CHAPTER 187: AT LAST

The journey back to Valyron was smooth. The grey skies had threatened rain all morning, but not a single drop had fallen throughout their trip.

When the tall spires of the castle finally came into view, Lilith felt her chest tighten with a strange mix of relief and unease. So much had changed since the last time she stepped through those gates. She had left as someone who was still discovering her powers, but now... she was something else entirely.

The carriage rolled to a halt at the castle’s entrance. The coachman quickly climbed down, opening the doors while the servants rushed to retrieve their luggage. Lucian stood at the main entrance, his arms crossed, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched them descend from the carriage.

"Welcome home," Lucian greeted, his smile lingering. His eyes briefly flicked to each of them. "I trust the journey was smooth?"

"It was," Viktor replied, stepping down first and turning to help Charlotte alight from the carriage.

Charlotte took his hand, stepping out of the carriage with a wide grin spreading across her face as she looked up at the castle. "Oh, how I missed this place! I never thought I would actually miss it, but I did," she admitted, her voice bubbling with excitement as she tugged on Viktor’s arm.

"I didn’t know you were this excited to return," Viktor teased, smirking as he allowed her to drag him toward the main entrance. "I thought you would have stayed in Eryndor if given the chance."

Charlotte giggled, tossing him a playful glare over her shoulder. "Well, you thought wrong, Viktor. I have no plans of remaining there. Without both of you, that would be impossible."

"That’s quite interesting."

"It sure is. I think I need to take a nap though. My back hurts a bit, doesn’t yours?"

"Not at all. You should start exercising more, Lucy. You have grown incredibly lazy."

Charlotte smacked him lightly on the arm. "I am not lazy! Take that back now."

"I’m afraid I cannot," Viktor chuckled, thoroughly amused.

Lilith smiled at their exchange before turning her attention back to Lucian, who was already motioning for the servants to carry the luggage inside.

"How have you been, Lucian?" Lilith asked, brushing her hair away from her face.

"Wonderful. And you? You returned quite earlier than expected. I hope all is well?"

"Yes, yes. All is well. I was able to complete my training, so there was no need for me to remain in Eryndor. I need to get this over with as soon as possible," Lilith replied.

His smile widened. "It is good to hear that you have completed your training. I am proud of you, Lilith."

"Thank you, Lucian. For everything." Lilith returned his smile, drawing in a deep breath. "And His Highness? How has he been?"

"Hades is... coping," Lucian said, his expression faltering briefly. "I fear he may have gotten worse since you left. I am glad you’re back. Perhaps you can fix everything."

Lilith shook her head, her heart twisting at his words. "Where... where is he now?" she asked, her eyes sweeping along the length of the castle and the surrounding grounds before returning to Lucian.

"He’s at his usual spot, under the tree," Lucian replied.

