A chill ran down his spine, and he instinctively took a step back, his earlier bravado replaced by hesitation.
Fine. - he muttered, his voice low, almost reluctant. - We'll talk another time. -
Without waiting for a response, Lucio turned abruptly and walked away, doing his best to mask his discomfort. But anyone paying attention could see it—the way his shoulders stiffened, the slight quickening of his pace, as though he couldn't escape her presence fast enough.
As he disappeared into the crowd, Lilith exhaled softly, her sharp posture easing back into calmness. Lucas and Mina exchanged wide-eyed glances, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
- I'm sorry, guys. There's actually something I haven't told you. - Lilith began, her voice steady but carrying a hint of hesitation. - My father… he wants me to marry that guy. He's practically forcing me to do it. -
Mina froze, her shock turning to disbelief as she leaned closer.
- Wait, what?! Your father is forcing you to marry Lucio? You've got to be kidding me! -
Lucas frowned deeply, concern written all over his face.
- Lilith, that's… that's terrible. Why didn't you tell us sooner? -
Lilith sighed softly, her gaze faltering for a moment before she straightened her shoulders. She wasn't entirely defeated, but there was a quiet weight to her expression—a recognition of the uphill battle she faced.
- I didn't tell you because I've already decided. I won't marry Lucio. - she said firmly, though her tone carried the weight of the challenges ahead.
Mina blinked, taken aback by her friend's words.
- You've decided? You mean you're going to fight back? -
Lilith nodded, her voice steady but less assured than before.
- That's exactly what I mean. I can't let him dictate my future. I know what I want, and it's not Lucio. But… it's not going to be easy. My father doesn't take no for an answer. -
The thought lingered in her mind, unspoken. Ever since that presence awakened within me—whispering its truths, surrounding me with its aura—something had changed. I felt stronger, but even now, I couldn't be sure I was strong enough to stand against him.
Azareon was no ordinary father. He ruled as if the kingdom itself was an extension of his will.
Lucas exchanged a glance with Mina, both now understanding the subtle tension in Lilith's resolve.
Mina pressed her lips into a line, the admiration in her eyes mixing with concern.
- You're braver than you give yourself credit for, Lilith. And even if it's not easy, I know you'll find a way. I'm proud of you. -
Lucas nodded firmly, his voice soft but supportive.
- And you've got us. Whatever you need, we're here to help. -
Lilith looked at her friends, her expression softening slightly.
- Thank you. That means a lot to me. -
She stood tall, determined but realistic. She wasn't invincible, but she knew she couldn't give in, not without trying to forge her own path. Even if her father loomed over her like an insurmountable force, Lilith would not let herself fall without a fight.
After the tense exchange with Lucio, the group chose to leave the encounter behind them and headed toward the shop where Mina had planned to find her wedding dress. The mood shifted quickly, their laughter and playful banter filling the air once more as they strolled through the bustling streets.
The rest of the day was nothing short of magical for Lilith. Inside the boutique, Mina's excitement was infectious as she sifted through gown after gown, each one more extravagant than the last. Lucas's humorous commentary—teasing Mina while trying not to break anything delicate—kept them all in stitches. Lilith found herself smiling, genuinely and freely, a feeling she hadn't experienced in what felt like an eternity.
For a moment, she felt like just another girl spending time with her closest friends, not a princess weighed down by expectations, secrets, and looming battles. They laughed until their stomachs hurt, shared stories that made her chest ache with nostalgia, and for just a while, Lilith let herself forget. The day reminded her of a world untouched by burdens, a slice of joy she hadn't realized she was desperate for.
But as the sun began to dip belo
w the horizon and the trio walked back through the vibrant streets, reality began to seep back in. Lilith glanced at her two friends, their arms linked as they joked about their adventures, and her heart tightened slightly.
Her time with them was fleeting—she knew it too well. Mina and Lucas would return home soon, back to their own lives filled with love and plans for the future. And Lilith... she had a path she couldn't ignore, a destiny wrapped in questions and uncertainty.
Beyond the laughter, beyond the magic of the day, she was left with the ever-pressing mystery of the forces stirring within her.
The playful banter of her friends barely registered as her thoughts wandered. She had to discover the truth about her power, about what it meant and why it had chosen her. Whatever answers lay ahead, she knew they would come with challenges that might change everything.
For now, though, she held onto this day, this fleeting moment of happiness, as tightly as she could. Because Lilith knew all too well—peace, for someone like her, never lasted long.
As the day came to an end, the trio arrived at the bustling city square, where Lucas and Mina's carriage waited to take them home.
The mood was bittersweet, the laughter and joy of the day lingering like a comforting memory.
Mina turned to Lilith, her smile warm and bright.
- Thank you for today, Lilith. It's been so much fun—you made everything so special. -
Lucas nodded, his grin filled with affection.
- Seriously, Lilith, you've been amazing. We're going to miss you, but don't worry, we'll keep you in the loop for all the wedding details. -