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Chapter Text

2) Denial: Lilith is not a mother, she is a teacher. Or at least, that is what she say.

3) The Golden Brat: Hunter always goes to Lilith. It doesn't mean anything.

4) Unworthy of being loved: Lilith doesn't deserve love.

5) Covention: Unlike canon, Lilith behaves in a mature manner.

6) Reunion: Hunter has a mom.

7) Advice: Lilith is fed up with Darius and Alador not becoming a couple.

8) Be cared for: Lilith is good at caring. Not the opposite.

9) Gwendolyn: While visiting Eda, Gwen finds Lilith in front of the Owl House.

10) Plan B: During her time in Hexside, Odalia sees an opportunity and decides to take it.

11) Good: Lilith isn't a good person.

12) Her blue hair: Darius dyes Lilith's hair for the first time.

13) Sisterly talk: The Owl Family eats together, which ends in some revelations.

14) High: Kikimora drugs Lilith, unfortunately for her, it went very well.

15) Secret: Hunter discovers a closely guarded secret about his uncle.

16) Replaced: The break between the Alador-Lilith-Darius friendship.

17) Nightmare: Lilith wakes up from a nightmare. Fortunately for her, this time she has someone to take care of her.

18) Babies: Alador, Darius and Lilith reminisce about a project they did when they were in Hexside.

19) Pleasing others: Lily doesn't know who she is.

20) Caffeine: Eda discovers Lilith's caffeine addiction.

21) Lilith thinks 1: Instead of falling for Belos tricks, Lilith thinks and realizes that he has been lying to her.

22) Engaged: At the beginning of S1, Lumity gets engaged. Lilith is NOT happy about this.

23) Odalia Route: Odalia is in desperate need of a partner. Fortunately for her, she knows who the right one is.

24) Marriage of convenience: Eda finds out that Lilith and Darius are married.

25) Eliminate the problem: After Eda blinds her father, Lilith can't handle the guilt.

26) Demon Queen: Raine and Darius accidentally summon the Demon Queen; Lilith.

27) Lilith thinks 2: After Lilith goes to talk to them and the Blights, Eda finds out why she did it. She's not happy about it.

28) Radio silence: Lilith hasn't communicated with Eda in a week. Instead of letting this continue, Eda takes action.

29) Pretending: After receiving a letter from her mother, Lilith proposes marriage to Darius.

30) Missing: In a world where Raine never realizes that Eda has children, they both die.

31) Baby Eda: Baby Eda meets future Lily. She's not happy about it.

32) Hanahaki: Lilith loves, but no one loves her back, and her body knows it.

33) Surprise adoption: Instead of having two kids in her house like she should, Eda now has three more

34) Midnight call pt1: Eda wakes up to the sound of her Scroll. Was it... Lily?

35) 24 hours: Lilith dies petrified along with her sister, but she returns to the beginning of the day.

36) A murder of crows: Eda discovers a side effect of the curse on Lilith.

37) Mindless: Belos traumatizes Lilith more than in canon, but it's not obvious until she gets sick.

38) Babysitting: Belos's new Grimwalker is a baby, does that mean he'll take care of it? Of course not. That's Lilith's duty now.

39) Rotting roots: The slow descent of Lilith that led her to curse her sister.

40) Biscuit bars: In a world where soulmates can sense what each other eats, Eda is fed up with Lilith always eating the same thing.

41) Baby Eda pt2: What happened to Baby Lily when she traded places with her older self.

42) I have your kids: Alador receives a very strange call of Lilith.

43) Nothing else to do pt1: Instead of being desperate enough to curse Eda, Lilith snaps with her mom.

44) Bullies pt1: Bump talks to Lilith about the behavior of Amity and the twins.

45) Stars: Dell finds Lilith looking at the stars.

46) Terra Snapdragon: At Belos's request, Terra makes Lilith her apprentice.

47) Lilith thinks 3: Eda goes to look for her stupid sister.

48) Lines: Eda discovers the lines on Lilith's arms.

49) Bad night: Lilith has a very bad dream about Belos, and is discovered by her entire family, who were at a movie night.

50) Will: Lilith writes her will. The first of many.

51) Dialogue: Lilith calls Steve.

52) Rinse and repeat: Time is a circle.

53) Get attention: Lilith needs her mother to look at her.

54) Engaged: Eda isn't going to let Luz outdo her. Lily will make fun of her!

55) Parasite: Instead of running away from home and living on her own, Eda becomes Lilith's parasite.

56) Older enough: As the Clawthorne sisters discuss their past, a secret of Lilith's is revealed.

57) Baby owl: The Owl Beast is a baby, and forces Lilith to take care of them.

58) Letters: Eda demands that Lilith hang out with her and Raine.

59) Birthday: Today is a very special day for Eda, Lily's birthday!

60) To notify: Gwen and Dell receive an unexpected visitor in the middle of the night.

61) Misfortune: Lilith only brings doom to the people she is close to.

62) Do I look like her?: Lilith hates her green eyes.

63) Blood ties: Philip meets his most promising recruit and...has a change of heart?

64) Blindness: Gwendolyn suspects that her daughter is blind.

65) Midnight Call pt2: The immediate consequences of Lilith's call.

66) Traditional family: Philip needs to make sure his new Grimwalker doesn't stray from God's path.

67) Pre-Misfortune: How Lilith got her curse.

68) Resolution: Lilith fixes her mistakes with everyone.

69) Shared dreams: When a Clawthorne is in danger, the other Clawthornes can see it in their dreams.

70) Bad mix: The reason why Lilith was helping Luz at the end of S1.

71) Home: Lilith reflects on what home means to her.

72) Edalyn Clawthorne: Lilith has trouble remembering things. Specifically, her sister.

73) Mother knows: Lilith doesn't curse Eda, however, Eda still ends up cursed.

74) Drunk call: Gwen receives a depressing call from her oldest daughter.

75) Odalia Route pt2: Darius tries to talk some sense into Lily.

76) Birthday: It's Lilith's birthday, not that she remembers.

77) I always wanted a sister: In a world where Eda is an only child, she refuses to stay that way. So, it's time the gods gave her a big sister!

78) Babysitting pt2: It's time for Lilith to tell her family that she has a son.

79) I love you: Instead of letting the Emperor have Eda, Lilith lets her run away. Eda faces the consequences.

80) Mother: Eda reflects on her childhood.

81) I always NEEDED a sister: In one world, Lilith Clawthorne does not have a younger sister, and as such, has no reason to exist.

82) Baby Eda pt3: Baby Lilith notices Eda's eyes and arm.

83) Valley: Luz and Amity talk about Lilith's little game addiction and are adorable together.

84) Singer AU: Lilith accidentally becomes a famous singer. What does that entail? Obsessive fans who discover her identity.

85) Rinse and repeat 2: Dell notices his two daughters strange behavior, but decides not to intervene. It's his biggest mistake.

86) Wings AU: All Clawthornes are born with wings. So where are Lily's?

87) Singer AU 2: Nineteen-year-old Eda hears the masked artist for the first time.

88) Sick owl: During one of the attempts to capture her, Eda falls seriously ill.

89) Suicide mission: Lilith deals with the knowledge of her impending death as any child would: by going to her family.

90) Odalia Route pt3: Despite how much she pretends about it, her wedding with Odalia had not been so happy.

91) Hanahaki 2: The consequences of the revelation of Lilith's illness.

92) Triggers: What do you do when something no longer serves you? Well, you get rid of it.

93) No: The complicated relationship between Lilith and the word "No."

94) Stalker: Luz and the others learn a secret about Lilith.

95) Nothing else to do pt2: Eda finally finds her older sister.

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Chapter Text

Lilith is not a mother, no matter what Edalyn says. She is just...a good teacher.

Yes, a good teacher who helps the twins with their homework, scolds them when they do something wrong, and teaches them about things they like.

A good teacher who helps Amity with her magic, reminds her how important she is as a person, and gives her hugs whenever she feels sad.

None of that is motherly. She's not Edalyn. She doesn't randomly adopt children in dubious ways.

She's just a functional adult now. That's all. That she happens to be invited by the children to family outings means nothing.

It doesn't mean anything that during their birthdays, they reserve a private time for her, where Lilith hugs them and gives them the things she knew they wanted. 

It also doesn't mean anything that when the twins get into trouble, it's Lilith who the teachers call when Alador isn't available.

No. That's normal. She's just a very good teacher. Nothing more.

At least, until Mother's Day, when she receives gifts given with feigned confidence from Edric and Emira, and a small raven-shaped abomination from the hands of a shy Amity. 

...Ok, maybe she had made a miscalculation, and she actually is a mother.

Edalyn will never let her forget this mistake, will she?

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Lilith doesn't like children. They are irritating, disgusting and annoying. She doesn't even understand why a person would want to have them.

And the golden brat? He's no different. He's arrogant, mocking and very annoying.

Lilith doesn't love him. She doesn't hate him either, but that's all.

It's not a one-sided thing either, she knows the brat finds her too helpful, stupid, and arrogant. That's how things are.

At least, that's how things are when they're outside, with the eyes of Lord Belos, and the rest of the recruits, on them.

Behind closed doors, for some reason the brat insists on going to her whenever he's hurt, and for some reason Lilith always lets him into her room.

It's not because they're friends, they're not. At best, they're partners. The two people who can best understand the Emperor and each other.

Also, the only two people who can understand the magnitude of Lord Belos punishments when he is angry.

Maybe that's why Hunter comes with her. In the worst sense of the word, she's the only person he trusts. 

And, you know? Lilith shouldn't worry about him. In the Emperor's Coven, there are no such things as friends or family, only people who haven't stabbed you in the back yet.

However, raising her younger sister is not something that will leave her, and with a foolish and arrogant kid like the golden brat, she can't help but fall back on old instincts.

It's not because she wants to. She just does it without thinking. Stroking his hair, tending to his wounds, and making sure he has someone to talk to is an unconscious act. One that Lilith did not consent to.

It's... automatic. Not something she wants to do.

That she makes sure he eats or sleeps enough is only because she was once an older sister. Not for any other reason.

That's the truth.

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Love is not her thing. Whatever kind it is.

Romantic love? She's never felt it, and she can't see herself feeling it. She's not like that. At most, she's seen it in her sister and Raine, in Darius and Alador, but she's never experienced it, and she never will.

Familial love? Hah. As if someone like her deserved that. Gwendolyn Clawthorne was very clear about who her favorite daughter was, and it wasn't Lilith. And Dell... he loved her, in his own way. Which was better than nothing, she supposes.

Friends love? The answer is obvious. She works for the Emperor's Coven, there are no friends. There are only people who can take advantage of her. Darius stopped being his friend years ago, and he lost all contact with Alador. The only person she talks to is Steve, and he is her recruit. It would be inappropriate for them to be friends.

And...sisterly love? 

She's not good at that. She's terrible at that. She thought she was good at it, but selfishly cursing her younger sister is not a good older sister thing to do.

Lilith should have known better. To use her head and not let impulsiveness get the better of her, but she didn't.

Lilith was just like that, you know? Flawed, broken, unlovable.

It's not so hard to understand.

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She wants to win. She wants to prove to her sister that she is better. That she is stronger, more powerful and more talented.

But this isn't a fight between them, nor a fight between sisters. It's a fight between Eda's apprentice, a human, and her own apprentice, the youngest Blight.

It is not her duty to interfere with what happens in battle. She knows that Edalyn will cheat, whether it is with the Human's knowledge or not, it doesn't matter.

