CHAPTER 134: YOUNG LILITH VI

*~Young Lilith’s POV~*

Dahlia... I had heard that name before. She was the leader of the Witches’ Coven... but why was she doing this? Wasn’t this against the rules? Witches and werewolves were never meant to mix.

"See you tomorrow," she said coldly. "Rest well—because tomorrow will be far more... stressful." With a final smirk, she vanished.

Everyone scattered in panic. Alice clung to me, her hands trembling.

"I don’t know my place anymore," she whispered.

I turned, desperate for any sign of safety. That was when I saw it—the carriage. My father’s carriage. He was waiting inside, his silhouette familiar, almost comforting.

"I’m sorry," I told Alice. "I have to go."

Her eyes darkened. "Where are you going?"

"My father is waiting for me."

She slowly released me, forcing a faint smile. "Then go. I’ll... I’ll stay here. My mother didn’t come for me. She must still think I’m worthless."

I hesitated, but the sound of the horse’s impatient snort pulled me away. I ran toward the carriage. A flash of red hair caught my eye—Alice—but I tightened my fists. I couldn’t help her. Not now.

My father’s voice broke the silence as I climbed in. "My beautiful Crescent. How are you feeling?"

I didn’t answer. His hand brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. Rage surged through me, hot and untamed. The fear that flickered across his eyes only satisfied me more.

"Good," he muttered, as if proud. "This is what I wanted to see."

We rode home. Mother was waiting outside, her expression unreadable. I brushed past her without a word, shoving her aside as I stormed into my room. Sleep eventually claimed me, heavy and restless.

The next morning, a gentle knock pulled me from my dreams. My body felt... different. Stronger. My arm had healed, and a new power thrummed beneath my skin. I reached for the door, but my strength splintered the wooden frame, sending it crashing open.

Mother gasped at the sight, then forced a smile. "Your old friend from the Academy is here. But first—your father wishes to see you."

I ignored her, walking past.

"Marcus is here," she called after me. "I sent him a letter. He wanted to check on you."

Before I could step out, my father’s hand clamped on my wrist. His voice was low, sharp with warning.

"Don’t tell anyone what you’ve become. If they find out, you won’t just be punished—you’ll be locked away. You are an abomination now."

I yanked free, pushing the door open. My heart pounded.

Standing there, I finally saw him—Marcus. His bright smile, soft blue eyes, and that calm, strong presence made my chest tighten. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, inhaling his familiar scent, letting it ground me. He hugged me back instantly, firm and reassuring, and I felt a surge of warmth I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in.

I could feel my father’s gaze on my back, more than just a glance, heavy and judging, but I ignored it. I broke the hug and pulled Marcus closer, desperate for every ounce of his presence.

"Where have you been?" I asked breathlessly. "You’ve been at the academy for the past two days—wait, and... congratulations," I whispered near his ear, "you’ve been working out? That’s... impressive. You’re not even 18 yet."

He laughed softly, that calm laugh that always seemed to wash away my worries. "Yes, but I’m scared," I admitted, my voice dropping. "What if we’re not mates? What if I suddenly find my mate somewhere else?"

Marcus tilted his head, his smile softening. "Lilith, we’re supposed to find our warmth together. That’s how it works. But I can already feel it—you are my mate. I love you, and I know you love me. That’s how it’s meant to be."

I blinked rapidly, letting the relief wash over me, but fear tugged at the edges. "Yes, but since I moved out before 18... maybe my wolf is waiting for yours to wake. I don’t want to mess this up."

He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Don’t let your mind spiral, little wolf. This is huge. You should be happy."

My heart jumped when he leaned slightly forward, a playful glint in his eyes. "Show me your wolf," he said.

I froze, panic flaring in my chest. I couldn’t..not now. Not after what happened. After they killed my wolf and bound it to a witch, making me... forbidden. My father’s words echoed in my mind: You don’t want to tell anyone about this Crescent thingy.

"I... I can’t," I said, voice tight. "But I’ll be stronger. I’ll control my wolf perfectly. That’s why I haven’t wolfed out yet."

He nodded knowingly, then asked, "Will you be coming to the academy today? I’ve missed you... missed my best friend."

"Yes... I will," I replied, my chest swelling with a fragile hope.

His expression softened, then he said something that made my stomach twist: "Selene said she missed you ."

My smile faltered. Selene. The girl who had thrown herself at him endlessly, trying to separate us. My jaw tightened at the memory.

Marcus noticed, smirking. "Nothing’s going on between us, absolutely nothing."

"Are you sure?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Because if I catch her hovering around you—"

"Calm down, little wolf," he interrupted, taking both my hands. "You’re mine already. I don’t even notice anyone else when you’re here. All I think about is you..you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me."

He pecked my cheeks lightly, then stepped back. "Goodbye... for now."

I watched him walk away, my heart pounding. Before I could collect myself, my mother appeared, her smile calm but her words sharp. "Your father used to be like that... like him. I hope it ends well."

I turned to her, fury and disbelief coursing through me. "Ends well? Because of you and Dad, I’m not sure I’ll ever live my life happily again. You’ve ruined me."