CHAPTER 151: TIME TO FORGET

"She’s still your mother, Viktor," Charlotte said, stepping to his side.

"Why are you suddenly asking about my mother, huh? Did you see or hear something?" Viktor narrowed his eyes at her, watching Charlotte adjust her shawl.

"Of course not. I’m just curious to know about your family, that’s all," she replied with a small smile.

"Like I said before, I have nothing to tell you about them. As you know, my father gave me up to your father many years ago, and since then, I haven’t seen or heard from him. Besides, I was too young to remember anything at the time." Viktor explained, looking straight ahead.

Charlotte’s eyes lingered on him a moment longer before she spoke. "Very well, Viktor." She made her way toward the door, her hand stilling on the knob as she turned her head to glance back at him. "You should know that Father and Mother would approve if you decided to search for them. They only want you to be truly happy."

His jaw tightened. "I am happy as I am. I don’t need to search for anyone."

"If you say so." She walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Viktor let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair as he shut his eyes tightly. He had lied to Lucy, and even to her parents about not remembering his family. He remembered enough to know he didn’t want anything to do with them. His parents were selfish. They chose themselves over him and his brother.

"Fuck!" he cursed aloud. There were already enough problems at hand without dragging thoughts of the past into it. The past was where they belonged and where they would stay. He would focus on his future, and hopefully, one day court and marry the woman who had unknowingly claimed his heart.

Shoving the thoughts aside, Viktor changed into something more fitting for an outing. He needed fresh air. A stroll outside the palace would help clear his mind.

~~~

After Lilith finished eating, she drifted into a deep sleep and didn’t wake until dawn the next morning. She must have been utterly exhausted to have slept through the entire night and for so many hours. A yawn escaped her lips as she opened her eyes and glanced at the clock, it was just a few minutes past six, still early.

She climbed out of bed, wrapping a scarf around her nearly translucent nightdress. After slipping on her shoes, she stepped out of the room. Lilith was almost certain that most of the palace was still asleep, her footsteps were light as she made her way to the balcony.

It had only just begun to rain lightly when she arrived.

Lilith placed her hands on the railing, letting the cool, rainy breeze wash over her. She smiled with her eyes closed, shifting onto the balls of her feet, stretching slightly as she soaked in the peace of the moment.

"You’re awake quite early."

Startled, Lilith turned around to see Lucian approaching with slow steps, his hands clasped behind his back.

"You are too, Lucian. Couldn’t sleep?" Lilith asked, turning her gaze back to the sky.

Lucian came to stand beside her. "No. I haven’t been able to for a while now," he replied.

"Why?" she asked, glancing at him.

"His Highness," Lucian said quietly. "You’ve noticed how fast he’s changing. I believe my worst fear is drawing near."

Lilith swallowed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I won’t let that demon take over the prince, I promise you, Lucian."

He offered a small smile. "I’ve read every book I could find on demons and possession. I’ve reached out to witches, sorcerers, magicians, mages... none of them had anything useful to offer. I love Hades, and I won’t stand by while he withers away. I’d give my life for him, if I had to."

"It will not get to that. I’ll help him," Lilith said, her voice firm. "I was meant to rid him of this curse and I will. I just need a little more time."

"We don’t have more time, Lilith. And your presence only makes it harder for him," Lucian said gently.

"I know," she whispered. "That’s why I’ve decided to leave, for a while. I need to master my powers. It’ll give Hades some space... and time."

Lucian narrowed his eyes slightly, concerned. "You know the prince won’t let you out of his sight."

"He’ll have to," she said softly.

"Where will you go?" Lucian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Eryndor. To see my mother," Lilith replied.

"Very well." Lucian’s brows lifted. "I know you’ve been using the cave for training. I’ve seen you a few times, sneaking in and out."

Lilith sighed. "I couldn’t hide it forever, could I?" She let out a soft chuckle. "The witch, Salistra, she’s been meeting with me there. She’s been helping with my training."

"Salistra?" Lucian repeated, his eyes widening.

"You know her?" Lilith asked, narrowing her gaze at him.

"Well... yes. Sort of." He cleared his throat. "I saw her a few times, she used to visit the Queen long before Hades was born. I think she only returned twice after that, once when Hades was born, and again at the Queen’s funeral."

He turned to face Lilith fully. "How did you find her?"

"I didn’t," Lilith said. "She found me."

Lucian nodded slowly. "She’s a good woman. She cared deeply for the Queen. We never spoke much only exchanged greetings but I could see it in her eyes, in the way she treated her."

"The Queen had a few people who truly adored her," Lilith said softly.

Lucian smiled faintly, leaning against the railing. "Yes, she did. It’s quite unfortunate she ended up with the devil." His voice lowered with a trace of sadness as he spoke the last part. Then he straightened his posture. "You should tell the prince about your departure soon."

"I will. Thank you, Lucian," she said with a gentle smile.

He returned it. "Thank you, Lilith. I’ll take my leave now. Do have a wonderful day." He offered her a slight bow, then turned and walked away, leaving Lilith alone on the balcony.

The rain began to fall harder, forcing her to retreat indoors. As she walked back to her chambers, her mind spun with thoughts, most of all, how she would tell the prince about her decision to leave.