Descendant of Sloth
Chapter 86: Billie & Nox

Chapter 86: Billie & Nox

The hotel hallway was quiet, the red polished carpet under Hina and Serina’s boots as they stood side by side in front of the door. The number "312" silved plated on the door.

Hina shifted her weight, her one piece rustling, while Serina stood still, her arms crossed tight. They exchanged a quick look, then Hina raised her fist and knocked—two sharp raps *knock* *knock* that echoed down the empty long corridor.

A moment passed, then a soft *clack* came from the lock. The door creaked open, and there stood Billie, her green hair flickering faintly like a dying flame. Her face was pale, her eyes shadowed with thle same quiet sadness she always carried—hope for her brother dimmed but not gone.

Still, she managed a small, shaky smile when she saw them.

"Welcome back, Hina, Serina," she said, her voice soft but warm. She leaned against the doorframe, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.

"Where’s Esther? And how’d the auction go? Did you... did you find Nox?" The questions tumbled out fast, her hope and worry tangling together.

Hina and Serina glanced at each other again, a silent understanding passing between them. Hina took a step forward, her expression softening. "Billie..." she started, her voice gentle, almost careful.

"Yes?" Billie’s word hung there, unfinished, her eyes searching Hina’s face. Then she froze. Behind Hina’s shoulder, a flicker of green caught the light—bright, alive, just like her own hair. Nox peeked out, tilting his tiny head to the side, his big glossy eyes locking onto his sister.

Billie’s breath hitched. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she stumbled back a few steps, her legs giving out as she sank to the floor. She wrapped her arms around herself, tears spilling down her cheeks, her shoulders shaking.

Hina and Serina stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind them. The room smells good and plain—lights walls, and 3 big beds, lights turned on casting a warm glow—it felt alive now, charged with something raw and real.

Nox didn’t wait. He buzzed, and he lifted off Hina’s shoulder, zipping across the room to hover in front of Billie.

"Sister Billie..." he said, his squeaky voice bright and cheerful, like he couldn’t hold back his excitement. He landed softly on the carpet, standing there with his flaming hair dancing, his tiny hands clasped together.

Billie lifted her head, her tear-streaked face breaking into a shaky smile as she looked at him—really looked at him. Alive, healthy, right there in front of her.

"Nox..." she whispered, her voice cracking. Then she lunged forward, scooping him up in her arms and pulling him close.

"NOX!" she cried, louder this time, burying her face against his tiny frame. Her sobs mixed with laughter, relief pouring out of her as she held him tight.

Hina leaned against the wall, crossing her arms with a small grin. "Told you we’d get him," she said, her tone light but proud.

Serina nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "He’s tougher than he looks," she added, her voice quiet but warm. She watched Billie and Nox, her usual sharpness softening for once.

Billie didn’t let go, her tears soaking into Nox’s collar as she rocked him gently.

"I thought... I thought I’d never see you again," she murmured, her words muffled against his flaming hair. "You’re really here..."

"I’m here, Billie," Nox chirped, patting her cheek with his tiny hand. "Hina, Serina and the other brother saved me!" He beamed up at her, his big eyes shining, and for the first time in a long while, Billie’s smile didn’t look forced.

Billie sat on the carpet, her arms wrapped tight around Nox, his tiny green body pressed against her chest.

"Sister..." he murmured, his squeaky voice melting with warmth as he nestled closer. His flaming hair flickered gently, brushing against her cheek, and his big eyes softened, reflecting the same relief she felt. They clung to each other, a little island of quiet in the middle of the room.

Hina and Serina stood nearby, looking down at the siblings with small, satisfied smiles. The tension from the auction was finally slipping away, replaced by something lighter—something good.

Seeing Billie and Nox together, safe and whole, made the long night worth it. Hina leaned against the wall, her boots scuffing the floor, while Serina stood with her hands on her hips, her usual sharpness softened by the scene in front of them.

Billie lifted her head, her tear-streaked face glowing with gratitude. "Thank you... thank you so much, Hina, Serina," she said, her voice shaky but full of heart. She squeezed Nox a little tighter, like she still couldn’t believe he was real.

Hina shrugged, brushing it off with a grin. "You’re welcome, but don’t thank us too much. You should really thank Esther—it was his money and his big idea to just buy Nox instead of starting a mess." She crossed her arms, her tone casual, like it was no big deal.

Serina giggled, nodding. "Yeah, seriously. The guy just wanted to chill and not put up a fight. Typical Esther move." Her laugh was light.

Hina smirked, shaking her head. "Yep, he’s a lazy motherfucker in the end, isn’t he?" She glanced at Serina, and they both cracked up, their laughter filling the space.

Billie blinked up at them, still cradling Nox, a curious look crossing her face. "Where is he, anyway? He didn’t come back with you guys?"

"Uh..." Hina scratched the back of her neck, thinking back. "He said he forgot to buy something and took off. Left us right after we got out of the auditorium."

"He’ll be back, though, don’t worry," Serina chimed in, waving a hand. "Probably just went to grab a coffee or take a nap somewhere. You know, in case you two siblings start crying and making noise all night." She grinned, teasing, and let out another little laugh.

"Yeah, exactly," Hina said, pointing at Serina like she’d nailed it. "Gotta recharge before the chaos hits."

Billie smiled, a soft, genuine one this time, and hugged Nox closer.

"He’s a unique guy, isn’t he?" she said, her voice quiet but warm. "But I’m so thankful to him." Her eyes drifted to Nox, his tiny hand patting her arm, and her mind wandered back to yesterday.

She could still see it—Esther pulling her out of that dark, smoky mess, saving her life when she’d thought it was over. And now here he was, saving her brother too.

~He’s an angel

She thought, the words settling deep in her chest, unspoken but real. She rested her chin on Nox’s head, letting the moment sink in, the weight of it all finally feeling a little lighter.