"Alright. I’ll go to him now." Lilith offered a small nod before moving past him, her heart already quickening in her chest.

~~~

After making sure her luggage was properly placed in her room, Charlotte went over to Viktor’s chambers and found him already unpacking, carefully arranging his clothes into the wardrobe.

"Unpacking already?" she asked as she stepped inside.

Viktor turned slightly at the sound of her voice. "Yes, I am. If I don’t do it now, I might leave it sitting for weeks. What about you? Are you going to unpack yours?"

"I will, but maybe tomorrow," she replied with a soft chuckle. "Like I told you earlier, my back hurts a little. I can do nothing but lie down."

"All right, if that’s what you prefer," he said, giving her a brief glance before returning his attention to his clothes.

Charlotte’s fingers absently moved to the pendant resting against her chest. Her gaze drifted to Viktor’s back. "Viktor?" she called softly.

"Yes?" he replied without turning to her.

She pressed her lips into a thin line, debating for a moment. "What really happened between you and Vanessa? And please, don’t tell me ’nothing’ because I know it wasn’t nothing."

Viktor let out a long sigh as he moved to lean against the table, crossing his arms as he faced her fully. "Something did happen," he admitted, his eyes flickering to the necklace around her neck. "Lucy, where did you get that pendant? I’ve never seen you wear it before."

Charlotte hesitated, tempted to repeat the story she had told Vanessa, but she quickly realized there was no point lying to him. "I found it in the garden. The jewelry was with you the night... you arrived at our home. Father threw it away in the garden, and that’s where I picked it up."

Viktor closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck, cursing under his breath. "Fuck. She was telling the truth."

Charlotte’s brows knitted. "Who was telling the truth?"

He sighed again. "Vanessa. The day you helped me with the injury on my back, I caught her in my room holding my coat. I confronted her about her strange behavior, and she gave me a summarized version of how she knew me." He paused, watching Charlotte’s expression carefully. "She’s my mother."

"What!?" Charlotte’s eyes flew wide in disbelief. "You cannot be serious."

"Unfortunately, I’m very serious," Viktor said, his tone flat. "She said she and her husband were separated while being chased by some unknown people. Her husband, who I assume is my birth father, took me with him and handed me over to your father."

"Dear heavens!" Charlotte whispered, still trying to process the information. "I’m utterly speechless. That’s... that’s insane."

"It is," he agreed quietly.

"Does that mean Lilith is your sister?"

"Yes, Lucy. Lilith is my sister."

Charlotte clasped her hand over her mouth, her eyes widening again. "That’s unbelievable. Who would have thought? I mean... you two do look a bit alike now that I think about it." She narrowed her eyes at him, realization dawning. "Quite a lot actually. You both have those same blue orbs. This is simply wonderful. No wonder you were all over her when she was unconscious."

"I wasn’t all over her. I was simply worried about her and wanted to make sure she was all right," Viktor defended quickly.

"Whatever you say," she teased with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But have you told her yet? That you’re both related?"

"No, I haven’t. But I will tell her soon. For now, we must focus on her healing the prince. She’s fully regained her powers, and that’s what matters."

"I guess you’re right," Charlotte admitted. "But you better tell her soon. I can’t keep my mouth shut for too long."

"I’ll tell her soon," Viktor promised.

"Very well then. I’ll return to my chambers to rest. I’ll see you later," she said, waving at him as she turned to leave the room as she shut the door behind her.

~~~~

It didn’t take long for Lilith to find him.

Under the familiar tree, Hades sat on a wooden bench, his elbow resting on his knee which was propped up on the seat, his back leaned against the bench as he stared straight ahead.

Lilith’s steps slowed as she approached. She took in the sight of him, observing quietly from behind. He was wearing a coat she recognized, one she had seen him in many times before. Yet something about him was different now.

His hair, It was much shorter.

For a moment, she simply stood there, watching him, taking deep breaths to steady her racing heart.

"I think it might rain soon, Your Highness."

His head turned slowly at the sound of her voice, his eyes lifting to meet hers. For a heartbeat, he simply stared at her, unmoving, then a warm smile gradually spread across his face.

"Lilith," he breathed, rising to his feet as he briefly glanced at the sky. "I think I still have a few good hours before that happens." His gaze returned to her. "Besides, I don’t really care about getting wet."

A soft smile tugged at her lips. "It’s good to see you, Your Highness."

Without thinking, Hades closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her firmly against his chest. The suddenness of his embrace startled her, but she quickly melted into him, her hands pressing against his back, holding him just as tightly.

"Your body is cold," he whispered against her hair.

"I was cold a little while ago," she murmured, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. "But I’m fine now."

His gaze roamed across her face, "Are you sure?"

Lilith nodded, her hands still resting on his back. "Yes, Your Highness. I’m sure."

Her eyes flickered to the black veins that trailed along his jaw and up to his ears. Concern crept into her expression, her brows drawing together. "Are you alright? Have you really been alright?"

Hades’ lips curled into a soft smile. "I feel much better now, with you in my arms."

He lifted his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing along her skin. "You’ve become even more beautiful, darling." His fingers traced the edge of her lips, lingering there.

Lilith swallowed, her insides tightening under his touch. "You... you cut your hair."

"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

She nodded slowly. "You look younger."

He arched a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Is that a compliment?"

She chuckled lightly. "I suppose so. Don’t you think so?"

"Not really," he said, his smile deepening as his gaze dropped to her lips. "I’m afraid I can’t think of anything other than kissing you."

The butterflies in her stomach stirred to life, their wings fluttering wildly. "Then why are you still thinking about it?" she whispered. "Why aren’t you.."

Before she could finish, his mouth captured hers in a fierce, consuming kiss.