CHAPTER 122: POWDER ROOM

Lilith’s breath hitched, surprise flooding her senses, but it lasted only a heartbeat. Her fingers curled into the front of his coat, pulling him closer before she even realized what she was doing. She melted into him, her mouth parting for him as a low sound escaped her throat, a soft sigh that made his chest tighten.

His lips slammed onto hers with a hunger that stole the breath from her lungs. His hands gripped her waist, fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as if anchoring himself or perhaps trying to tear her apart.

His body pressed into hers, pinning her against the tree. She could feel every inch of him, every taut ridge of muscle, every ounce of restraint slowly slipping from his grip.

His lips left hers only to trail down her jaw, biting into the tender skin of her neck and marking her with his desire. "You drive me fucking insane, Lilith," he hissed against her throat.

Her breath caught as his mouth found the hollow beneath her ear, nipping at the sensitive spot. "I don’t want you to stop," she whispered, breathless.

"I don’t want to either," he growled. "Gods know I don’t."

His hands roamed up her sides before one tangled in her hair, tilting her head so he could crash his mouth onto hers again. This kiss was different, deeper, messier, bruising with how hard they moved.

He kissed her like he hated her, for making him feel, for unraveling his control, for making his heart ache. Fuck, he wanted to imprint his taste into her memory.

She kissed him like she was afraid it might be the only time.

Her back arched into him, seeking more, even as he pressed closer his body a solid wall of heat and yearning. He finally broke the kiss with a ragged breath, leaning his forehead against hers. Both of them gasped for air, trembling, caught in the aftermath of something explosive.

When Hades’ thumb brushed her lower lip, Lilith felt her knees weaken. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might break through her chest. The tingling on her lips was a reminder of just how hard he had kissed her.

"We should get back inside," Hades murmured as thunder rumbled overhead, lightning flashing across the sky around them.

Almost instantly, the light drizzle thickened into a downpour. Hades grabbed her hand and pulled her along as they ran for cover, heading toward an open doorway that led into a quiet hallway.

Lilith panted, leaning forward with her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. She looked up at the prince, who was watching her with hooded eyes, a few wet strands of hair sticking to his forehead. A slow smile spread across his lips.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she whispered.

"Because I want to kiss you again," he said. Lilith blushed, a tingling heat spreading through her and settling low in her belly.

"Oh, there you are. I thought you both had left without us."

Hades and Lilith turned in the direction of the voice to see Viktor making way towards them.

"Your Highness, you are drenched." Viktor frowned looking between Lilith and the prince, "You are both drenched."

"Don’t exaggerate, Viktor. It was just a little rain." He replied running his fingers through his slightly wet hair

"Why were you both in the rain?" Viktor arched his brow.

Hades smiled, "If you must know, I was getting my cock sucked."

Lilith choked on her saliva while Viktor’s eyes widened, glancing between Hades and Lilith in surprise. "That’s not true, he is only joking." Lilith said, correcting the situation.

"I think I’ll just... head back to the ballroom." Viktor scratched the back of his neck awkwardly before turning and walking away.

"Why would you say that?" Lilith whispered sharply, narrowing her eyes at Hades.

"I was just pulling his leg," Hades replied, stepping closer and sliding his arm around her waist, drawing her against him until their chests touched. "Don’t look so worried. Viktor won’t tell a soul."

"I—"

Before she could finish, Hades leaned in and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. This one was slower, softer. His lips moved over hers with gentleness as though he were trying to memorize the feel of her lips. One hand slid to the back of her neck, fingers threading through her rain-damp hair to hold her in place.

Lilith responded with a quiet moan, pressing closer, her fingers gripping his coat. Her body trembled, not from the cold, but from the overwhelming surge of sensation he stirred within her.

When Hades finally pulled away, he still held her close. "Let’s return to the ballroom," he whispered.

Lilith nodded, breathless.

They made their way back to the ballroom. Only two couples remained on the dance floor, while others had busied themselves with food, drinks, and conversation. Lilith glanced up at the clock, it was nearly midnight.

She asked one of the servants for the location of the powder room and politely excused herself.

Thankfully, the space was empty. Lilith stood before the mirror, taking slow, steady breaths. She couldn’t believe the prince had kissed her. She had imagined this moment countless times, but reality had been even more perfect. Her smile widened as she traced her fingers across her bottom lip. Her eyes dropped to her neck where he had kissed her, faint red marks were visible on her skin, but thankfully they weren’t too obvious.

She began to fix her hair, using her fingers to tidy the curls and make herself look presentable again. Just then, the door to the restroom creaked open. Lilith was too focused on her hair to turn around.

The person didn’t’t say a word, just walked into the room and stood quietly at the far end, facing one of the mirrors.

Lilith finished adjusting her curls and, out of habit, glanced sideways into the mirror next to hers.

Her heart dropped to her stomach.

A woman was staring at her.

Lilith’s hands began to tremble. Slowly, she turned her head to confirm what she’d seen.

"Y...you," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper as her legs weakened beneath her.

The woman standing before her was the same one who frequently her dreams calling her over and over again to save them from the devil.