Four

Ava's words hung in the air like a heavy fog, shrouding the room in an eerie silence. All eyes that had been fixated on Lila now turned towards Lilith. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, a suffocating sensation that threatened to consume her. Lila had fled the reception room, leaving Lilith to bear the weight of Ava's unexpected proposal.

Lilith's mind was a tempest of emotions, her thoughts racing like wildfire. Anger simmered within her, mingling with humiliation and a fierce determination not to be manipulated. She wished she could vanish, escape from the relentless gaze of the crowd and the pressure that seemed to envelop her. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she struggled to regain her composure.

As Lilith grappled with her thoughts, an idea sprouted in her mind – a dangerous and vindictive idea. The memory of her mother's death resurfaced, the pain of loss mingling with the thirst for revenge. Could this proposal be an opportunity to strike back at Ava's family, to exact justice for the life they had taken?

A calculating smile tugged at the corners of Lilith's lips as she considered the possibilities. If she were to accept Ava's proposal, she would be bound to her enemy in a twisted union. But that very bond could be used to her advantage, a tool to exact vengeance and turn the tables on the demons who had wronged her family.

Taking a deep breath, Lilith turned towards the stage where Ava stood. Her expression, once clouded with anger, transformed into a mask of cold determination. She moved with purpose, every step echoing her newfound resolve. As she reached the stage, she gazed at Ava, her eyes glittering with a mixture of defiance and concealed intent.

"I accept to marry Ava," Lilith's voice rang out, the words resolute and laced with a hidden agenda. The room, which had been teetering on the precipice of chaos, seemed to settle, the atmosphere shifting as if a storm had passed. Lilith's father, who had been on the brink of fury, visibly relaxed, and the festivities resumed with an eerie sense of normalcy.

Ava approached Lilith, her icy façade unbroken, but beneath the surface, Lilith sensed a trace of surprise. "I didn't think you'd accept," Ava murmured, her words almost lost amidst the cacophony of the room. Lilith's lips curved into a sardonic smile as she retorted, "I don't really have a choice, do I?" The exchange was laced with a tension that had become their trademark.

Lilith's father, who had been red-faced just moments ago, also seemed to revert to his former state of calm. The world had swiftly resumed its course, as if the upheaval had never occurred. Lilith's sigh carried a mixture of resignation and rebellion as she turned away from Ava, her thoughts a tumultuous sea of conflicting emotions.

"I hate her with every fibre of my being," Lilith seethed inwardly as she walked over to her father. She addressed him with a strained smile, masking the storm of emotions within her. "Daddy, I'm going to my room, I'm tired of being here," she declared before making her exit from the room.

The corridor provided a brief respite from the chaos of the reception. Lilith moved with quick, determined steps, her frustration fueling her pace. She sought solace in the kingdom's garden, a sanctuary she had shared with her mother. The garden was a testament to their shared love for nature, adorned with roses of various hues.

Lilith's gaze swept over the roses – red, yellow, and white – each blossom a symbol of memories etched into her heart. She remembered how her mother used to tend to the garden, lovingly pruning and watering the flowers. She remembered how they would sit together on the bench, admiring the beauty of nature and sharing stories and secrets. She remembered how her mother would kiss her forehead and tell her how much she loved her.

Tears prickled at her eyes as she recalled those moments spent with her mother, the pain of loss mingling with a bittersweet longing. She wished she could see her mother's smile again, hear her laughter, feel her warmth. The weight of her mother's absence was a heavy burden that she carried in her heart.

One of her wolves approached, sensing her distress. It nudged its nose against her hand, offering its support. Lilith's fingers brushed against its fur, finding solace in the silent companionship they shared. Her wolves were more than just pets; they were her family, her protectors, her friends. They had been with her through thick and thin, through joy and sorrow, through peace and war.

But then, a voice pierced through the stillness, snapping her out of her reverie. "I'm sorry, Lilith."

Lilith's gaze lifted to see her sister, Lila, standing before her. She looked pale and weary. She didn't reply verbally but gestured for Lila to join her. Lila's eyes were red from crying, her distress evident. She had been through a lot lately, more than anyone should have to endure.

A mixture of sadness and compassion filled Lilith's heart as she pulled her sister into an embrace. She felt Lila's body tremble in her arms, as if she was holding back a flood of emotions. "I'm so sorry, my dear, sweet little sister," Lila's voice trembled, weighted with guilt and sorrow. "Because of me, you're going to have to go through hell."

Lilith's embrace tightened, conveying reassurance and understanding.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, Lila," she whispered, a warm smile gracing her lips as she met her sister's gaze. She wanted to comfort Lila, to ease her burden. She wanted to be strong for both of them.

Standing up, Lilith's smile took on a mischievous edge. She felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, a spark of excitement igniting in her eyes. She was not afraid of what lay ahead; she was ready for it. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

"This is the perfect opportunity for me to get my revenge," she confessed, her voice a mixture of determination and newfound purpose. The world had shifted beneath their feet, alliances had crumbled, and enemies had emerged from the shadows. But Lilith had been handed a weapon that she could wield to reshape her destiny.

As Lila disappeared from sight, Ava emerged from the shadows. She had followed Lila to the garden, hoping to talk to her, to explain herself. But she had overheard the conversation between Lilith and Lila, and she felt a pang of jealousy and resentment. She didn't like how close they were, how much they cared for each other. She wanted Lila for herself, and she hated Lilith for being in the way.

Ava approached Lilith, her expression cold and aloof. She didn't bother to greet her or offer any pleasantries. She cut straight to the point, her voice sharp and biting.

"What are you up to, Lilith?" Ava demanded, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What are you planning to do with this marriage?"

Lilith turned to face Ava, her smile mocking and defiant. She didn't fear Ava, she despised her. She saw through her pretense of indifference, her mask of arrogance. She knew Ava was insecure and vulnerable, and she intended to exploit that.

"Nothing much, Ava," Lilith replied casually, shrugging her shoulders. "Just fulfilling my duty as your future wife."

Ava snorted, not buying Lilith's act. She sensed a hidden agenda behind Lilith's words, a sinister motive that threatened her position and power.

"Don't play games with me, Lilith," Ava warned, her tone menacing. "I know you hate me and my family. I know you blame us for your mother's death. I know you want revenge."

Lilith's smile widened, revealing a hint of malice. She didn't deny Ava's accusations; she confirmed them.

"That's right, Ava," Lilith admitted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I do hate you and your family. I do blame you for my mother's death. And I do want revenge."

Ava felt a surge of anger and fear coursing through her veins. She clenched her fists, ready to lash out at Lilith. But before she could say or do anything, one of Lilith's wolves came to Ava's side. It growled at Ava, baring its teeth and warning her to back off.

Ava flinched, startled by the sudden appearance of the wolf. She had forgotten about Lilith's wolves, the loyal companions that guarded her and obeyed her commands. She realized she was outnumbered and outmatched in this situation.

She glared at Lilith, who smirked at her predicament.

"Looks like your wolf doesn't like me very much," Ava remarked bitterly.

"Can you blame him?" Lilith retorted. "You're not exactly a likable person."

Ava felt a sting of humiliation and frustration. She wanted to hurt Lilith, to make her pay for her insolence and defiance. But she knew she couldn't do that here and now. She had to bide her time, wait for a better opportunity.

She decided to end the conversation before it escalated further.

"Fine," Ava said curtly. "Have it your way."

She turned to leave, but not before adding one more thing.

"But don't get too comfortable with this arrangement," Ava said over her shoulder. "I won't do anything to you."

She left the garden without looking back.