But Lilith can't force her student to do the same. Amity would never stoop to such a thing, and Lilith wouldn't force her. She's not as cruel, or manipulative, as Odalia.

Instead, she warns her about possible traps, and asks her to be aware of her surroundings. And most importantly, that she doesn't get hurt.

"Whether you wins or loses" Lilith finally says, crouching in front of Amity, holding her shoulders and looking into her eyes. "it doesn't matter to me. You will continue to be my pride."

Amity may not believe it, but Lilith will tell her as many times as she needs to. 

This is her apprentice, but that doesn't mean she'll teach her her worst mistakes. 

She will not let the situation repeat itself. She will not create another Lilith, nor another Edalyn.

This is Amity. Just Amity.

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"Lilith." Hunter said, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes were narrowed, scanning this Lilith person from top to bottom. "You cut your hair."

"Golden brat." Camila had to resist the instinct to shake the woman. It doesn't matter that this is the Aunt Luz has talked so much about, how dare she call Hunter that? "I see you finally have a suitable eye color."

The two looked at each other, frowning. They looked... oddly alike doing so. 

Finally, this Lilith sighed, opening her arms "Come here, you little oaf."

"Says the witch who cursed her sister." Despite her harsh words, Hunter walked over to her and, to Camila's surprise, hugged her, burying his face against her chest like a little kid.

Camila had never seen him hug someone like that. As if he lost all his defenses, and let himself be protected.

Perhaps she had misunderstood the relationship between the two of them, but looking at the gaping faces of everyone around her, perhaps she was not the only one who did.

"Huh, it's been years since you hugged me like that." Sounding a little breathless, Lilith stroked the strands of Hunter's hair. "It's a little weird, I'm not going to lie. Luz has definitely affected you, isn't that right, Hunter?"

He let out a laugh, not moving.

"You know how Luz is. She has a way of bringing out the most loving and kind side of you."

"Yes, my niece is too good at that." Chuckling softly, she continued to stroke his hair. "I think you, Darius and I need to catch up on a few things."

Coughing, Hunter pulled away from the hug, his cheeks red. Poor thing. He weren't used to affection, were him?

"Ugh, don't remind me. Darius already offered me adoption papers." Camila frowned, who was Darius? "You're not going to do that, are you?"

"Unless you specifically ask for it, no. Since I betrayed Belos, I've lived a very happy life without paperwork. Unless I have to, I'm not going back to that."

For most kids, that comment might be a little painful. To Hunter, the child soldier that he was, it sounded logical.

Or at least, that's what Camila thought, when she saw him nod.

"Yes, the paperwork is the worst." Pretending the hug hadn't happened, he swayed on his feet. "I guess I can be like Luz. Emotionally adopted, but without a ton of work behind it."

"Just so you know, I'm illegally adopted!"

"Yeah, exactly like that."

"Sure. Sounds good. Although you know Darius won't stop asking you until you say yes, right?"

"I feign ignorance."

"Noted."

Chapter Text

"Darius, if you're not going to ask Alador out on a date and give the Blight siblings a functioning family right now, I'm going to cut your dick off with a rusty spoon."

The toast in his hand fell against the plate.

"Holy Titan Lily, how many hours did you sleep last night?"

"Are you trying to change the subject?" Lilith's grip tightened on her butter knife and yes, Darius knew she could summon claws and a Raven Beast at will, but shit, she already look scary! 

He placatingly raised his arms in front of him in surrender. Messing with a sleep-deprived Lilith was not a good idea. Even for him, her best friend.

...Was this where Hunter got his sleepy aggression from?

"No, no. I'm just worried about you."

"Oh." Fortunately, given her childhood with neglectful parents, Lily was easy to appease by simply saying nice things to her. "I understand, I'm sorry for my misunderstanding. But, back to the subject. Declare your love for Alador at once, I've been waiting for more than twenty years, and I'm not going to wait twenty more. I'm sick of having to listen to you two ramble on about each other."

"He talks about me?"

"Yes, abomination for brain, he speaks about you. You're his second fucking special interest besides technology."

"Uh, I see." Well, there was no better confirmation of whether his feelings were reciprocated than that, was there? "Are you sure the Blight kids will be happy if Alador and I started dating?"

Lilith, using the hand that wasn't holding the knife, stroked her temple.

Maybe Darius should give her a new set of history books after this, just in case.

He really didn't want to be stabbed in his sleep. He and Lilith had a child to take care of. A very traumatized child in need of healthy parents.

"Yeah, they'll be fine with that. Anything's better than that bitch Odalia." There was no arguing with that statement. "And Alador's hardly a decent father anyway. You will be a good father to them."

"But what about you? They were under your care first, weren't they?"

"Darius, you and I already managed to be Hunter's parents, do you think we can't do the same for the Blight siblings?"

"...Okay, I see your point. So, Alador is their father, I'll be their stepfather and you'll be their illegally mom?"

"Exactly."

Darius sighed, resting his cheek against his hand. "Describing this mess of a family is a task I wouldn't wish on anyone."

"I agree."

The two stood in silence for a moment, with Lilith finally putting down her knife and leaving it on the table.

"So, after this enlightening talk, I think it's time for you to go to sleep. You're supposed to be a positive example for Hunter."

"Ugh, ok."

Chapter Text

Lilith is good at taking care of other people. She is an older sister, who sometimes also took on the role of mother and father to both Edalyn and the Blights, she knows how to take care of people.

Being cared for, however, is not something she is used to. Even as a child, she was the one who took care of herself as best she could, since her parents had more important things to do than watch her once she learned the basics to survive.

Working for the Emperor didn't exactly help with that either. Although she had initially set out as a new recruit, she had quickly risen through the ranks, and that meant it was her duty to protect both civilians and lower-ranking recruits AND the Emperor. Everything at once.

In reality, the only thing that taught her was how to be careless. Lilith had always been bad at remembering when to eat or drink water, and having started working in such an absorbing area made it even more difficult.

Now, she is living with Edalyn in the Owl House, along with her human daughter, and her dog? son, Lilith is falling into the same role she had before.

It's easy. It's reassuring. It's expected. Her mother had always made it her duty, as the eldest daughter, to take care of others, and set a good example. Now that she screwed up, she's fixing it. She cleans the Owl House, baths Hootcifer, and makes sure to spoil Luz and King whenever she can.

It's the right thing to do. Lilith has to be a good sister, and as such, a good aunt. She's been bad enough at that before.

What is not right is for others to try to take care of her. Her! Lilith, the former coven head, Lilith, the eldest daughter, Lilith, the soldier.

That's not her role. Being cared for is not something that happens for people like her. She doesn't deserve it.

And yet, Edalyn continues to insist that she needs to eat more than tiny, tasteless protein bars, and read books for entertainment

Lilith can't do that. Eating and reading things that are not useful is a waste of time. And she has tried to explain it to her! But Edalyn keeps insisting that she needs to do it.

And then Luz joined in, creating the 'Info-dump' hour where the two drink tea and talk about the things they like. Or well, the two are supposed to talk. Usually, it is Luz who leads the conversation.

Lilith... doesn't really have much to talk about. And mentioning any experiences she had in the Coven is not something she's going to do anytime soon.

At least Hootcifer leaves her alone, accompanying her on lonely nights with his endless chatter. It's good company, despite what it may seem. It does not require she to respond, and it does not reveal her secrets either.

King, for his part, simply asks her to pamper him, which Lilith can do with ease. 

What she cannot do easily is accept that suddenly, the entire  Owls family decides to have a family meeting in her room, and go to sleep in her nest, because it is 'bigger and more comfortable than Eda's' or so she has been told.

Lilith doesn't know what to make of that, but as she's dragged into the nest by Edalyn, she doesn't really think she has a choice about whether to be cared for or not.

...Well, it's not that bad either. Perhaps, if Lilith behaves well, this can be her reward.

Because get used to something like that, something so good and loving is not a thing she think is possible.

Chapter Text

Oh, is that Lilith next to Edalyn's house? She's grown a lot since she last saw her all those years ago. 

"Little flea, hello!" Edalyn was also very big, but she also looked much older than she should have. 

"Hello, Mother." Oh, how elegant! She even curtsied. If only Edalyn were as lovely, but her dear daughter had always been a wild spirit. "How are you?"

If only Edalyn had learned such manners. Her little girl always threw her out before she could finish helping her!

"Good, honey. Could you let me talk to Edalyn? Mommy needs to see her little girl."

"Oh." Her eyes narrowed. Gwendolyn frowned. Was there... anything different about her, other than dyed hair? "Of course."

Oh, never mind. Her priority is Edalyn. She's sure she can cure her this time! 

"Thank you, daughter." Almost without realizing it, she tried to hug her. "Oh, I'm sorry, it's just the habit! I always hug Edalyn when I see her." 

Lilith was too old for such things. And besides, she had never needed such displays of affection. Not like Edalyn.

Speaking of her, where was she?

"S-sure, mother." However, her eldest daughter did not move away from the improvised hug.

How strange, she always thought she would be like Edalyn, reluctant to receive it.

Still, she's too tense in her grip. As if she's resisting the instinct to run away.

Pulling away from her, Gwendolyn raised a hand to her cheek. Now that she saw her properly, one of her eyes was a different color.

Had she put in contact lenses to look like Edalyn?

The two had always been close, after all. That hadn't changed over the years, if Lilith was here now.

"My dear, what-?" Before she could place her hand on her cheek, Lilith jerked back, staring at her with wide eyes, a tremor throughout her body.

Gwendolyn frowned.

Lilith...had just shuddered.

Shudder before her, her own mother.

"Little flea?"

Still walking backwards, Lilith looked at her, looking like a frightened wild beast.

Gwen... had never expected to see one of her daughters looking at her like that.

"I-I'm sorry to bother you, Mother. Edalyn is inside the house." Covering her neck, Lilith ran off into the woods.

Gwendolyn looked towards the Owl House. Edalyn was inside there, waiting for her possible cure.

Lilith could wait. She knew her sister was the priority.

However...

She can't get the memory of what Lilith looked like out of her mind. Or how her daughter thought she was going to hit her, of all things.

Biting her lip, Gwendolyn clenched her fists.

Edalyn will probably still be home when she gets back. On the other hand, she's not quite sure where Lilith lives.

She should take a look at her. Once she understands the reason for her reaction, she can refocus her attention in the right place.

Chapter Text

Eda Clawthorne is one of the most irritating people Odalia has ever had the misfortune to meet. Not as much as Darius, who insists on sneaking in any moment she has alone with Alador, but she's a close second.

Lilith Clawthorne, on the other hand...

It's different.

She is not a determined girl. She is a weak-willed woman, easily manipulated, and very quiet...

A real treat. Perhaps as much as her Alador. And she has potential, oh so much potential.

It would be easy to absorb her into her bubble. She's eager for attention, for recognition, especially now that her clingy younger sister has found a partner.

She's an easy target, and Odalia is not known for letting opportunities slip away.

Especially since her Alador and Lilith are very similar. Both neglected, focused on their studies, feeling alone and eager for something new. It won't be difficult to tie her to her little finger and make her fulfill all her whims.

Hmm, she'll be an excellent plan B in case Darius actually manages to take away her Alador. After all, nobody cares about Lilith Clawthorne. 

Chapter Text

Lilith Clawthorne is not a good person. 

She has known this since she was five years old, and her younger sister received more attention than she did.

She's known this since she was thirteen, when she realized she was flawed, and couldn't feel or care about romance, even though everyone around her was in love.

She's known this since she was seventeen, and she cursed her sister for the rest of her life.

