CHAPTER 211: STARING GUARD

It had only been an hour since Lilith returned to her chambers. Sitting at the edge of the window, she gazed out through the curtains at the darkening sky, absentmindedly toying with the pearl tied around her neck. Her mind spiraled with countless thoughts, different ways she might safely reach the demon.

She had gone through over a hundred possibilities already, yet none seemed good enough, certainly not safe enough. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she brushed a few loose strands from her face, tucking them neatly behind her ear.

"Perhaps... I should invite him to an inn?" she murmured aloud, then quickly shook her head. "No! That would be foolish. What if he kills everyone in the inn? It will be better to meet where there’s no one around... even if I end up dying myself."

Lilith huffed in frustration and exhaustion, releasing another sigh. The sudden sound of a knock jolted her from her thoughts. Rising from the chair beside the window, she turned just as the door creaked open, revealing Charlotte. The young woman was dressed in a black gown, her hair cascading down her shoulders.

"Oh, Charlotte... it’s you. I thought you would be asleep by now." Lilith returned to sit on the bed.

Charlotte walked in and joined her, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. "I couldn’t sleep," she admitted softly. "I wanted to check on you... keep you company." Her gaze flickered to the pearl resting against Lilith’s chest. "Have you thought of how to get that onto the prince?"

"Unfortunately, no," Lilith replied with a sigh. "I’m still trying to come up with something."

"Well... perhaps I can help." Charlotte hesitated, shifting a little on the bed. "A random thought came to me while I was trying to fall back asleep."

This piqued Lilith’s interest immediately. "Please, tell me. What was it?"

Charlotte fidgeted for a few seconds before speaking. "I’m not sure how you’ll feel about this, but... is there even the slightest possibility that the demon shares the same feelings for you as the prince did?"

Lilith’s brows knitted together in confusion and disbelief. "That can’t possibly be true. The demon is pure evil, he can’t have feelings for me."

"Just because he’s evil doesn’t mean he can’t love," Charlotte countered. "He’s spent all these years buried deep within the prince, listening to his thoughts, his feelings. I would like to believe... that includes the feelings he had for you."

"Well... let’s assume you’re right," Lilith said slowly, her words laced with uncertainty. "What happens next?"

Charlotte took a small breath. "If the demon does have feelings for you, it means you could get close to him and... probably..." She cleared her throat, lowering her voice, "...probably try to seduce him. That way, it would be easier to place the pearl on him without raising any suspicion."

Lilith stared at her, lips parting in disbelief. "I understand what you’re saying, but... I can’t bring myself to do that. I refuse to touch any man who isn’t Hades."

"Technically," Charlotte retorted softly, "it’s still Hades’ body. You wouldn’t be touching another man, you would be touching Hades. Think of it that way."

Lilith exhaled shakily, her gaze dropping to the pearl resting against her chest. "It still feels like... betrayal. Even if it’s his body."

Charlotte reached out and placed her hand gently over Lilith’s, offering silent comfort. "I know this is hard," she murmured. "But I can’t think of another way to get the pearl on him without putting yourself in danger. And time is running out, the full moon is almost here."

"I’ll... think about it." Lilith forced a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Thank you for your help, Charlotte. I really do appreciate it."

"You’re welcome, Lilith." Charlotte returned the smile warmly and rested her head against Lilith’s shoulder. "Just remember, I’m always here for you."

~~~

As evening approached, the guards along with Lucian and Viktor prepared rooms for the villagers to stay in. Because of the limited space and the large number of people, three or more individuals would have to share a room. The women and children were grouped together, while the men were assigned rooms with guards and male servants.

"What’s our next move?" Viktor asked Lucian. When he received no response, he turned to see Lucian staring intently at a man standing rigidly a few feet from the wall.

Viktor brushed his hands clean and stepped up beside him. "What’s going on with him? Why is he just standing there, staring at the wall?"

"I’m not sure," Lucian replied, his tone low and watchful. "But I’ve noticed he’s been acting strangely for the past hour."

"I’ll check on him." Viktor started toward the man, who didn’t even flinch when Viktor stopped right beside him.

"Raphael," Viktor called softly, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder.

The sudden touch jolted Raphael back to reality. His eyes darted around in confusion, as if waking from a dream. Viktor caught the look immediately.

"Are you alright? You were staring at the wall for quite some time," Viktor said, his brows furrowing slightly.

Raphael glanced at the wall, then back at Viktor, forcing a small chuckle. "Forgive me, my lord. I must have gotten lost in thought."

Viktor returned the smile, though there was a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

"Are you sure you’re alright?" Viktor pressed.

"Yes, absolutely. I have no reason not to be, my lord," Raphael replied politely.

"Very well. There are still a few more rooms to tidy up. Can you check them with the others?"

"Of course. I’ll do it immediately." Raphael gave a quick bow before walking away. Viktor watched him until he disappeared into the building nearby.

"I have a bad feeling about him," Lucian said from behind.

Viktor turned to him. "How so?"

"There’s an unsettling air around him," Lucian explained. "It wasn’t there before, and that’s rarely a good sign."

Viktor exhaled through his nose. "Hmm. We might have to keep an eye on him, just in case you’re right. I don’t want him doing anything stupid to ruin things for all of us."

"That’s a smart idea," Lucian agreed with a nod. "I’ll have one of the men keep watch on him and report any... concerning behavior."

"Good. Let’s get back to work." Viktor turned, and the two men walked away, disappearing into the building.

Unbeknownst to them, on the very wall Raphael had been staring at earlier, one of the bricks shifted, sliding out ever so slightly from its position.