87: Are you shocked - Part 3

Lilith was the first to reach them, her gaze sharp as she placed a hand on Auriel's shoulder. 

"What happened?"

Auriel exhaled shakily, forcing herself to stand straighter despite the pulsing pain in her head. 

"I tried to lift her curse again… but there was backlash. Something is preventing me from interfering with it."

Lilith's expression darkened. 

"I told you before—it's not a simple matter of divine intervention. The forces at work here are beyond normal blessings or curses."

Carol looked stricken, her hands clenched into fists. 

"You shouldn't have done that, Goddess! Not if it was going to hurt you!"

Auriel managed a small smile despite the pain. 

"I wanted to help."

Carol's lower lip trembled, but she quickly turned away, her shoulders stiff. 

"I… I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

Lilith sighed, rubbing her temples.