So, no. She is not a good person.

But she doesn't have to be a good person to care about someone else, does she?

Though she never expected that she would care about the golden brat, of all people. But now that he's in her arms, small and with his face bleeding, she can't help but remember when her little sister came running to her, with bloody knees and tears trailing down her cheeks.

She doesn't know what brought him here, to a woman who has shown contempt for him for as long as she's known him. But now that he's here, she can't ignore him.

...Maybe it's time for Lilith to do something good for once in her life. 

Chapter Text

The door swung open. Lilith, looking like a wet cat, with puffy fur and red eyes, came in, breathing heavily.

She looked like a mess, like that time after the fight with Eda, and the revelation that she was cursed, when she snuck into his room and started crying and hugging him.

The two of them never talked about it. And right now, he feels like they won't talk about this moment either.

"I need to dye my hair."

Arching an eyebrow, Darius sat down on his bed, leaving the fashion magazine he was reading beside him. It had long since passed the curfew at the Emperor's Castle.

"Why?"

He knew he wouldn't get a response, but he could at least try. Let her know he was there for her.

But, as always, Lilith stared at him, her eyes bloodshot, her mouth opening and closing with no words coming out.

"That's not the important thing. Can you help me or not? 

"Of course I do." Before settling down with his abomination hair, he had gone through many styles. Everyone knew it. "Come here, Glasses."

Obediently, Lilith closed the door behind her, and sat down facing him on the bed, with her back to him.

Darius politely refrained from commenting on the slight tremor in her shoulders.

"So what color do you want to dye your hair? And do you want to straighten it?"

"Blue. And yes, I would like you to straighten it, please."

Nodding, Darius pulled out a pair of scissors from his nightstand drawer, and some straightening potion.

He'd never thought the day would come when Lilith Clawthorne, of all people, would ask him to be her stylist, but here they were. Both nineteen years old and with no family.

They were the only thing the other had left, in a way.

"Once it's straight, your hair is going to be really long, so I'll have to cut it quite a bit, okay?"

"Understood."

Chapter Text

"Titan, Lily, you eat like you haven't in years." 

"Oh." Turning away from her plate, her face covered in sauce, Lilith daintily wiped it away, her cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry for my lack of manners. I got excited." 

"Huh, you must really like Eda's cooking, Auntie Lily."

"In fact, I do." Taking a drink of water, Lilith wiped her mouth again, grabbing her cutlery with mechanical calm. "Castle energy bars don't compare to this."

"Energy bars? What are they? Are they magical?"

"Oh, these are bars with enough calories to replace a meal. They are usually given out for missions, since they don't taste good."

"Woah, that's sounds cool!" Without further ado, Luz returned to her meal. Eda, on the other hand...

"Lily, why do I have the feeling that you only ate that and nothing else?"

"Because for some reason, even though we've been apart for over twenty years, you still know me very well." Eating a spoonful, Lilith looked at her. "In my defense, they were quick to eat, and I could take them anywhere."

"Jeez, no wonder you're so thin, you only ate trash." Sighing, Eda added, "If mom saw you now, she'd chain you to the table until you were a proper weight."

"Fortunately for everyone, she hasn't seen me in the last twenty years, and I doubt she will see me in the years to come." 

"That's sad."

"I know, King.

"And pathetic."

"I know, King."

"Wait, you haven't seen mom in all these years?"

"No. I was very busy working for the Emperor, and it's not like she answered my letters." She tightened her grip on the glass. "The last time I saw her and dad was when I was seventeen, and I left home to move into the castle."

Luz stopped her spoon in front of her.

"If you want, my mom can give her un chanclazo (hit her with a flip-flop)."

"While I appreciate the offer, niece, I'm fine with it."

"Well, I'm not. Next time I see mom, I'll give her a piece of my mind." 

"Edalyn-"

"No, Lily. Mom has been visiting me for years, she might have done the same for you too."

"Mom... does visit you? Like, regularly? She can do that?"

"Yeah, Lily."

"Oh." Suddenly, her plate of food was all that caught her attention. "That's...nice, I guess."

"This is awkward."

"Shh, King, we are witnessing a sisterly chat!"

"Look, Lily, I'm going to talk to mom about this whether you like it or not." She took a deep breath. "And it's going to be a very long conversation. Mostly because I think it's time for me to set boundaries with her."

"Boundaries?"

"Yeah. She is like you in the Coven, but ten times worse. The only difference so far is that she hasn't tried to kill my kids, but that doesn't mean anything because she hasn't met them yet."

"Oh." Slowly, Lilith nodded, still looking thoughtful. "Yes, you better talk to her soon. We don't want everything to repeat itself."

Chapter Text

"Darius, I need your help."

"Lily? Wha do you ne- Why is the Golden Guard here? No, better yet, why is he unconscious?"

"That's the reason why I need help." Still holding the limp body in her arms, Lilith looked up at him, staggering on her own feet. "I'm a mom now, Darius."

"Excuse me? Lilith, what the hell? That's Belos right hand!"

"Well, he's my kid now. Belos must eat shit and drown in it."

"Holy Titan, Lily." He rubbed his temples. "Can you explain to me what happened? Please?"

"This jerk thought it would be a good idea to curse me using his Staff. It wasn't, and now I'm cursed for life. As such, I have acknowledged that he is just like me, and he is now my son."

"I'm not understanding shit. And- wait, who did you curse?"

"...That's not the point."

"Lilith, who did you curse!?"

"Anyway, congratulations, you're an uncle now." Lilith accommodated the Golden Guard's body in her arms. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go inform my sister that she's an aunt."

Oh hell no.

Darius created a abomination wall in front of her.

"Where do you think you're going?! We're not done talking." He took a deep breath. "How did you even get to this point? This isn't something you'd do on a normal day. Or ever."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure Kikimora drugged me at some point during the day."

"...Well, that explains a lot." He rubbed his temples again. Why did that little rat always have to be involved? "How old is the Golden Guard even anyway?"

"He is sixteen."

"He is what."

"Sixteen."

"Lilith, for the love of the Titan, tell me we haven't been being jerks to a kid for years." She fell silent. "Fuck. You know what? You can count on me. I'm this brat's father now too."

"Oh, that's sounds excellent! Now we have to go tell Edalyn that we are parents."

"Can we tell Alador too? I want to see his face when he finds out that his ex and his ex best friend adopted a child."

"I don't know if we-" 

"We can make fun of Odalia's face too."

"You convinced me. Let's do it."

Chapter Text

Hunter shouldn't be doing this. This is supposed to be his time off, his few free hours. He should be away, training or learning.

No...watching the doors of his uncle's private room like some kind of spy.

It's not his fault, okay? He really wants to know what it is about Lilith that makes her so special that she can replace him! Sure, she has many more years of experience in battle, and she's known her uncle since before he was born, but Belos would never let such trivial things affect his judgment.

So what makes her better? Is it her palisman? Or her unwavering loyalty? Hunter can't help but wonder, peeking around the corner of the wall where he stands, tapping his fingers against his thigh.

Maybe if he finds out what makes Lilith so special, he can impress his uncle the next time he sees him! 

Unfortunately for him, his private room is soundproof, but Hunter is smart and cunning. He can guess by looking. Maybe.

"Thank you for your time, Lord Belos." Oh, there came Lilith! Although her voice sounded a little muffled. More hoarse.

Had she been screaming?

"I'll expect you tomorrow at the same time. Don't be late, or else, you know what will happen, Lilith."

"...Understood, Lord Belos." With a smooth movement, the doors closed behind her. She walked no further, however, leaning heavily against the door, rubbing her eyes.

Hunter frowned. Was Lilith crying? He didn't know a woman as vile as her could do something like that. She usually had a elegant appearance, and a control of her emotions that he himself envied.

Although he couldn't see any of that right now. Her normally coiffed hair was tangled in such a way that it made him grimace in realization. That would hurt once she went to comb it.

And her face? It lacked her normal makeup. Which was odd, because she was never without it. She even looked paler, and-

Were those hand-shaped bruises on her neck?

Oh.

Suddenly, Hunter felt like he was seeing something he shouldn't be seeing. Something too deep for him to understand.

He should leave. 

Still, his legs refused to move.

And without much to do, he continued to watch Lilith intently. Several minutes must have passed, but she was still trying to control her breathing in silence, her left hand scratching her neck.

He could see she was saying something, but Hunter was too far away to make out what she was saying. Given the situation, he assumed it was some kind of recrimination, or something along those lines.

It wasn't until several more minutes later that Lilith finally stood up straight, straightening her dress (which, now that he noticed, was deviated from its normal position, something unacceptable for a woman as focused on control as Lilith) and wiped the dried tears from her eyes, walking with trembling steps towards where he stood.

Shit.

Hunter could run, not that that would be useful, since it would make noise.

Or he could give it his best shot and feign ignorance.

Biting his lip, he decided on the last option.

"Covenbitch, I was looking for you." He...didn't feel right insulting her after what he had seen, but it would be weird if he didn't.

At least Lilith seemed to relax a little at the sight of him. Her shoulders were still tense, pressed towards her as if she were trying to protect herself from something, but her eyes looked clearer.

"Golden Brat, what is important enough to come tormenting me with your terrible presence?" Her shoulders dropped a little, her breathing becoming more normal and less mechanical. 

As hard as it was to believe, Hunter's presence was helping her.

"I've noticed... some gaps in my knowledge of the Age of Wild Magic. Ones I know you could fill." 

Lilith raised an eyebrow, walking towards him. Once they were side by side, they walked shoulder to shoulder.

"Is that so? I guess you're in luck. I was going to go to the library and read some of my favorite history books as a kid tonight."

"What a lucky coincidence." Hunter moved a little closer to her.

They didn't usually walk so close together. This time, however, Lilith didn't mention anything about it, taking a deep breath and looking ahead.

If Hunter showed up exactly on time every time Lilith left her meetings with Belos after that day, it was just a coincidence.

Just like it was demanding that Lilith teach him everything she knew about her favourite topic: history.

Chapter Text

"Alador, why the hell did you invite Blight to our sleepover? It was supposed to be our time to reconnect!"

"Look, Darius, she didn't want to be alone. I made her promise not to do anything. It's okay."

"It's okay? It's okay!? Alador, Lilith and I haven't seen you for almost three years and the only time we can spend time together, you bring her? It's unfair!"

"Darius, Odalia is here now. There's nothing to do. Let's just enjoy the night as best we can, okay?"

"But-"

"Darius."

"Ugh, fine. But I'm not happy with this."

"What are you three talking about? Come on, aren't we going to have a fun night?"

"We were just talking about what we were going to do today, Odalia." Without giving them a last look, Alador went to sit next to Odalia on the couch.

"That damn bitch..."

"Yes." Lilith sighed, adjusting her glasses. "But there's not much to be done. Alador certainly isn't going to break up with her anytime soon."

"He should! She treats him like a dog." He kept his arms crossed over his chest, frowning at the couple.

"Darius, just try to ignore her, okay? I know it hurts you, given your... feelings, for him, but if we keep fighting with him about Odalia, we might never see him again."

"Yeah, I guess. Just... why did it have to be someone like her? I get that he doesn't like me, but why did he have to choose to date a bitch, of all people? I am infinitely superior to her!"

"You are, but Darius, you gain nothing by wallowing in your misery. We both know that if Alador has to choose between us or her, he'll choose her."

"He's fucking tame."

Lilith sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Darius, can we join them and watch a movie already? I signed up for a reconnection night, not a vent night. We don't have any alcohol for that."

