Unveiled Desires

Ava began to undress slowly, and Lilith, still hidden beneath the bed, watched as if time had slowed down. It felt as though Ava was deliberately drawing out the process, almost as if she had sensed Lilith's presence under the bed.

Lilith's cheeks flushed as her eyes lingered on Ava's beautifully toned abdomen, but her attention was soon diverted by a faint scar on Ava's stomach. It was a stark reminder of their tumultuous history, harking back to the night of their wedding when Lilith had plunged a knife into Ava.

Lilith attempted to adjust her position under the bed, but a sudden movement caused her to bump her head, producing an unfortunate and loud thud. Ava's head snapped in the direction of the noise, and Lilith's heart raced as she realized she had been discovered.

"Who's there?" Ava's voice was laced with suspicion as she approached the bed, her steps deliberate and cautious.

Lilith's anxiety surged; this was the worst possible outcome. She had only intended to retrieve the magical feather, not to confront Ava in this compromising position. The seconds dragged on like hours as she contemplated her next move.

Ava, inching closer to the bed, leaned down to peer underneath. Her eyes widened with surprise when she spotted Lilith hidden beneath.

"Lilith?" Ava's voice held a mixture of astonishment and confusion as Lilith emerged from her hiding place, laughing nervously.

"What are you doing here?" Ava's gaze bore into Lilith, her arms crossed defensively. It had been weeks since they had been alone together, and their interactions had devolved into arguments. An uncomfortable silence had loomed between them for a week.

Lilith stammered, struggling to form coherent words. Her mind was clouded by Ava's proximity and the memory of the scar she had inflicted.

Ava, noticing Lilith's distraction, gently lifted her chin to meet her gaze. "My eyes are a bit higher up," she teased, a playful smirk on her lips. Lilith blushed even deeper, flustered by the awkwardness of the situation.

Lilith hesitated, grappling with how to extricate herself from the embarrassing predicament. She remained silent, her thoughts racing.

Ava, her patience wearing thin, prompted Lilith once more. "Have you lost your tongue, Lilith? What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone growing more impatient.

Lilith finally took a deep breath, deciding that honesty was the only way forward. "I was looking for the magic feather that can break spells," she admitted, her voice wavering slightly.

Ava burst into laughter, and Lilith couldn't help but feel a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

"Why are you laughing?" Lilith snapped, her irritation evident.

Ava's laughter subsided, and she held up the flaming mauve feather, a triumphant glint in her eyes. "You mean this?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Lilith examined the fiery feather closely, momentarily forgetting about Ava's unique ability to generate flames. She berated herself for her oversight.

"You're not going to give it to me, are you?" Lilith inquired, her tone resigned.

Ava's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "Well, I'm willing to give it to you on one condition."

Lilith, her curiosity piqued, asked, "What's the condition?"

Ava sighed, her gaze searching Lilith's eyes. "We haven't been able to talk for a week since you found out I was Red. Now you're talking to me like nothing's happened," Ava began, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Lilith remained silent for a moment, absorbing Ava's words. The tension between them had become palpable, and Lilith knew that this was a conversation long overdue.

"You're a very complicated woman, Lilith," Ava continued, "but I'd like to know what you really think of me."

Lilith's heart ached as she realized the weight of Ava's words. It was a pivotal moment, one that could redefine their fractured relationship. She knew she couldn't avoid it any longer; it was time to confront the truth.

Lilith looked into Ava's eyes, trying to read something in them. She felt her heart beat faster, but she didn't know whether it was fear, anger or love. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She felt lost, unable to understand her own feelings. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words were stuck in her throat.

"I don't know how I feel about you," Lilith finally said, her voice trembling. She hated herself for being so indecisive, so weak. She knew she was hurting Ava with her uncertainty, but she couldn't lie to her either.

Ava stared at her strangely, as if she didn't recognise the woman standing in front of her. She sighed, disappointed and frustrated by Lilith's answer. She had hoped for a different response, something more clear and definite. Something that would show her that Lilith cared for her as much as she did.

"You don't know?" she repeated incredulously. "After all we've been through together, you don't know whether you love me or hate me?" She sounded hurt and angry, but also incredulous and bewildered. She couldn't understand how Lilith could be so unsure of her feelings, after everything they had shared.

Lilith lowered her eyes in shame. She knew Ava was right, that she owed her more than that. But she couldn't help feeling confused, despite the fact that she was in love with Ava. She remembered their forced marriage, their rivalry, their betrayal.

How they had lied and deceived each other, but also trusted and forgiven each other. How they had risked everything for each other, but also endangered everything for each other. She was torn between two opposing feelings, and she didn't know which one to choose.

Ava came closer to her, closing the distance between them. She placed her hand on Lilith's cheek, forcing her to look at her. Lilith shivered at the touch of her skin, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. She felt a surge of emotion in her chest, a mixture of fear and desire.

"Ava…" she whispered, not knowing what she meant. Was it a plea or a warning? A question or an answer?

Ava smiled sadly, then leaned over and kissed her. Lilith was surprised by the gesture, but she didn't resist. She let herself be carried away by the kiss, forgetting everything else. She felt Ava's lips on hers, soft and fiery at the same time. She wrapped her arms around her neck, pressing herself against her. She tasted her breath, her perfume, her essence. She felt a connection with her that transcended words and reason.

The kiss lasted an eternity, then ended. Ava moved her head back slightly, looking into Lilith's eyes. In a gentle voice, she asked:

"And now? How do you feel now?" She hoped to see some clarity in Lilith's eyes, some sign of resolution or commitment.