling the space with contagious energy—. The demonic tree is set up, the decorations are in place… and so are the dead mistletoes.
One hung directly above Husk and Ángel Dust, swaying gently in the air as if it had a life of its own.
—You know how this goes, handsome —Ángel flirted, showing his usual mischievous smile as the lights danced in his eyes.
—Not a chance —Husk replied, raising his bottle without averting his gaze, his shadow casting against the walls decorated with infernal Christmas motifs.
Further on, Charlie and Vaggie shared a soft kiss under another dead mistletoe, surrounded by the warm glow of the lights and the festive atmosphere, while Ishnofel watched them for a moment before continuing his rounds. His steps took him to Lucifer, absorbed in front of a large photo of Lilith, which seemed to glow softly under the candlelight.
—King? —he asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Lucifer straightened and forced a nervous smile, the flickering light casting shadows across his face.
—Ah… son. It's been a long time… —he said, trying to keep his composure.
—Seems like you still miss her —Ishnofel commented, formal but gentle.
—Well… yes… she left about eight years ago —Lucifer admitted, letting out a hint of melancholy.
Ishnofel sighed and retreated to his room. There, amid warm shadows and a faint reddish light coming through the window, he took a photo of Eliana and caressed it gently.
—I miss you —he murmured, barely audible, as the light danced over his face, highlighting the nostalgia in his eyes.
When he returned to the main hall, the scene was typical of the hotel during Sinsmas: Cherry Bomb joked with Ángel amidst laughter that echoed across the parquet floor, Baxter chatted animatedly with Niffty, and Alastor… well, he was still Alastor, his laughter modulating the background music that seemed to come from nowhere. Charlie shone with joy, illuminating the space with her energy, Vaggie kept everything under control, and Husk, as always, was slightly drunk, leaning on the bar with an expression of indifference that contrasted with the chaos around him. Ishnofel sat in Husk's spot and poured himself a bit of alcohol, letting the sweet and spicy aromas of the demonic punch envelop him as he observed the scene with a mix of nostalgia and serenity.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Carmilla Carmine entered, her presence filling the space with elegance and a faint scent of amber perfume.
—Look, big guy, here comes your "partner" —Cherry Bomb joked, causing an instant blush in Ishnofel.
—Carmilla… what are you doing here? —he asked, trying to hide his surprise, while the candlelight reflected glimmers on his dark hair.
—I came to greet you and wish you a happy Sinsmas —Carmilla replied naturally, approaching among the flickering lights and cheerful murmur of the others.
Meanwhile, Ángel Dust, Charlie, and Niffty hung a dead mistletoe above them, the object swinging gently and casting playful shadows on the walls.
—Look up! —said Vaggie, pointing excitedly.
Ishnofel looked up and saw the mistletoe hanging above them. His blush deepened, and Carmilla gave him a knowing smile.
—The tradition says that if there's a mistletoe… you must kiss —Baxter commented, amused, as the red and green lights of the tree seemed to flicker in time with his laughter.
—Wait! No… she's not even my partner —Ishnofel protested, completely red.
But Carmilla, calm and composed, took his face gently and kissed him. The warmth of the moment contrasted with the infernal lights and blaring music, creating an almost magical instant amid the chaos.
—Well, I'm off… Bye, Ishnofel! —she said, walking away gracefully, leaving him stunned.
—Hey… are you okay? —Charlie asked, approaching with concern.
—Yes… I'm fine —Ishnofel replied, still floating in that feeling of surprise and happiness.
Charlie let out a little squeal of laughter:
—ISHNOFEL!
He just smiled, remembering the kiss and the photo. That Sinsmas would undoubtedly be one of the best days of his life.