"Fine, but tomorrow I want us to go get drunk and drown my sorrows, okay?"

"Since my mother hasn't answered any of the letters I've sent her? You won't be the only one drowning your sorrows."

"...Life sucks."

"Indeed."

"Come on guys, are you coming or not?"

"We're on our way!"

Chapter Text

Lilith is safe.

There are no more pesky guards watching her door, no more possibly deadly missions waiting for her on the desk. 

There is only one bed, and a house with two other occupants.

There's no excuse for waking up in the middle of the night, with her lungs burning and panting heavily. There's no excuse for the wetness on her cheeks, or the pounding in her ears.

Is this what Lilith has fallen to? To being nothing more than a frightened child in the middle of the night?

It sounds ridiculous. The Ex-Coven Head, like that? It should be a joke.

It is not.

And Lilith can't breathe.

"Be-" She can't keep up with the breathing exercises she knows. Pulling her hair out doesn't get her out of this. What is she supposed to do? "Belos."

She knows he's not here, but she can feel his ugly blue eyes on her. And his hands-

His hands were everywhere. Squeezing her neck, touching her shoulders, hitting her wrist...

"-lea?"

Lilith pulls her hair more, closing her eyes.

But she is silent. Not a single sound escapes her mouth, except shaky breaths.

Being loud was punished. She learned it quickly.

"-Flea?" Large, calloused hands, similar to his, touch her shoulders.

Lilith doesn't scream, she doesn't recoil in terror. Instead, she stops crying and turns into putty in the hands.

Resisting has never been an option. Not when she was eighteen, not when she was thirty, not now.

Lilith is alone. She always has been.

"Little flea?" One of the hands leaves her shoulder, and caresses her cheek almost...sweetly. "I'm Gwendolyn, darling."

Gwendolyn? Her mother?

No, there is no way.

She hasn't seen her mother in years. It must be someone else with the same name. 

Now, both hands caress her cheeks, wiping away her tears.

"Open your eyes, my Lilyflea. Mommy is here."

Lilyflea...

Just hearing that nickname makes her open her eyes. In front of her, her mother, dressed for bed, smiles softly at her.

The last time she looked at her and called her that, Lilith was eight years old.

"What happened, honey? Your palisman was so scared that came to find me."

"It was just a bad dream, mum." she lied, her voice hoarse and her mouth gritty. Slowly, she pulled her hands out of her hair, trying to ignore the strands that were tangled around her fingers. "I overreacted."

"Overreact? Honey, you were having a full-blown panic attack."

"Mom, can we not talk about this? Please?"

"Lilith, dear, I'm worried about you. This isn't normal."

"It's normal for me. Now, can we stop talking about this?"

"...Ok, little flea. But I will accompany you until you fall asleep, I don't want this to happen again."

"I'm not a child, mother."

"You will always be a child to me. Now, silence. It's time to sleep."

"But-"

"What I said?"

"...Time to sleep."

Chapter Text

"Hmm, remember when the three of us had to band together to take care of abomination babies?

"How could I forget? Baby 3 vomited on you over and over again. And, ugh, it was so gross to change baby 4 diaper.

"Those babies were such a sweetheart compared to the other two. They kept biting my hair and knocking my glasses off!"

Alador laughed softly, patting Lilith on the back in empathy.

"Still, I never understood why we had four abomination babies. Sure, everyone else was a duo, but we should have had two."

"Isn't it obvious, Darius? Edalyn had played a lot of pranks on that teacher, he wanted revenge."

"Hmm" Alador scratched his chin. "I think it's harder to understand why the first baby split into two and created the second. As far as I know, that has never been repeated." 

"I hope it doesn't happen again. Seriously, what was that teacher thinking, leaving us in charge of four babies for two weeks? We would never have that many!"

Lilith opened her mouth to agree, but then.

Oh.

Oh.

"What a... strange coincidence, now that I think about it." A very worrying coincidence, indeed. "After all, between the three of us, we now have four children."

"That's-" Darius licked his lips. It was true. Alador had three kids and he had Hunter. And Lilith...she had all of them, honestly. "...Correct."

"So the abomination that split in two would be Emira and Edric?" Alador hummed, frowning.

"...You're not thinking the same thing as me, are you?"

"That those things are fucking oracles? Yeah Glasses, I'm thinking about that."

Alador nodded, still scratching his chin.

"It would make sense."

"...that means when Amity and my niece pair up for that project, or the brat and Willow do, the abominations will see their future?"

"Yeah."

"Should we tell them?"

"Don't even dare, Darius. I can't wait until I have more kids to look after without having to be responsible for them."

"I still don't understand how you went from hating children to this, glasses."

"I learned the meaning of being an aunt and having shared custody."

"You are a profiteer."

"I'm a raven, It's in my nature."

"In fact, it is."

"Shh, Alador. I'm trying to argue with Lilith."

"Oh, sorry."

Chapter Text

Belos had never liked her red hair. It was inappropriate, according to him. A hair that betrayed her proximity to wild magic. Her proximity to primitive beings. 

One of his first suggestions to her was to dye it a more normal shade: blue-black. An admirable, normal color.

She, young and thirsty for praise, immediately accepted, also making the curls that characterized her disappear. Belos always said that curls shouldn't be something that a high-status person has.

Lilith suspects it was because she looked less threatening in that guise, but she's not really sure.

What she does know is that she no longer has any idea what she is like.

She's spent so many years pleasing the Emperor, and his desires, being the perfect person for him, that she...doesn't know where her own desires begin.

She had always gotten rid of things he didn't like with little question, and guided her taste by his. Now that she's alone in the Owl House, the number of decisions she can make is a lot.

Should she stop dyeing her hair? Cut it? Let the curls come back? And what about her clothes? Should she dress more lively? Less long, dark dresses that, although elegant, had never felt good?

Ugh, she needs someone to tell her how to be. Edalyn, the human or the dog, it doesn't matter. She just wants someone to tell her. This way everything will be easier.

Chapter Text

Lazily scratching her back and stifling a yawn, Eda turned on the coffee machine, cup in hand.

"Do you want a coffee, Lily?"

"Oh, no thanks, Edalyn. I'm forbidden from taking caffeine of any kind."

"What?" With a swiftness that only a mother could muster, Eda turned to look at her sister, who was sitting primly sipping a glass of water. "What do you mean by forbidden?"

"Legally, it is a crime for me to drink coffee. Kikimora and Belos made it a law a few years ago."

The cup almost slipped out of her hand.

"What the hell did you have to do to get a law made for you, Lily? I don't even have a law in my name, and I am a literal criminal!"

"Well..." She took a long sip of water, drumming her fingers against the table. "I almost died a couple of times from a lethal caffeine overdose."

"Excuse me, what!?"

"I had an addiction," she admitted without looking at her. "Since I was working non-stop, I started drinking coffee to stay awake. One cup turned into another, and another, and another... I think I drank about eight cups of coffee a day."

"Titan, Lily." Eda leaned against the counter. "How are you not dead?"

"To be honest? Kikimora found me slumped against my desk after I didn't show up for work, and took me to the healers. Apparently, mixing energy drinks with my coffee consumption had been a terrible idea. Especially since my coffee consumption was already well above the healthy limit."

Eda looked at the coffee pot. Yes, she suddenly didn't feel like it.

"And then what happened?"

"Belos legally banned me from taking any kind of caffeine, and had Kikimora and Hettie watch me for a whole year." She sighed, taking another sip of water. "As you can imagine, being watched by those two harpies did wonders for my self-control."

"I can imagine." Eda had only heard of Kikimora through rumors, and yet she found her annoying. Being watched 24/7 by her and Hettie, one of the most feared women in the Isles? Fucking no. "Remind me never to bring you near coffee or energy drinks."

"I actually can't drink certain types of tea either, as they also contain caffeine."

"Okay, remind me not to give you anything but fucking water."

"Noted."

Chapter Text

Belos is not going to cure her sister.

He lied to her. For thirty years, she was nothing but a fool who fell for his tricks.

And he expect her to fall again?

No.

If Belos wants her sister here, there must be some evil reason behind it. 

She's no longer blind, she can see his stupid plan clearly in her mind.

And you know what? Lilith is going to bring out the Clawthorne in her, and ruin it.

Nothing matters anymore. She'll be dead by the end of the day.

So she nods obediently, pretending to believe his lies, and flies away on her palisman.

First of all, she needs to see her sister and her children. Then, Amity and the twins.

Chapter Text

The door to the owl house swung open, crashing against the wall. Hooty screamed, settling himself on the shoulder of the intruder, who didn't even blink.

"Edalyn, I'm gonna fucking kill you!"

"Huh? Lily? What the hell are you doing here? And why do you want to kill me? I haven't committed any unusual crimes!" 

She hadn't even gotten off the couch today! Taking care of the Bat Queen's babies had been very exhausting, and she was recharging her batteries drinking Apple Blood and sleeping since King and Luz had left in the morning, both unjustly happy.

"Your human got engaged to my student, that's why!"

Eda sat on the couch, letting the rest of her Apple blood fall.

"Wait wait wait, my human did what!?"

"Engage with my student! My child!" Moving out of reach of a very comfortable Hooty, she approached Eda, and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her. "They met like two weeks ago, for Titan's sake!"

"But how did it happen?"

"Apparently, the human gave her a piece of jewelry last night, during the Wailing Star. And Amity, for some reason, accepted! How am I supposed to tell Odalia that her daughter is engaged to YOUR student?"

"...Damn, my kid has more game than me."

"Can't you be serious for once, Edalyn? Our children are engaged!" She shook her body harder "So either you prevent that marriage, or you're the one who breaks the news to Alador and Odalia, because I won't do it!"

"Wait, why do you make everything fall on me? It was YOUR student who accepted!

"Yes, and it was yours that corrupted her with her charm! So deal with it!"

If Lilith's eye twitched one more time, Eda might have to take her to the healers. She looked absolutely psychotic, her hair messy and her eyes wide and red.

Titan, if she didn't know how good two shoes her sister is, she'd think she inhaled something.

"Ok ok, fine." Throwing her arms up in defeat, Eda sighed. "I'll break the news to those two bores."

"Thank you for your cooperation, Edalyn." Lilith released her, taking a deep breath and wiping her hands on her dress. Then she fixed her hair, and headed for the door. "Oh, and Eda?"

"What, Lily?"

"I hope you contact the human's parents. I won't let Amity have a less than perfect wedding."

Without further ado, she walked out the door, patting Hooty on the head, showing how crazy and happy she was.

Eda collapsed against the couch.

"Damn it, Lily." 

How was she going to tell this to Luz's parents? They didn't even know about the Demon Realm!

Chapter Text

"Lilith!"

Huh?

Lifting her face from her history book, Lilith looked up. Usually, no one ever came to see her in the library. It was her safe place, and everyone knew not to disturb her.

Sure, sometimes Eda came along with Raine, but she was her little sister. How could she be mad at her when she was giving her puppy dog eyes? 

"Odalia? What are you doing here?" 

"I wanted to talk to you. I've noticed that ever since your sister's curse was revealed, you've been acting strange."

Lilith's grip tightened on the book.

Breathe. She doesn't know what she did. Nobody knows.

And why does she care anyway? They both have friends in common, but they themselves aren't friends. Odalia has always been the popular girl, and Lilith... not that she's not popular, but she has a lower profile.

"I guess." Closing the book, she set it down on the table. "Shouldn't you be with Alador? You two had a date, didn't you?"

