Asher Vale didn't sit this time.
He stood in the center of Lena's apartment, hands clasped behind his back, posture straight and formal—like a judge about to deliver a sentence.
"This is the part where things stop being fun," he said.
Lena leaned against the counter, arms crossed, unimpressed. "You say that like it wasn't already terrifying."
"As of last night," Asher continued, ignoring her, "you are officially under Hell's jurisdiction."
"Do I get a badge?" she asked.
"No."
"Dental?"
His gaze flicked to her. "Focus."
She raised her hands in surrender. "Okay. Hit me."
The air in the room shifted. Warmer. Heavier. Like the walls were bracing themselves.
"There are laws," Asher said. "They are not suggestions."
He lifted one finger.
"Rule one: I cannot lie to you."
Lena blinked. "Ever?"
"Ever."
She studied his face, searching for cracks. "That seems… inconvenient for Hell."
"It is," he said flatly.
Another finger.
"Rule two: I cannot stop your downfall."
Her smile faltered just slightly. "Define downfall."
Asher's jaw tightened. "The moment your rise becomes unsustainable. The point at which the world turns on you."
"Ah," she said softly. "So the fun part."
His eyes darkened.
A third finger.
"Rule three," he said, slower this time. "I cannot fall in love with you."
The silence that followed felt sharp.
Lena tilted her head. "That one sounds personal."
"It's a safeguard," Asher said. "Emotions compromise judgment."
She pushed off the counter and stepped closer. "And what happens if you break a rule?"
Hell answered for him.
The lights flickered. The floor creaked. Something deep and unseen growled in warning.
Asher's expression hardened. "I am erased."
Lena's breath caught.
"Not killed," he continued. "Unmade. Like I never existed."
She stared at him for a long moment.
Then she smiled.
Sweet. Slow. Dangerous.
"You just listed three weaknesses," Lena said.
Asher's eyes narrowed. "You misunderstand."
"No," she replied. "You just told me you can't lie, you can't stop what's coming, and you're not allowed to love me."
She took another step forward, close enough now that he could feel her warmth.
"That means," she continued softly, "everything you tell me is the truth."
His voice dropped. "Lena—"
"And if I fall," she went on, "you'll have to watch."
His fists clenched.
"And if you start caring?" she finished, meeting his gaze.
The room held its breath.
Asher said nothing.
Lena smiled wider.
"Looks like Hell made a mistake," she said. "They gave me leverage."
Somewhere far below the city, something ancient stirred.
And for the first time since the contract was signed—
Hell started paying attention.