Chapter 203: A Way Forward
Special Thanks To Jennifer_Goliah For The Gift {≥≈≤}
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Lilith blinked multiple times to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. "How... how did you get here? I didn’t summon you."
"You don’t need to summon me for me to be here. And instead of asking questions, you should be grateful that I’m here to help fix the mess you have both made."
Lilith’s eyes widened. "You can fix Hades? Release him from the chains of the demon?"
"No, I can’t fix him or release him from the demon’s grip. But I can tell you how to do that." The witch crossed her arms. "Like I said before, we don’t have time to waste. We must begin as soon as possible before that demon causes more destruction."
Lilith wiped the tears from her face. "Alright. Tell me how we can save Hades."
"I’m afraid I can’t do that now."
Lilith frowned. "Why not?"
"You look like you are about to collapse and pass out. You’re visibly tired and worn out. Sleep off your exhaustion and sadness. By morning, I shall return to tell you everything I know," the witch explained.
"You’re mistaken. I can.."
"Go to sleep, Lilith." Salistra’s voice was firm, "The damage has already been done. A few hours of rest won’t hurt anyone. Besides, you can’t do anything alone, even if we talked until dawn. So get some sleep, and regain your strength because your days are about to become very busy and very tasking."
Lilith nodded in agreement and made her way to the bed, laying down. "Why are you helping me, Salistra?"
The woman didn’t respond immediately. "I’m not helping you, Lilith. I’m helping Hades. His mother was very dear to me, and I owe her my life. Now that she’s no longer with us, I have extended that debt to her son."
"Thank you for your help," Lilith whispered, now curled up under the covers.
"I’m only doing what I am meant to do. And Lilith... I have a question for you."
Lilith immediately sat up, the words piqued her interest, "What is it?"
"You and Hades have broken centuries old rules, laws made by the gods themselves. And there are consequences for disobeying the gods. Are you aware of that?" Salistra asked, now standing by the door.
Lilith swallowed, she could feel her heartbeat rise. "Yes, I am aware of that."
"Are you willing to save the prince no matter what?" Salistra inquired.
Lilith knew this was a weighty question, but even with the looming consequences, her answer remained unchanged. "Yes. No matter what it takes."
"You should be careful with your replies, Lilith. The gods have no mercy on those who defy their rules," the witch warned.
"I understand. But my answer still stands. I will save Hades from the demon, no matter the cost. I will pay the price for the prince," Lilith replied confidently, even though her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.
"Very well then. Good night." With that, the witch disappeared from her room.
Lilith let out a deep breath before laying back down on the bed, shutting her eyes as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
The next time she opened her eyes, it was already morning. She jolted awake, sitting up immediately as her eyes landed on Salistra, who stood silently by the window in her long black dress, staring outside.
"How long have you been here?" Lilith asked, rubbing her eyes one after the other.
"Thirty minutes ago. You should freshen up before we begin," the witch said without looking back at her.
"Very well." Lilith jumped out of the bed. "Should I inform the others?" she asked as she began undressing.
"Yes. I will be in the library in thirty minutes," Salistra announced before vanishing.
Lilith quickly freshened up and dressed in a pale blue gown, her hair pinned up. Without wasting time, she rushed out of her chamber and made her way to Viktor’s room, banging her fists on the door. On the second knock, the door swung open, revealing Viktor, still half asleep.
"Good morning, Viktor." Lilith flashed him a bright smile. "Please, come with me to the library. The witch has something important to tell you. You..."
Her eyes caught movement behind him. "Is that Charlotte?!" Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at Viktor, clearly confused.
Viktor turned back and caught sight of Charlotte’s silhouette. "Fuck," he cursed under his breath. "She was scared and didn’t want to spend the night alone," he explained.
"Oh." Lilith’s expression softened, returning to normal. "Get dressed quickly and meet us in the library. And please, bring Lucian along too."
"I will. Thank you," Viktor replied with a smile before closing the door as she walked away. He sighed, running his fingers through his hair as he strolled back into the room."I told you to stay here."
"I’m sorry, I just wanted to take a peek. I didn’t know she would spot me so easily," Charlotte apologized, flustered and clearly embarrassed.
"I have to freshen up. Do you still want to stay here or return to your chambers?"
Charlotte stood up from the bed. "I shall return to my chambers. Thank you for letting me sleep here," she said, grabbing her things and bolting out the door.
Viktor shook his head, locked the door behind her, and began making preparations for the meeting in the library. Meanwhile, Charlotte returned to her own room and lay on her bed, her heart pounding, her thoughts a complete mess.
She had woken up before Viktor, and for some unknown reason, she found herself watching him sleep. He looked, dare she say, handsome while sleeping.
Even the thought alone felt wrong.
She had never really paid attention to Viktor’s looks, and now suddenly, her heart was acting strange when he was near, and she had been shamelessly staring at him while he slept. Something must be wrong with her. Maybe she was coming down with a fever or something worse because she couldn’t make sense of what was happening to her.
She sighed again, placing a pillow over her face, trying to block the thoughts out.