Sitting across from her without asking, Odalia sighed.

Somehow, she still maintained her grace like that. Could Lilith ever reach that level? Sure, she was a recruit of the Emperor's Coven now, but...

She didn't look much like that, with her curly red hair. Or her glasses.

"Yeah, I went on a date with that jerk. And you know what? He talked about Darius the whole date! I ended up telling him that if he wanted to be with him so badly, he should go see him."

"Oh, that's... rough, girl." Was that comforting enough? Lilith was good at giving love advice, even though she'd never been in a relationship, but comforting someone who had just ended one? Yeah, she had no skills in that.

"I know. So I decided to talk to you. You've never had a partner, right?"

Wow, everyone knew that, wasn't they?

She supposed it was obvious when her younger sister had gotten a partner before her.

Lilith had just...never had any interest in having a partner. She was curious, sure, but she couldn't imagine herself kissing someone or...

"No, why?"

"Remember when I helped you get a rare item for your potions class? Well, now I need your help."

"In what?"

"My parents were supposed to meet my partner today, but given what happened with Alador."

"Oh." Lilith tapped her fingers against her thigh. "So you want me to go instead of him?"

"Yes. Could you pretend to be my girlfriend for a while? It won't be difficult at all."

This sounded like a crazy plan. One that even Eda would look at strangely.

But Lilith couldn't refuse her yet. Odalia looked pleading, human for once. How could she leave her abandoned like that?

Lilith is a bad person, but not that bad.

"What do I gain from this?" 

"Well, if you do this, besides access to unlimited money, you'll get my full attention, and all the history books you could ever want."

That didn't sound bad.

Especially now, where she couldn't look at Edalyn without her heart tightening with guilt.

Besides, Alador had always said that Odalia kept her word.

"For how long?"

"I don't know. We'll see about that in the future. So, do you accept or not? If you don't, I don't know what will happen to me."

"I will." Hesitantly, she placed her hand on Odalia's. That was what friends did, right? Support each other?

Not that they were friends now, but they could be given this crazy plan. 

It's not like Lilith needs to see anyone else. Her parents aren't talking to her, and Edalyn is focused on her partner. Having someone to talk to...sounded good.

Chapter Text

"So, Darius, you're dating Alador now, right?"

"Yeah, and that loser should be proud that someone like me decided to get back with him."

"Oh come on, sticky hair, you've been a puppy in love with him since day one."

"For your information, Eda, no, I wasn't. And who are you to talk about that? You're the same with Raine!"

Lilith cleared her throat.

"Instead of getting into a pointless argument because, let's be honest, you two are equally whipped, can we talk about our divorce, Darius?

"Oooh, yeah. That's what I was forgetting. Ugh, and I thought we were paperwork free."

"Darius, you and I will never escape paperwork. Our only mission is to ensure that our traumatized child doesn't have to do any more paperwork in his life."

"Sadly, but right."

"Wait wait, divorce!? You and my sister are married!?"

Darius took a long drink of Apple Blood.

"Yes, since we turned eighteen."

"What!?" Eda turned around, only to see her sister calmly drinking alcohol without looking at her. Oh that bitch. "You've been married for almost thirty years and you never told me!?"

"I think you already have the answer to that question." 

"Oh no, Lily, I want you to tell me everything. Why didn't you tell me? And why did you get married? To begin with, you don't even like people like that! Much less this...being!"

"Thanks for reminding me why I'm not your friend."

"Shut up, Darius. Lilith, speak now or else..."

Lilith sighed, still refusing to look at her.

"I never told you because it wasn't a real marriage, it was just a marriage of convenience. We just signed some papers, and that's all."

"But why?"

"We were young soldiers, Edalyn. Darius had no living family, and I didn't speak to anyone in our family. If something bad happened to us, we wouldn't be able to know how the other was. So, we got married."

Darius nodded, taking another sip of his drink.

"Although we stopped needing it when we both became Covenheads, we are still legally married, as a divorce is a difficult and exhausting thing to do, and we both didn't have the energy to do it. Plus, it was a pretty calm marriage, since we're both best friends."

"Besides, Belos, the idiot, was always nicer to a married woman than to an unmarried one." She slammed the glass on the table with more force than necessary. 

"Does Alador even know about this?"

"Yeah. He doesn't really care. There's still quite a bit of time before we both decide to get married so..." Darius shrugged. 

"And Goldie?"

"Of course the brat knows, Edalyn. He was a high-ranking coven member like us."

"I still don't forgive any of you for not telling me." With a single sip, she drank her glass of Apple Blood. "You know what? Mom will find out about this."

"Edalyn-"

"Nope. I'm going to tell mom and laugh in your face when she scolds you, that's my revenge for not telling me when you lived with me FOUR years ago."

"But-"

"Do you have anything to say, dear big sister?"

A chill ran down Lilith's spine. Darius, for his part, looked away, pretending he doesn't know them.

"...No."

Chapter Text

Dinner that day... could have gone better. Eda had never come down to eat, locked in her room, probably crying, and their mom was busy tending to their dad's wounds, mumbling about how they should get Eda to the healers or the curse breakers soon.

Lilith had only moved the food on her plate from side to side, not hungry. Her hand clenched tightly around the fork.

"I need to go to the bathroom." She excused herself, pushing herself out of the chair and walking away with long strides. She didn't wait for an answer, her parents hadn't even noticed her there.

With her heartbeat echoing in her ears, she quickened her pace, taking deep breaths of air. She felt like she couldn't breathe.

"Why did I have to be so stupid?" Entering and locking the door, she slipped through, falling to the floor and curling up on herself. She grabbed her hair, pulling it hard. "Why!?"

She is a terrible daughter. A terrible sister. Not only had she ruined her dad's life, but Eda's too! And for what? A stupid position in the Emperor's Coven? It wasn't worth it!

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," closing her eyes, she pushed her hair harder, feeling some strands of it come out of her head. Her cheeks were sticky with tears, and everything was too loud. "I ruin everyone's lives."

At birth, she had already ruined her mother's life forever. But now? Now no one was safe from her cursed presence. Not her sister, not her father, perhaps not even her few friends.

Could she be more despicable? More evil?

She should have died during her birth. Then everyone would be free of their stupidity. Eda would have been a perfect, happy only child with her dream job, and her parents wouldn't have a useless, weak eldest daughter to be ashamed of.

Everyone would be better off without her. She was a curse. A raven of bad luck.

Maybe she should just...

"The razor." 

There was a razor from her father here in the bathroom. If she could find it, maybe Lilith could fix everything.

Eda would probably be happy to know that the sister who cursed her would be six meters underground.

Her mother could finally focus on the daughter she loves, and stop wasting resources on a useless girl like her.

And her father... She doesn't know what will become of him. But he'll be better off without the constant reminder of why he's now blind in one eye.

Yes... Yes, everyone would be happy and better without her.

Perhaps this could be her way of apologizing, of redeeming her sins.

Taking her hands away from her head, and throwing the remaining hair in them to the ground, Lilith pushed herself up off the ground on shaky knees.

She had to fix everything. Not for herself, but for the others.

"I have it."

Chapter Text

For the future, Raine must remember to NEVER listen to Darius while they are both drunk.

Especially making his crazy plans in an attempt to get over his ex in the middle of the night, with both of them more asleep than awake.

Why?

Well.

"What do you want, human?"

An incredibly tall, pale woman with bright red hair and scary eyes stood over them, imposing and dangerous. 

This woman? It was Lilith. The Demon Queen, and Hootcifer's partner.

"Uh." They said eloquently. The alcohol and the headache weren't letting them do much more. The demon raised an eyebrow, looking at them with amusement. "Nothing?"

"I don't appreciate lies. We all want something, so what do you want, Raine Whispers?"

Oh Titan, how did she know their name?

Damn. They should never drink again. Especially around Darius. 

"I..." Swallowing nervously, Raine squirmed. They were usually bad at talking to normal people, but a demon? That was another level. "I want a partner. Someone who understands me and... is there."

"Pretty simple. Here, extend your hand, and let me see your soul to know who will be your best partner or soulmate." Shakily, Raine extended their hand. The woman took it without hesitation, her eyes shining for a second. "Wow."

She looked surprised.

"What... what happened?"

Lilith looked them up and down, as if she was seeing them for the first time, then smiled.

"I assume you're not just a simple human, are you?" She seemed much more relaxed than before. "Let me introduce myself again; I'm Lilith Clawthorne, your soulmate's older sister."

Older sister?

Soulmate!?

"W-what?" Their cheeks and ears burned, making Lilith laugh.

"Yes. Edalyn is the demon of jokes and fun, but trust me, you two will get along just fine. Do you want to meet her?" 

Raine took a deep breath.

Should they...?

No. They were not going to let this opportunity pass them by. 

"Please."

"Hmm, given what I saw in your soul, I think I approve you as my sibling-in-law." Taking their shoulder, Lilith murmured a charm.

The world spun, and everything went black. Whether it was because of the drunkenness, or because of the charm, Raine wasn't sure.

When they woke up, they were in the arms of an incredibly tall woman with wild orange hair and a mocking smile. She was wearing a beautiful red dress, and had a golden fang. Also, her eyes were a beautiful golden shade.

She looked wild. Dangerous. Perfect.

Exactly the woman of their dreams.

And just like that, they fainted for a very different reason, their face burning.

Maybe getting drunk with Darius and summoning a demon hadn't been that bad. Not when a woman like that is with them.

Chapter Text

"Ugh, I can't believe it! The only day I don't commit any crimes, and my sister decides it's the perfect time to pay me a visit at home? It's like she's gotten used to my antics!"

"Your sister is a bitter woman." A pale hand stopped King before he could take a bite of the cake, making him groan. "Hey, I want to eat that! I need sugar after all the insults your sister said!"

"Yeah, I don't even know what bug bit her. She's always been a bit of a bitch, but today? It seems like she's taken it to the max." She rubbed her eyes with a sigh. "Like, come on, she cursed me out and betrayed my trust in twenty different ways, but she could say it better than just...show up and scold me like a little kid! I'm grateful to know the origin of my curse, but damn, she didn't let me process it for even a second."

"Yeah, she was a total bitch today." Finally, King was able to steal a little piece of cake. "I hope we don't see her again."

"Oh, after what she did to me when we were just kids and all the insults she said to me today? We definitely won't be seeing her again. And if we do, I'll play the worst prank of her life. I want to see her suffer."

"Yes! Let's destroy the bitter woman!"

"Not now, King. We need time to think of a good revenge and- wait, what's that noise?"

"Hm, sounds like a scroll."

"My scroll?" Eda stood up, going to look for it. It was in the kitchen. "Who could it be? Luz and her friends are still in the castle, aren't they? Oh, it's boots."

For some reason, it was a video call.

"That Cupcake Stomper?! Cut that call!" King hissed into her neck.

"I would, but only because I know how terrible her parents are, I'll answer."

"Eda?"

"Boots? Wait, why are you crying, kid?

"I-" She wiped away her tears. Now that she looked closely, there were two other persons, one on either side of her, hugging her. Were they her siblings? "Do you have any idea why Lilith came to me to tell me that I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to her and that she's ashamed of me out of the blue?"

"Don't forget that she also called us 'a couple of annoying brats who deserved to be abused by their mom', Mittens."

"And how we were an obstacle in her life, don't forget that, Ed."

"What? When did this happen?" 

"About half an hour ago Lilith came, apparently to hate us, and once she made Mittens cry, she left, the coward."

"Huh, that's weird."

