CHAPTER 184: DON’T RUIN IT FOR US

A yawn escaped her lips as she opened her eyes. Lilith blinked several times, adjusting to the brightness around her. After a few seconds, she lifted herself from the bed, scratching her head. The headache and body aches that had plagued her were gone. She felt better and...lighter.

The creak of the door made her turn her head in that direction, and she heard footsteps approaching. Charlotte soon came into view.

"Lilith! Dear heavens, you’re awake!" Charlotte exclaimed as she rushed over and threw her arms around Lilith, engulfing her in a tight embrace. "Dear gods, how are you feeling?" she asked, pulling back as her eyes anxiously scanned Lilith’s face and body.

"I feel much better, thank you, Charlotte," Lilith said in a low voice, a warm smile on her lips.

Charlotte returned the smile, her shoulders dropping in relief. "I’m glad you’re well now. We were all so worried about you. Do you need anything? Water? Something to eat?" she asked.

Lilith placed her hand on her stomach. She didn’t feel particularly hungry, but the growl that came from her stomach made it clear her body needed food. She must have been asleep for many hours. Her eyes flicked to the clock, it read 1:25 p.m, it was afternoon which explained the brightness of the sun.

"I think I’d like something to eat. Besides, it’s been a few hours since I last had a meal."

Charlotte pressed her lips together, lowering her gaze.

"What is it? Why are you suddenly looking suspicious?" Lilith narrowed her eyes at her.

Charlotte looked back up, hesitating. "You haven’t been unconscious for just a few hours. It’s been... two days."

Lilith’s eyes widened. "Two days!? How is that even possible?" she nearly shouted.

"You must have been completely worn out. We had to let you rest and give your body time to recover," Charlotte explained gently, placing her hand over Lilith’s.

"That’s quite a lot of sleep... Well, I do feel well rested," Lilith admitted with a small smile.

"That’s lovely. I’ll get you something to eat. Viktor will be happy to see you awake, he’s been spending quite a lot of time in your room." She sighed, almost to herself. "He’s certainly been acting strangely." She refocused on Lilith. "I’ll be back soon. Just relax."

"Thank you," Lilith said, watching Charlotte rise from the bed and walk out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Lilith leaned back against the headboard, running her fingers through her hair again. As she pulled her hands away, she looked down at them. She could feel her powers tingling at her fingertips. The temptation to test her newly acquired abilities tugged at her.

Her thoughts drifted back to the figure she had encountered, the one who had spoken of a price. Lilith didn’t understand what that meant. No one had ever told her there would be a price to pay for her powers. Why had that been the first time she heard of such a thing?

She would need to ask Salistra for clarity.

The door opened again, this time with more urgency in the footsteps that followed. Lilith looked up just as Viktor strode in and, without a word, wrapped her in a firm embrace.

The sudden gesture caught her off guard. It took her a moment before she gently placed her hand on his back, returning the hug.

The embrace lasted for a while before he pulled away, placing his hands on either side of her face. "It’s good to have you back. Are you alright? Do you feel any pain?" he asked, concern heavy in his voice.

She shook her head. "No, I don’t feel any pain. I’m fine." Her gaze drifted over his face, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. It was impossible to miss how tired he looked. She wondered what could have troubled him so deeply that he hadn’t been able to sleep.

"Thank the gods. Do you want something to eat? We’re about to have lunch. I can have the maids bring something for you," he offered.

"There’s no need for that. Charlotte already left to get me food." She smiled softly. "How have you been? You look exhausted."

Viktor returned her smile. "I’m much better now that you’re awake. I was worried about you. Salistra said you would wake soon, but when you didn’t, I started to panic and there was no way to reach her. I’m truly glad you’re alright."

"Thank you, Viktor. You’re so kind," Lilith said, her gaze lifting past him as Charlotte and Vanessa entered the room, both carrying tray of food.

"Oh, my dear. Thank the gods you are alright," Vanessa said, taking Viktor’s place on the bed as he immediately stood up at the sound of her voice.

"Thank you, Mother," Lilith replied, offering her mother a warm smile as Vanessa gently held her hands.

"You are welcome, my sweet child." Vanessa squeezed her hands softly. "Perhaps after you’ve eaten and rested, I have something important to tell you."

