CHAPTER 160: UNDER THE RAIN

Charlotte’s arm tightened around her. "They’re just afraid of what they can never be. Don’t let them take your light."

Lilith took a shuddering breath, her voice muffled against Charlotte’s shoulder. "I’ve always wondered why they hate me so much. I’ve been nothing but kind to them."

"Because you’ve become something they could never be," Charlotte whispered, smoothing Lilith’s hair. "They’re jealous of your life."

A clasp of thunder echoed through the sky.

Lilith pulled away, clearing her throat. "Thank you, Charlotte. You’ve always been so kind."

"You don’t need to thank me. We’re friends now, and friends uplift each other," Charlotte said. "Though... I do wish I could hit one of your sisters on the mouth."

A sudden raindrop splashed on Lilith’s cheek before she could respond to Charlotte’s comment. She blinked and looked up. Then another. The rain had begun to fall gently.

Charlotte smiled. "Come, let’s find some cover."

They ran to the colonnade, where tall pillars created a narrow dry path. The rain thickened, splashing off the edges of the courtyard.

Lilith crossed her arms, shivering slightly. "I suppose the gods decided to cry for me."

Charlotte laughed. "Or maybe they’re trying to wash away the cruel things said tonight."

Lilith chuckled. "Maybe."

"You know," Charlotte began softly, "when I was little, I used to pray to the gods for a sibling. Unfortunately, it never happened. I only found out when I was older that my parents couldn’t have another child."

"That’s sad to hear. I’m sorry," Lilith said.

"It’s alright," Charlotte replied with a small smile. "Honestly, I’m a little grateful now. I don’t think I’d make a very good older sibling. I’m not exactly someone to look up to. My reputation isn’t the most reputable."

"You make it sound like you’re the black sheep of your family. It can’t be that bad," Lilith said gently.

"Oh, but my mother would disagree," Charlotte replied with a chuckle. "She calls me rebellious, too savage for a daughter. I think she would have disowned me if I weren’t her only child."

"Disown you? That has to be an exaggeration."

Charlotte grinned. "You caught me, it is. Viktor, however, is their golden child. The perfect son. He doesn’t seem to have any faults."

Lilith stayed silent, her gaze drifting ahead.

"Growing up, I didn’t like him very much," Charlotte admitted. "I thought he was trying to steal our parents from me. It’s a miracle he didn’t end up despising me. There are things I said and did that I’m not proud of. That’s why I’ll always be grateful to him for keeping our parents happy, and for looking after me." She narrowed her eyes at Lilith. "Don’t tell him I said that."

Lilith laughed. "My lips are sealed."

"Good," Charlotte continued. "Honestly, I can’t see myself taking over my father’s title or running his estate. It’s incredibly boring. A year ago, he invited me to a meeting with a few partners, and I nearly lost my mind. I couldn’t even remember a single thing that was said."

"I think I understand," Lilith replied. "My stepfather would make me write letters and fill out registers. I must admit, it was dull. I’m somewhat relieved that I won’t be burdened with taking over his business."

"Thank the good gods," Charlotte sighed dramatically. She stepped forward, looking up at the now-pouring rain, and tilted her head. "You know... I’ve always wanted to play in the rain."

Lilith blinked. "Now? You can not serious."

"I’m serious." Charlotte darted into the rain, twirling like a child. Her hair clung to her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. "It’s just water! Come on, Lilith. Feel it!" She stretched out her arms.

She spun in circles, laughing, droplets streaming down her face. Her dress clung to her body, soaked through already. She turned back to Lilith, who stood under the colonnade with a half-smile. "It feels so good, Lilith. We don’t get to do this every day."

Lilith shook her head, both amused and scandalized. "You are mad!"

"Well, I agree, but just a little," Charlotte laughed. "But you need a little madness tonight. Come on, just for a moment. I dare you."

Lilith hesitated, then stepped forward, one foot into the rain. A shiver raced up her spine. She bit her lip, then, with a breath, ran into the rain. With Charlotte laughing beside her, the tension in her chest began to melt.

Lilith tilted her face up toward the sky, eyes closed, arms spread wide as the rain poured down, washing over her.

Charlotte reached for her hands, and Lilith took them. They spun together, laughing loudly, splashing in puddles like carefree children who had never known sorrow. The rain soaked their gowns, their hair plastered to their faces but neither of them cared.

A voice cut through the downpour.

"What in the gods’ name are you two doing?"

Viktor stood at the edge of the colonnade, eyebrows raised, arms crossed, his voice raised over the rain.

Charlotte turned, grinning, her hair slick against her cheeks. "Playing. The rain is quite enjoyable."

Viktor stepped off the porch, water splashing at his boots. "Playing? You’ll both catch a terrible cold."

"No, we won’t. We’ve been out here for less than three minutes." Charlotte grinned. "Come join us. You’ll enjoy it."

He raised a brow. "Highly doubt that."

Lilith chuckled, her cheeks flushed. "It’s... actually quite fun."

Charlotte crossed her arms, swaying slightly, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Afraid to get wet?"

Viktor sighed, shaking his head. "No. I’m afraid of getting sick and you both should be too."

Charlotte marched up to him, soaked to the bone, and grabbed his arm. "Come on, Viktor. You should have a little fun."

"This is preposterous."

"Whatever. Stop whining and get into the rain." Charlotte tugged on his arm, dragging him forward.

He let out a reluctant sigh, finally relenting. "I can’t believe I’m letting myself be talked into this," he muttered, stepping fully into the downpour.

"There. Now you’re part of the madness too," Charlotte said, her eyes gleaming.

Viktor stood stiffly for a moment, until he caught sight of Lilith’s radiant smile as she spun in the rain, and Charlotte’s wild, carefree laughter. His gaze lingered on Charlotte a moment too long. There was something about the way she looked that warmed something deep in his chest.

A splash of cold water to his face jolted him from his thoughts.

"Don’t just stand there, join us!" Charlotte called, pushing her wet hair back as she grabbed Lilith’s arm.

Viktor chuckled, cupped water in his hands, and flung it at both women. Their laughter rose, echoing across the courtyard.

From a distance, a pair of dark eyes watched them from a high window. A disapproving grin curled on Prudence’s lips as she stepped back from the glass.