"Why it is weird, King?" Titan, Boots voice was so soft that every newly discovered maternal bone in Eda demanded a hug from her. 

"Because Lilith came to do the same thing to us like three hours ago."

"Really?" 

"Well, when she came she actually seemed pretty rushed." Emira frowned, hugging Amity closer. "Why did that woman wake up with so much hatred today?"

"So, you're telling me that Lilith's been on a hate spree from place to place all day?" Eda rubbed her temple. "And only with people she's supposed to care about?"

That didn't sound like her sister. Sure, Lilith could get really angry, but directly insulting children?

That was a step too far for her.

But who was Eda to know? After all, her sister cursed her, and she didn't know for twenty years.

Apparently, she didn't know her as well as she thought she did.

...

Wait a minute.

"You said Lilith seemed in a hurry?"

"Yup. She looked from side to side as if something was going to come and attack her."

"And her hands were shaking a lot, like when Em doesn't stop me from eating lots of sweets."

"...Lilith looked pale. More so than usual, and tired." Amity commented weakly, rubbing her red eyes.

"From what I'm told, Lilith was scared." Eda scratched her neck, pulling out a few feathers in the process. "Which doesn't make sense given how angry she appeared to be, unless..."

Of course.

Of course her older sister would do something so stupid. Wasn't she like that?

"Unless?"

"Unless she wanted us to hate her."

"Well, if that's what she wanted, she got it. How dare she make Mittens cry?"

"But why would Lilith want that?"

Oh the sweet heart of Boots, seeming concerned for Lilith despite everything.

Eda grabbed Owlbert, transforming it into a staff, and left the Owl House, taking off towards the castle.

"Because she thinks something is going to happen to her, and so that it doesn't hurt us, she wants us to hate her." 

"What? But what could happen to her? The only person who has more power than her is...the emperor."

Edric cursed.

"Wait, Eda, what are you going to do?"

"Save my idiot sister and then give her the scare and scolding of her life."

Chapter Text

Eda frowned, looking at Hooty's vomit lying on the floor.

There was not a single letter there, just as there had not been one in her real mail.

She also had no missed calls, or any text messages.

There was nothing. No sign of Lily.

Kicking the ground with her foot impatiently, she brought her scroll closer to her.

"Rainestorm? Have you talked to Lily lately?" 

"Hmm, Eda? No, I haven't. She was in a mission from the last thing I heard. Why?"

She kicked the ground faster.

"Lily hasn't talked to me all week."

Raine fell silent. They knew how rare that was. Usually, Lilith would put everything aside to talk to her little sister. Even if she was on a dangerous mission, or if she was talking to someone else.

That she didn't do it in a week, when they usually talked every hour, was...

Worrying.

"She didn't tell you anything?"

"No." Plucking away the feathers that appeared on her neck, Eda cursed. "I'm not crazy for being worried, right?"

"No, no." There was noise on the other end of the line. "I asked Darius if he knows anything about her, but no."

That made her freeze.

"Even Sticky Hair doesn't know anything about her?" He and Lilith had always been attached at the hip. How could he not know?

"He told me she went to the Knee, but returned unharmed. But that's all he knows, since he himself is on a mission."

"Fuck it, I'm going to find her. Are you with me, Rainestorm?"

"Always."

Climbing onto Owlbert, Eda flew off quickly.

"Do you know where Lily's room is?"

"Yes, meet me at my window, and I'll take you."

"Ok." This was the first time she had ever been near the castle. It was much larger than she had imagined, but she was able to find Raine's room with ease. "Rainestorm."

"Eda." Taking her hand, they led her inside. "It's been a while."

"Yeah." Raine looked very pretty, but she could focus on that later. "Take me to Lily's room, please."

Nodding, her hand still in theirs, Raine led her through the dark halls of the castle. At night, the place seemed less magnificent and more gloomy.

Eda didn't like the feeling.

"It's here." 

"It's pretty far away from all the others." Eda frowned, the hallway was completely empty apart from Lily's room. That was odd.

"I suppose. The Emperor himself is the one who decides the layout of the rooms." Using their magic, Raine opened the door.

They both had to cover their noses immediately. A strong stench surrounded the entire room.

"Lily?" With teary eyes, Eda walked to the bed at the back of the room, where her sister's body lay. "Lily."

Raine came in too, opening the window.

"Raine, Lily doesn't respond."

Tearing their gaze away from the several open, bug-ridden food packages, Raine walked towards them, carefully avoiding clothes and shoes scattered on the floor.

"She's awake." It didn't seem like it, with her lack of reaction, but she was.

Taking her hand, Eda tapped her finger against Lilith's cheek.

Nothing.

"She looks terrible."  

Raine nodded. Lilith's hair was badly dyed and greasy, so tangled that the only option to save it would be to cut it off. Not only that, but she also looked paler than usual, and seemed to have lost weight.

"What happened to her? Darius said that she had returned safely from the mission." 

"Well, clearly he was wrong. Lily is not okay." 

"It's not his fault. He's on a mission too, remember? Lilith may have lied to him."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Pushing her cheek again, Eda sighed. "Come on, Lily. I'm here. I'm Eda."

That finally seemed to provoke a reaction. 

"Eda?" Raine grimaced. Her voice was very weak.

"Yes, yes. Here I am. Are you with me, Lily?"

"Hmm." Almost painfully, she turned her head towards her, catching a glimpse of Raine. "Eda. Raine."

Taking her other hand, Raine nodded.

"What happened, Lily? Why are you like this?"

"...they died."

"Who died?"

"My teammates." Returning Eda's squeeze with barely any force, Lilith frowned. "Belos was not happy."

Raine frowned, releasing her hand and examining her body.

"He punished you, didn't he?"

"Hmm."

More feathers grew on Eda's neck, her nails lengthening into claws.

"He did what?"

Raine didn't answer, busy staring at Lilith's skin. There were ugly bruises on her neck and arms. 

Eda let out a squawk, feathers appearing all over her body. Her grip on Lilith's hand tightened.

"You've been here all week, Lilith?"

"Week?"

Oh. She didn't know what day it was, did she?

Raine took a deep breath.

"Eda, why don't you give Lilith a bath while I clean her room? We can decide what to do later, but we need her to be lucid for that."

If Lilith hadn't moved from her bed all week, did that mean the whole mess in her room had been there before?

What had made Lilith, the lover of control and cleanliness, become like this?

Raine was almost afraid to find out.

"Ok." Lifting Lily into her arms with worrying ease, Eda walked to the bathroom in the room. "But if he did this to her, I'll make his head roll."

Raine swallowed their response, nodding.

It wasn't Eda's fault that she didn't know that everyone had been punished like this by Belos. It wasn't her fault that she didn't know that the most common victim was Lilith.

Lilith had made them promise never to tell her. Although after this, Raine would have to break that promise.

They just hoped everything would turn out okay.

Chapter Text

"Hey Darius, will you marry me?"

Only years of training kept him from looking at her like she was crazy.

That and that she was curled up against his side, more asleep than awake for once.

"Excuse me?"

"Mother remembered my existence, and wants to know if I've finally found someone to 'settle down and start a family' with."

"She doesn't talk to you for fifteen years and that's the first thing she says to you? Your mom is such a bitch." 

"Yeah." Lilith snuggled closer to him. She had always been very cold. "I love you, you love me, do you want to get married?"

"Isn't it easier to tell your mother that you don't like anyone that way?"

"...I told her years ago." She rested her head against his shoulder. "But she's sure it's because I haven't found 'the right one' and that it's a phase that will pass."

"That's stupid. Not even Odalia was bitchy enough to tell you that, and it's Odalia."

"Hmm, I guess. She didn't even mention my accomplishments, or any of the things I've done, you know? She talked about Edalyn for half of her letter, and to close, she asked that damn question."

He took a deep breath.

"Every time you talk about your mother, I hate her more." Rubbing his temples, Darius sighed. "Yeah, I guess we could get married. My love life is pretty much non-existent, and you...are you."

"Great. I don't think much will change except to reduce the incessant flirting towards us."

"I hope so. I'm tired of having to tell you when someone is flirting with you." With a smile, he ruffled Lilith's straight hair.

"I think you're forgetting the many times I've rescued you from terrible flirting by men who are definitely not your type. And leave my hair alone!"

"I don't have a type!"

"You like nerds who do abominations and have the attention span of a baby."

"That's not true!"

"So you prefer me to say that you love Alador and since you can't have him, you look for people like him?"

"I hate you."

"Ah, so friendly. Save that affection for the wedding."

Laughing a little, he crossed his arms.

"You will be a wicked and terrible wife."

Lilith raised an eyebrow, smirking.

"Well, you've already condemned yourself to spend the rest of your life with me. So there's not much you can do."

"Tch, as if I could get rid of you even if we're not engaged. You and I have always been parasites on each other."

"I can't deny that." She shrugged. "We are the only ones who can stand each other's shit."

"Exactly."

From there, everything was silent until...

"Since my mom wants me to have a child, what do you think about kidnapping the new Golden Guard and make him our kid?"

Darius choked on his saliva.

Chapter Text

Luz and King squeezed her hands, both snuggled against her sides.

She wish she could bend down and hug them, cover their faces with kisses, and ruffle their hair. Telling them that everything would be okay, that there was still something positive in this.

But as she looked at the grave with her sister's name on it, she knew that would be a lie.

There had not even been a warning, a symptom. One moment Edalyn had been there with the children, and the next she hadn't.

They waited for her, but she never came back.

That's when Lilith found out, and she flew towards them.

They waited a few more days, trying to keep hope alive, but nothing.

Edalyn had disappeared. And although her sister was certainly an escapist, she would never leave her children alone.

The funeral was lonely. Small. Only Luz's friends, Lilith and her parents were there. 

Raine had not appeared, even though Lilith had tried to contact them. She didn't know how to feel about it.

She didn't know if she felt anything about it. Everything was... a little dull now.

Even the curse seemed to have receded, feeling the double loss of a sister.

Lilith would like to say that she cried a lot. That she couldn't stop looking at pictures of Edalyn and feeling bad.

But it wasn't like that.

The kids needed an adult, and she was all they had left. She had to stay together and strong.

Someone needed to comfort King for losing the only parental figure he'd ever had in his life. Someone needed to comfort Luz for losing yet another parent.

Lilith couldn't allow herself to fall apart.

Even if a part of her mind kept repeating that this couldn't be the end.

It didn't make sense. After twenty years, everything finally seemed to be going right. She and Edalyn were sisters again, Edalyn was a mother, and they were mending their relationship with their parents.

Where had it all gone wrong again?

Where did she fail?

This just couldn't be the end.

No.

This can't be the end.

She'll glue it all back.

She wouldn't let the children be broken. She wouldn't let another generation of Clawthornes be ruined.

Chapter Text

Lilith, the biggest and scariest Lilith, crossed her arms, looking away anywhere but at her. 

Eda couldn't understand it. This was her sister? But everything was wrong! Her hair was blue and straight, not red and puffy, and her eyes were two different colors!

No, this couldn't be her sister. It couldn't be! Lily would never look this depressed if she could help it.

"Wow, little flea, you've grown up a lot in the future. You look so mature and grown-up."

Eda frowned, crossing her arms. Was her mother blind? This woman who claimed to be Lily was NOT okay! She looked so- so depressed and thin! 

But of course Mom couldn't see it. When did she pay attention to Lily? That's right, never!

But Eda was always with her. She knew her sister. And she didn't like this future version of her.

It just wasn't her. Her glasses were missing. And she looked so, so tired of everything.

