Lilith’s lips curved into a faint smirk, her piercing blue eyes glinting with amusement. "Still playing the gentleman, Human Doll?" she teased, though her voice lacked its usual sharpness.
Gray’s lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smile appearing as he pulled his hand back. "I told you, Lili, I’ll always protect you."
Her smirk widened as she stepped into the house, brushing past him lightly. "Good. Keep it that way."
***
"Sister Lilith, do you have any ideas on how I should deal with Sienna and Grandma?" Rose asked, her voice soft and curious.
She was curled up beside Lilith, wearing her favorite pink pajamas with rabbit ears on the hood. Every time she moved her head, the floppy ears wiggled, making her look even cuter.
They were having a girl’s night, a special request from Rose. Of course, Gray had tried to join them, but he was ruthlessly rejected by his determined little sister and his ever-so-savage girlfriend.
Lilith chuckled softly as her gaze shifted to Rose.
"You don’t need to worry about them," Lilith said confidently, reaching over to ruffle Rose’s soft hair. "I’ll handle both Sienna and Grandma. Your only job is to focus on your studies and your well-being, okay?"
Rose looked up at her, her big eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Sister Lilith, you really don’t have a brother, right?" she asked innocently.
Lilith smiled warmly and shook her head. "No, I don’t."
Rose pouted, crossing her arms. "Then you should’ve been a boy!" she said, her little hood’s rabbit ears flopping with her movements.
Lilith raised a brow, amused. "Oh? Why?"
Rose grinned cheekily. "If you were a boy, I would’ve happily married you!" she teased, giggling.
Lilith laughed, her voice rich and warm. "Oh, Rose, you’d regret it. I’d make the most demanding husband you could imagine!"
Rose giggled even louder, leaning against Lilith’s shoulder, her heart feeling light and happy.
Lilith gazed down at Rose, her expression soft but firm. She didn’t want to burden the little girl with the stress of dealing with Grandma Bria or Sienna– those creepy humans. However, deep down, Lilith knew she couldn’t always be there for Rose.
"Okay, Rose," Lilith began, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Rose’s ear. "I’ll deal with Sienna and Grandma. But you need to understand something important: I won’t always be around to help you."
Rose blinked up at her, her big eyes filled with curiosity and trust.
Lilith smiled, her voice taking on a gentle but serious tone. "The first thing you need to remember is this—don’t fear anybody."
Rose tilted her head, her little rabbit ears flopping to the side, as she listened intently.
"If you ever feel like you’re being wronged, you have to speak up." Lilith’s voice grew firmer.
"If your grandmother or Sienna ever try to disgrace you again, remember this—it’s your life, your body. You don’t owe them anything just because they’re older or think they have power over you."
Rose’s lips parted slightly, taking in Lilith’s words as if they were a secret treasure.
"Respect and listen only to those who are worthy," Lilith continued, her hand gently resting on Rose’s shoulder. "Like your brother. He wants the best for you. People like him? They deserve your trust. But those who harm or belittle you? Don’t give them a second thought."
Rose nodded slowly, her face scrunching up in determination. "I’ll remember, Sister Lilith. I’ll be brave!"
Lilith smiled warmly, leaning down to press a soft kiss on Rose’s forehead. "That’s my girl. Be brave, always."
Rose giggled softly, hugging Lilith tightly, her arms wrapping around her like a shield of trust.
"Sister Lilith, why doesn’t Grandma like me?" Rose asked suddenly, her voice soft and filed with sadness. She pouted, fiddling with the edge of her pink blanket. "I always listen to her... I don’t know why she doesn’t like me. She’s always comparing me to Sienna!"
Her big doe eyes looked up at Lilith, filled with confusion and hurt. Rose didn’t know the truth that Grandma Bria was her step-grandmother and Lilith wasn’t about to reveal it now.
Lilith sat silently for a moment, her sharp mind searching for the right words to soothe Rose without burdening her with more pain.
Finally, she reached out, gently brushing Rose’s hair back. "Don’t think too much about it, Rose," she said softly, her voice calm but comforting. "Some people... they’ll never see the good in others, no matter how much you do for them. But you don’t need their approval to be amazing."
Rose blinked up at her, her pout softening slightly as she listened.
"You have school tomorrow, right?" Lilith continued, smoothly redirecting the conversation.
Rose nodded, her small face still thoughtful. "Yeah..."
Lilith smiled, tucking the blanket snugly around her. "Then focus on that. Forget about Grandma. You’re better than her words, Rose. Now, close those big beautiful eyes and get some rest."
Rose nodded again, her little hand clutching Lilith’s as she closed her eyes. Within moments, her breathing slowed, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Lilith watched her for a while, her expression unreadable. She didn’t show it, but hearing Rose’s words stirred something deep in her.
’Grandma Bria and Sienna... you’ve hurt Rose enough,’ Lilith thought, her sharp gaze narrowing as her lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk.
Her piercing blue eyes darkened, the calmness she usually carried giving way to something far more sinister.
Something powerful.
Something dangerous.
A faint red flash glinted in her irises, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. The devil within her stirred, and Lilith let the satisfaction wash over her.
"I hope you both enjoy the little gift I sent," she murmured to herself, her voice low and dripping with menace.
The thought of them receiving her special delivery brought a thrill of satisfaction to her chest. Lilith had been civil long enough. It was time they learned what happened when they crossed her or hurt the ones she cared about.
Her smirk widened as she leaned back, her eyes flicking toward the peaceful figure of Rose sleeping soundly beside her.
"Sweet dreams, little girl. You won’t have to worry about them anymore," she whispered softly, her voice soothing, though the storm raging within her was anything but calm.