"Oh, Mother. What could it be? I am eager to hear it. I feel fully rested, you should tell me now." Lilith’s curiosity sparkled in her eyes.

"Are you sure, dear?" Vanessa asked, searching her daughter’s face.

"I.."

"You can continue this discussion later, Lilith. You need to eat something before the food gets cold," Viktor interrupted, his voice cold, lacking its usual warmth.

Lilith looked up at him, catching the distant tone in his voice. She shifted her gaze back to her mother, who swallowed uncomfortably.

"You are right," Vanessa said quietly, her smile thin. "I’ll let you eat. We’ll talk later."

"Alright, Mother," Lilith replied, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The tension between them lingered in the air.

Vanessa offered her one last smile before turning and walking out of the room, Viktor trailing closely behind her. He closed the door softly, then quickly lengthened his strides to catch up with her.

"You should let me be the one to tell her about our relationship. I’ll do it myself," Viktor said, his voice low and serious.

Vanessa frowned. "Why? She deserves to know she has a brother."

"You should have told her before you even found me. It’s not like I was dead, Vanessa. Lilith is already dealing with enough. I’ll tell her when she’s ready."

"It is my place as her mother to..."

"Oh, please, Vanessa. Don’t start with me." His voice cut her off. "I’ll tell her when I choose to. Don’t ruin this for us." Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode back down the hallway.

Vanessa rubbed her hands together, letting out a long sigh before walking away in the opposite direction.

As Viktor approached Lilith’s door, Charlotte suddenly appeared in front of it, her arms crossed over her chest.

"What were you discussing with Vanessa? Did something happen that I should know about?" she asked, her sharp gaze locking onto his.

"Nothing important. We’re fine," Viktor replied quickly.

"It’s obviously important. Anyone with eyes can see the tension between you two. It’s clear you don’t like her very much." Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "Come on, Viktor, what’s going on? You’ve been moody and distant for the past two days. Are you alright?"

Concern softened her tone despite her pressing questions.

Viktor touched the back of his neck, letting out a sigh. "Forgive me for my recent behavior. I’ve just been going through a lot in the past two days. You don’t have to worry about me, I’ll be fine."

Charlotte gently reached out and touched his arm. "I can’t not worry about you, Viktor. Not when I can clearly see you are suffering. You can always tell me what’s bothering you."

Viktor stretched out his hand, his fingers brushing her jaw as he softly stroked her cheek. Charlotte felt her heart skip at his touch, unable to look away from him, her breath caught in her throat.

Viktor quickly cleared his throat and withdrew his hand. "I... I’ll be fine, Lucy. I promise I’ll tell you everything soon."

Charlotte blinked, her voice faltering. "All... all right. I’ll be waiting."

She quickly turned away. "I’ll leave you now," she stammered, hurrying towards her chambers. Once inside, she shut the door and leaned her back against it, her heart racing wildly in her chest. She could feel her face burning.

What the hell was happening to her? She pressed her palm to her cheek in disbelief, her mind spinning.

Meanwhile, Viktor entered Lilith’s chambers to find her eating eagerly. He smiled. "Are you enjoying the food?"

"Yes, I am. Thank you," Lilith said, her voice laced with happiness. "I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I started eating. Now, I can’t seem to stop." She chuckled, her mouth still half full.

"Slow down, Lilith. The food is all yours, no one is going to take it from you," Viktor said, settling onto the bed and watching her with amusement.

Lilith swallowed before speaking again. "What’s happening between you and my mother? Did something happen while I was unconscious?"

"Nothing’s happening between us," Viktor said calmly. "And... yes, something did happen, but I’ll tell you later."

"Oh... Alright," she said, taking another spoonful of the mushroom soup.

"Now that you’ve fully unlocked your powers, it’s time to return to Valyron. The sooner you can break the curse, the better and safer, it will be for everyone."

Lilith nodded in agreement. "You’re right. When do you suggest we return?"

"Possibly tomorrow morning. I’ll have the horses groomed and the carriage prepared for departure by then."

"That’s good. I also need to see my mother after I finish eating."

"Very well. I’ll leave you to enjoy your meal." He rose from the bed, offered her one last smile, and then quietly left the room.