"I need to meet your Eda!" She whined, kicking the ground. Lilith looked at her with a guilty frown, but she couldn't understand why.

"Why do you need to meet my Edalyn?"

Edalyn?

She called her by her full name!?

That was wrong!

Eda kicked the ground harder, causing the dirt to rise. Her mom tried to scold her, but she ignored her. She didn't understand!

"Don't call her that! I'm your Eda! Not Edalyn!"

Her eyes widened, raising her arms in front of her to calm her down.

"Okay, Eda." She gave her a small smile, and yes! That looked more like her sister. "Why do you need to meet my Eda?"

"Because she hasn't done a good job! You look sad and ugly. You shouldn't look like that!"

"... You really were a feisty little thing for me when we were younger, weren't you?" She muttered, obviously not wanting Eda to hear her, but she did and what does that mean? Is future Eda a coward and mean to Lily?

"Of course, you are my older sister!"

Emo Lily grimaced.

Since she didn't like to see her sad, Eda stretched her arms up.

Automatically, Lily picked her up in her arms and held her against her chest.

"Yeah! We're doing much better now! Let's prank Bump, Future Lily!"

Her sister was silent, but as she was stroking her hair, Eda didn't say anything.

"I have a better target. How about pranking the Emperor himself?" Lily looked bloodthirsty, Eda loved it! This was her sister, not the boring woman from before.

"Let's go!" Her parents would be fine on their own. They never cared where she went as long as she went with Lily. And this Lily was clearly strong. "Then we can go play in the park? You could buy me an Ice Scream."

There was no need for puppy eyes, Lilith fell immediately.

"Of course."

Eda smiled, resting her head on her older sister's shoulder. 

Hmm, she could get used to this. Someone needed to keep this emo Lily happy, and who better than Eda?

Chapter Text

When she turns nine, and no one except Eda remembers her birthday, something very strange happens to Lilith: she starts coughing up petals.

It doesn't hurt. It doesn't choke, and they're quite pretty. But when she sees them in her hands, just two of them, something in her knows this is wrong.

She doesn't tell anyone, and keeps it a secret, pretending that everything is the same as before.

It is not.

As the years go by, she starts to cough more and more. It's no longer just one or two petals, sometimes it's dozens, and she can never stop them.

They are worse when she thinks about her mother or father, so she avoids that. She focuses on safe topics; Eda, and her friends, Darius and Alador.

More years pass, and new flowers are added to her collection. Alador has abandoned her and Darius, and Eda has found a partner in Raine.

This is the trigger for a floral diversity. The two original types are accompanied by four more, each representing a loved one.

Lilith could become very detailed, explaining every flower, every meaning, but it doesn't matter.

She has learned everything she needs to know about them. Only Terra Snapdragon is more flower-literate than she is, and yet it means nothing.

Because she will still end up dying, regardless of the flower. She already researched that.

Her illness is rare, incredibly rare, affecting only one witch in five hundred. There is no cure, but it does have a cause: unrequited love.

However, in Lilith's case, it's not romantic. It's just love. And that makes it even weirder, because it is a disease based on romantic love. That's what all (the few) books on the subject say.

In the end, Lilith stops thinking about it, trying to be happy with the way her life is now.

Then she curses Eda permanently, and everything gets worse. She no longer vomits petals, she vomits entire flowers, and she only has to think of someone for her lungs to itch and take her breath away.

At the first opportunity she gets, she leaves home and never comes back. She needs to find a solution to Eda's curse, and she can't do that if she dies. So, she goes to the Emperor's Coven.

There, Darius and she begin to drift apart, and slowly, all the connections Lilith had die.

The stems become thorny, and she has trouble breathing. Every time she coughs, there is now blood.

Lilith knows she doesn't have much time left, so she focuses on her mission: healing Eda, and doesn't let anyone else in, because that means more pain.

Twenty years later, living with her younger sister and her children, the disease has not receded much. No one knows she has it, because Lilith has been hiding it her whole life, but she knows that at any moment her last secret will come to light.

While waiting for that to happen, she bonds with her new niblings, and works to mend her relationship with Edalyn. Age and time have not only made her grayer, but also more resigned.

If she's going to die anyway, at least she might as well enjoy the time she has left with the last people who love her.

And it's a good thing. Luz and King don't give her flowers or coughs, and Edalyn's flowers are smaller and less thorny.

Things were getting better.

And that's when her mother arrives, visiting Edalyn as was apparently her custom.

And Lilith can't take it anymore. 

The rejection, the loneliness, the preference, everything suddenly comes crashing down on her, and as she watches her mother check on Edalyn, ignoring her again even though she hasn't seen her in twenty years, her illness takes over.

Her lungs itch, closing up. Her stomach churns, and she feels the blood in her throat. She tries to get away, to go somewhere where no one will see her, but her knees shake, and Lilith ends up falling.

She barely registers Eda's worried voice, pushing against her own side to cough into the dirt. It's a hoarse, dry, cough.

It's never been like this before. And even though Lilith has been scared before, she fears that this is the end of everything.

But she can't stop, and she coughs and coughs and coughs, covering the ground with pretty, bloody flowers, as if she were an artist and not a walking corpse. Her throat is raw, and she has no voice. Her body is glistening with sweat, and her head is throbbing.

When her arms give out beneath her, she's not surprised. She's also not surprised when she vomits vines, and other things.

All she can do is let herself be carried away by the dizziness and the darkness. 

The last thing she hears is a 'Lilyflea' from her mother, but Lilith is sure it was a dying hallucination. Otherwise, why would she sound so worried?

Chapter Text

Eda opened her bedroom door with a sigh, rubbing her eyes. Titan, she wanted to go back to sleep, but she was a responsible adult, and she had two children to take care of.

If only Lily could cook well...but that was a very, very slow work in progress.

Walking down the stairs with her hand scratching her back, she headed to the kitchen.

"Oh, hi, Eda."

Eda turned on the coffee pot, taking out some pans.

"Hi Boots."

Where had she left her seasonings? She needed to add more flavor to Luz's food, otherwise she was going to get even more bored of the Griffin Egg and-

Wait.

"Boots?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing in my house at seven in the morning?" Her relationship with Luz hadn't progressed to that point yet, right? No. They weren't even girlfriends. So what was she doing here?

"Lilith brought me."

"Lily wh-?" Before she could finish her question, two more children entered the kitchen.

Two children who were definitely not hers.

Eda took a deep breath, rubbing her temples.

"Okay, can someone explain to me why you all are here?"

Emira shrugged. 

"Lilith brought us."

"And she promised sweets!"

Boots just took a long sip of her hot chocolate, not saying a single word.

Should she talk to the Blight siblings and teach them not to be kidnapped so easily? 

"Okay, but why did she bring you guys?"

The twins looked at each other.

"We don't know," they said in chorus.

Titan, those two were a guaranteed pain in the ass. That's why she looked at Boots.

"She had several feathers, so I guess it was some instinct from the curse." She took another sip from her cup, indifferent to everything.

Eda sighed. An instinct from the curse that guided her to bring children home?

Yes. She knew exactly what it was. It was the reason why King and Luz sometimes slept in her nest.

Why did it have to be Odalia's children, though, of all people? She was a bitch Eda didn't want to be associated with.

Well, at least there weren't any more.

"I'm here, kids." Lilith entered the kitchen with a smile, a blond boy under her arm.

Fuck.

Eda looked at the boy. He looked grumpy, tired and sad.

"Who is that?"

"This is Hunter." Was that all? No other explanation? Titan, where was the Lilith who wouldn't stop talking? Eda missed her.

Amity frowned at him.

"And he is...?"

"Your new brother."

"Oh, do he likes sweets?"

"I just hope he's not as absent-minded as Ed."

"Another one?"

Lilith laughed, letting go of the blond boy, who crossed his arms. His ears were red.

"I am neither anyone's brother nor anyone's son." Oh, he was in denial.

Yes, it wouldn't last long. 

"Will they live with us?" If so, Eda was going to collect child support from Odalia.

"Can we?"

"That sounds great."

"I guess that wouldn't be bad."

"I already have a home, and it's the castle!" Lilith ruffled Goldie's hair, not even looking at him.

"If you want, yes. What do you think about changing your last name to Clawthorne?"

The twins smile 

"We like that idea! And don't worry about Amity, she'll be changing her last name to Noceda soon anyway."

Boots choked, coughing and turning as red as a tomato. Luckily, she didn't drop the cup, but it was close.

"That's not true!"

"Amity, darling, don't deny the obvious. I've done it before, and it's not very helpful."

Accompanying her words, Lilith placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her.

Which was the only reason Boots just crossed her arms and frowned without starting to yell angrily at the twins. Apparently, she just needed maternal support so that the teasing wouldn't affect her, who would have thought?

"As I said before, I already live in the castle, I shouldn't be here."

"No. You won't be living there anymore, you little brat. And if you go back there, I'll kidnap you again."

Goldie looked at her in surprise, but then sighed and accepted it. Given the ease with which he did it, he was just being annoying for the pleasure of it.

"Okay, so we're a very big family now." Taking a long sip from her cup of coffee, Eda felt much more prepared for the day. "Everyone will help around the house, and if Odalia doesn't pay us the child support, we will go and rob her house, understood, kids?

"Understood!"

Yes. Eda could teach them the good things. They still had time to become playful and rebellious, like good Clawthornes.

Chapter Text

"Good morning, Edalyn."

"Lily? Why the hell are you calling me at...four in the morning, for Titan's sake? I was sleeping!"

"Not anymore."

That bitch.

"Yeah, obviously. So what do you want? Or did you just want to tease me since you couldn't catch me the other day?"

"...I wanted to hear your voice."

Eda rubbed her eyes, wiping away the sleep.

"Please tell me you're not drunk. I don't want to deal with your drunken, clingy ass at this inwitches hours."

"It may come as a surprise to you, but no, I'm not drunk. I'm saying this very sober. Is it that hard to believe?"

"Duh." Titan, she wasn't awake enough for this shit. "Lily, every time you see me you try to take me to your fucking master as if you were a dog eager for its reward, and you never talk to me for anything else, or, you know, visit me, like a normal sister! So why are you suddenly so affectionate with me? Is this a plan of yours, or what?"

"..." The line was silent for several seconds. She was trying to control her anger, wasn't she? "You're right."

"What?"

"You're right. I've treated you like dirt for twenty years, and I've been a terrible sister to you."

Was Eda hallucinating?

This couldn't be true. Her sister, apologizing? To her of all people? It had to be a dream.

"Lily, what the fuck did you do?"

"Nothing, I've just been...thinking." It was disturbing how flat her voice was. "I want to apologize to you, Edalyn. I don't expect you to accept. In fact, don't. But I want to say it."

"Lily?"

"I'm sorry about everything, Edalyn. I shouldn't have left you alone, or become such a bitch to you. You didn't deserve this, and it was terrible of me to hurt you like that."

Fuck. Her eyes were stinging.

Why did her sister have to do this now, when she had finally moved on? Why couldn't she have done this five, ten, twenty years ago?

"And... there's one more thing I have to tell you, Edalyn. And I know you're going to hate me for it, and that's okay, I deserve it." Lilith took a deep breath. "It was I who cursed you all those years ago."

"...what?"

Titan, she sounded like a little kid. Couldn't she be more pathetic?

"I thought... I thought it would last a day. Long enough to weaken you and beat you in combat. Obviously, that wasn't the case." Eda tried to ignore the small, muffled sobs on the other end of the line. "And I've been looking for a cure all these years, a way to fix my mistakes, but...there really isn't one. I've done a lot of stupid things to you, things that in retrospect, I should have done better or not done to begin with. And that? That can't be fixed."

