Chapter 8

The car that arrived for Zane was nothing short of luxurious, sleek black with tinted windows, a machine that purred instead of roared. The kind of car that turned heads, even in the wealthiest parts of town. The Shadowhunters operated in secrecy, but they clearly weren't lacking in resources.

And one more thing, he had finally learnt that he was in Los Angeles. Actually this earth was quite similar to his, just a few hundred years older.

Dressed in a crisp dark suit, something picked out for him rather than by him, Zane adjusted his cuffs as he stepped into the vehicle. The drive was smooth, almost unnervingly so, as if the driver was gliding rather than driving. The city passed by in streaks of gold and neon until they arrived at the restaurant.

This was no ordinary place.

The entrance alone was extravagant—glass doors with golden embellishments, warm lighting that made everything glow as if kissed by candlelight. Inside, the floors gleamed like polished obsidian, and a grand chandelier hung overhead, refracting light into countless little fragments. The air smelled of the finest cuisine money could buy, rich with spices and delicacies from across the world.

"Reservation for two, Lilith"

The hostess barely glanced at him before gesturing toward an area deeper inside, where a private booth awaited.

And there she was.

Lilith.

She looked… stunning. More than stunning. Last time due to his particular situation he wasn't able to take time to properly appreciate the beauty but now....

Long, flowing black hair fell over her shoulders perfectly framing a face that was both sharp and delicate, hauntingly beautiful. But it was her eyes that drew him in, they were cat like and they glowed softly. She wore a fitted black dress, elegant yet teasingly revealing in all the right places. The candlelight flickered against her pale skin, giving her an almost ethereal presence.

A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as her gaze swept over him. "Do you normally come late to dates? Mr Zane"

Zane smiled back. "That's odd, was this a date? the association seemed to think this was a more formal meeting meant for negotiation."

Lilith leaned forward, resting her chin on the back of her hand. "I love your new look by the way, the eyes really fit perfectly like they were always meant to be those colour; it seems the hunters been treating you awfully well for someone they just met recently though"

"I guess they have, and i do love your dress, it suits you"

She smiled happily as she softly clapped her hands "Oh does it? i wore it because of you, you know?"

He smiled back prepared to tease her but then he stiffened

Shit he was falling for these woman's schemes and was flirting back instead of gathering information like he was supposed to!

Zane exhaled sharply, slipping into the seat across from her. "You invited me here for information, not to flirt."

"Why not both?" She tilted her head, watching him like a cat watching prey. "Besides, isn't this better than some dark, abandoned alley? A handsome man, a beautiful woman, expensive wine…" She gestured to the bottle already sitting on the table. "If you had even a drop of romance in you, you would've brought me flowers."

Zane scoffed. "Forgive me for not knowing the etiquette for meetings with suspicious powerful warlocks."

She laughed softly, a low, rich sound. "Suspicious? Come now, Zane, I saved your life. The least you could do is pretend to trust me and thank you for the compliment btw."

"That's exactly what makes you suspicious." His gaze sharpened. "Why did you heal me?"

Lilith's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes. She traced the rim of her glass with a finger before answering. "Because you're interesting."

"That's it?"

"For now." Her smile widened slightly. "Though if you insist on a deeper answer… I have certain gifts, Zane. I specialize in dark magic. And one of the perks of that is seeing the strings of fate." She tapped her temple. "Not prophecies. Not certainties. But glimpses of where the general direction of fate is leading too. And in my glimpses, you… stand taller than most."

He narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"

"It means," she said, voice dropping slightly, "that you're going to be someone important. And I'd like to be there when you become whoever it is you're meant to be."

Zane studied her, searching for deceit, for cracks in her words. "And that's why you healed me?"

"Yes. A little investment." Her lips curled. "And I'm not one to make bad investments."

His fingers drummed against the table. "You know i'm not from.....around here right?."

Lilith's smile turned almost predatory. "I do, your world is rather fascinating, there are beings there that can even give Royal Angels and demons a run for their lives"

"How do you know that?"

She merely shrugged, the picture of nonchalance. "I have my ways."

Zane exhaled through his nose. She wasn't going to tell him. He wasn't even sure if pressing her further would get him anywhere. Instead, he chose a different approach. "So, what exactly do you want from me?"

Lilith took a slow sip of wine before answering. "A trip."

Zane blinked. "A trip?"

"To your world."

He stared at her, expecting a joke, but her expression remained poised, serious despite the teasing glint in her eyes.

"You want to come with me?"

"When you pass your trial, yes." She leaned back, crossing her legs, the slit of her dress shifting just enough to reveal smooth, pale skin. "Your world is… intriguing. And I have a feeling that whatever is waiting for you there will be far more interesting than anything here."

Zane rubbed his temple. "You don't ask for small favors, do you? I'm not even sure if i would be allowed to bring people with me."

Lilith chuckled. "No, I don't. And yes you will"

He sighed. "Fine. I'll consider it. But for now, let's talk about why we're really here. The demon king. The Shadowhunters he took and what he is doing to them. Where is he?"

She set down her glass and folded her hands. "I can tell you where he'll be and when. But what he's doing with them? That, I won't say."

His jaw tightened. "Why?"

Her lashes lowered slightly, and for the first time, her playful demeanour dulled. "Because i'm not all seeing Zane or i wouldn't have been in that little predicament you saved me from."

A heavy silence settled between them.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the mood shifted. Lilith took the last bite of her meal and stood, brushing a hand down her dress. "Well, this has been lovely. I do hope you enjoyed our little date."

Zane rolled his eyes. "This wasn't a date"

She leaned down suddenly, her lips brushing just past his ear as she whispered, "Anything you say handsome"

And just like that, a portal opened and she vanished, leaving behind the scent of wine and something intoxicatingly sweet.

He looked around panicking, what was wrong with this woman? What if normal people saw?

But nothing happened, nobody even turned to look at their direction

Zane exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.

"Beautiful women will be the death of me," he muttered. "Not that i mind though"

The waiter approached, placing the bill on the table.

Zane groaned. "And of course she didn't pay neither did she tell me the place and time."

But then he turned the bill over and there it was, the address and the time!

Magic i tell you!