For the first time in her life, Eda could remember that night clearly. That red hair, those glasses, that figure... How did she not know? It was so obvious.

Maybe all these years her brain was trying to protect her from the truth. From the fact that her sister, one of the people she loved the most, was the one who had condemned her to a shitty fate.

Titan, she wanted so badly to blow something up or throw things on the floor. Only the fact that the kids were asleep prevented her from doing so.

"So, you were the one who ruined my life, and because of a silly fight? You could have just talked to me! Or, shit, make me sick using a potion or something! Why did you have to use a curse, of all things?"

"Because I was stupid and naive. And apparently, despite all these years, I'm still just as stupid."

"Oh, you definitely are. Why didn't you tell me back then!? I would have been mad at you and probably left you covered in bruises, but I would have forgiven you, because we would have been in this together!" She made no effort to wipe away the tears that were running down her cheeks. "Shit, you could have just not told me anything and still stayed close to me, instead of disappearing and hating me like everyone else!"

Lilith didn't say anything, but that didn't matter. Eda needed to get all this off her chest.

"You ruined our family, Lilith. You made mom even more psychotic, and you made me ruin Dad's life. And let's not forget that you ruined my life too!" She took a deep breath. "I lost friends because of you, I hurt Rainestorm because of the curse and- and you weren't even there! You didn't even have the fucking guts to comfort me after the curse got out of control! No, you were in the Emperor's Coven, fulfilling your dream at the expense of MY LIFE."

"I-" Oh, it wasn't her turn to speak yet.

"How does it feel, Lily? How does it feel to know that everything you are now, is because you were a fucking backstabber as a child? Tell me. Come on, tell me! Brag about how great and good your life is compared to mine."

"It feels like shit, okay? Every day I remember how much I screwed up, how much I screwed up everyone's lives by being stupid and impulsive. I haven't forgotten it, even if it may seem that way. And I've been trying to fix it! Every day for the past twenty years, I've been trying."

"And how's that helped you, huh? You don't have a cure. And you know what? Fuck off, you don't have a sister either."

"Edalyn, listen to me-" Eda interrupted her.

"Listen to me and shut the fuck up, Lilith. All these years you've lived so happily in your castle? I've lived them as a vagabond and a criminal. All alone apart from a child I can barely take care of. If you wanted to fix your mistakes so badly, where were you? Where were you the first time I got blackout drunk? Or when Rainestorm and I broke up? Or when I had some fucking abusive ex? Exactly, you weren't there! If you really wanted me to be okay, you would have stayed with me, but no! You just wanted to get rid of the guilt and move on!"

"That's not true, Edalyn."

"Don't tell me what is true or what is false, you lied to me for years without even a wince. But I will be generous with you, for the good memories I still have with you that are not tainted. Stay away from me and my kids, hell, stay away from anyone I interact with who doesn't hate me. I don't want you ruining my life anymore and I don't want you to be my sister either. As far as I'm concerned? I never had a sister. You? You're nothing to me anymore. So go lick your stupid master's boots like the good little lapdog you are, and forget about me. You've done a good job of that these past twenty years."

"...Understand." There was silence. "I know it's no use, but I'm sorry. And Eda? I love you, even though I know I was shit at that."

She didn't give her the pleasure of answering her.

"Goodbye, Eda. I'm sorry."

And the call was cut off.

Eda threw her scroll across the room, hiding her face in her hands and wiping away her stupid tears.

Of course Lilith didn't make one last attempt. Why did she wait other thing?

Chapter Text

She wasn't supposed to open her eyes. The last thing she remembered was seeing her sister and her pet being petrified and then...

Nothing.

"Am I in my room?" Until now, she was lying on her bed, not turned to stone and without any pain.

Just in case, Lilith rubbed her eyes, but the image did not change.

She was alive.

And Edalyn and her pet too.

"What day is it?" Rising out of bed, she pushed herself towards her calendar. It was the Petrification Day.

She had gone back 24 hours in time.

"Thank you, Titan." There was no other being that could do this. "I'll do things right this time."

Grabbing her palismen, she flew towards the Owl House.

It was so early that no one, not even Belos, would be awake, so she didn't have to worry. 

At the door, she was so happy that she petted the strange being guarding it, who leaned against her and let her in.

Huh, she should talk to Edalyn about having better security measures. 

Anyway.

"Edalyn!"

There was a loud noise on the second floor, and a few minutes later, her sister appeared, with a bird's nest for hair and her palisman clutched firmly in her hand.

Behind her were Luz and the pet.

She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Everyone was alive!

"Lily? Why the hell are you here? Are you planning to take me to the Emperor?"

"No!" Forgoing all formalities, she grabbed Edalyn in her arms, pressing her tightly against her. Edalyn froze, and she could hear Luz squeal in surprise, but she couldn't care less. "I'm so glad you're okay, sister."

"L-Lilith? What's wrong? Are you on drugs? Why are you hugging me?" 

"So you knew what was a hug!"

"That's not the point, kid."

Stepping back a little from her sister (alive, not transformed, and mostly healthy) Lilith smiled.

"Let's overthrow the Emperor."

"What?! Lily, what bug bit you?! Are you being mind controlled? Possessed?"

"Are those things possible?"

"Yes," Lilith frowned thoughtfully. Edalyn seemed very protective of these two strange beings. In the past (future?) she had given her life for the human. Did that mean they were her children? "niece."

"Omg."

Pulling away from her touch, Edalyn looked at her, tightening her grip on Owlbert.

"Lilith, what the hell is wrong with you? Why did you suddenly stop being the Emperor's bootlicker? And why are you calling my student your niece? She's not- she's not my daughter."

Lilith tilted her head. Edalyn still didn't acknowledge her motherhood? Well, it wasn't her business. 

"He plans to kill you. And although I didn't understand well, he also plans to harm the human. So we better kill him."

Eda stared at her, pale, and her mouth open. A few feathers appeared on her neck.

"He plans to do what to Luz?"

"That's the first thing you ask and yet you deny that she is your daughter?" Shaking her head, Lilith smiled "nothing, we'll stop him before then. However, she can't go on the castle trip. That would be the perfect time for Belos to take advantage of us."

"Let's kill that guy then!"

"King!"

"You see? My nephew already knows what has to happen. So why don't we quickly form a plan of rebellion?"

"Lilith, what-?"

She didn't let her continue.

"You can call Raine, I'll call Darius." Lilith rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "You know what? I'm going to call Alador and Odalia too. They owe me a favor, and it's time I used it."

"You're completely crazy, Lily."

"Does that mean you're not going to help me by staging a coup?" Hmm, she could work with that. It could result in Edalyn being safer.

"Hell no. What kind of sister would I be if I didn't support my older sister's first high-status crime?"

Luz laughed nervously.

"After this, we'll all be wanted criminals, won't we?"

"No. My contacts will take care of that. Steve can help us, so I'll call him as well." Lilith frowned, pulling out her scroll. "You're friends with a reporter's son, aren't you, niece? Could he convince him to cover our story?

"Uh, yeah. I can ask him to do it."

"Thanks." She looked at Eda. "What do you think about having a third child?"

"Huh?"

"The Golden Guard is quite young. I'm not sure if he's a child or not, but I'm not going to leave him alone after killing his uncle. Although if you can't adopt him as your own I suppose I can do it myself. I don't know how much more it will cost though."

"There's a child working for the Coven?" Eda frowned, calling to Raine. "Bring him. Who knows how that idiot Belos treated him all these years."

Wisely, Lilith said nothing.

"Oh, and Lily? After killing the Emperor, I want you to explain to me exactly what happened to make you change your mind like that. I know you, I know how stubborn you are, so he had to do something really serious to...cause this."

She could do that. Her knowledge of the future only extends to the end of the day anyway, so it won't ruin anything.

"I'll explain everything to you, I promise."

It was time to work.

Chapter Text

Eda rubbed her eyes sleepily. It was almost nighttime, why hadn't Lily entered the Owl House yet?

She had been outside in the yard all day. Which was strange for a woman as nerdy as Lily. Eda was already starting to get worried.

That's why she walked to the door, in her pajamas and slippers. 

When she looked out into the yard, she was expecting many things. A monumental disaster, a fire, Lily passed out in the dirt.

Everything except Lily sitting there, covered in crows everywhere. On her shoulders, on her head, in her lap. There wasn't a single place without crows.

"What the actual hell?"

Lily looked at her, smiling nervously. She was completely still as the crows played with her clothes and hair, as if they were grooming her. She herself with her hands groomed those crows who were in her lap.

"Hello, Edalyn." Such formality was almost inappropriate at such a strange time.

If it weren't for the fact that Eda was sober, she would suspect that she drank too much Apple Blood.

"What happened here?" She asked, almost fearfully. Motherhood had prepared her for strange things, but even that didn't prepare her for seeing her sister like that.

"I think it's a side effect of sharing the curse." One of the crows dozed on her head. 

"And that side effect is what? Being the queen of the crows? Because I'm not the queen of the owls."

"Uh." Absentmindedly, she stroked the plumage of a crow, cleaning it. "No. I think they see me as part of their family."

"Lily, there are literally dozens, maybe a hundred, crows around you. Is that all the explanation you have?" There were even some on the ground around her.

"Yeah." 

Eda sighed, moving closer. She was going to free her sister from all those birds. 

Before she could react, all the crows feathers fluffed up, and all their eyes were fixed on her.

"Oh no."

Suddenly, all the crows rose into the air, and flew straight towards her, pecking her all around, pushing her back.

Being attacked by a mob of angry crows was certainly not in her plans for the day.

"Oh shit, Eda!" Picking herself up from the ground, Lilith ran towards her. A few crows moved aside to make way for her, and suddenly, Eda found herself trapped in the arms of her very worried older sister.

The crows continued to fly menacingly, cawing, but Lilith ignored them, checking to see if her face and arms were okay. 

It was almost as if she had become a little girl again, cared for after being hurt.

"I'm fine, Lily. Just control your crows." They were more annoying than painful, anyway.

"Titan, Edalyn, I didn't think they would attack you." 

Seeing how Eda still hadn't attacked them, and Lilith's obvious concern for her, the crows climbed onto Lily again, surrounding her.

However, they still looked menacing. Ready to attack her at any moment.

Eda raised an eyebrow. Had Lily just gotten herself some spooky bodyguards?

"Yeah, well, me neither." She shrugged. She was going to feel the pain tomorrow. "I'm fine. Now can we go eat? I want to sleep."

"Yeah, yeah." 

As she watched the crows fly into the house, Eda could only sigh. There would be a lot more feathers here now, wouldn't there?

Chapter Text

"Lily, wake up."

Ugh. What time was it? It was very sunny. Had she fallen asleep?

Titan, she should get up. She need to get to work. Belos was not kind to late people.

Rubbing her eyes, she stretched. The bed felt strange, but that wasn't unusual.

She rarely slept in her bed, anyway.

"Lily, come on!"

She opened her eyes, blinking. Who was talking? And to whom?

Was Kikimora trying to ruin her day again? Had she brought someone? Belos wouldn't be happy with her. By this point, she should already know that his right hand was off limits.

"Titan, Lilith, are you deaf?"

Seriously, who was she talking to?

Pushing her hair back, she opened her eyes fully and looked at the intruder, only to see...The Owl lady?

She made her palisman appear in her hand.

What was a criminal like her doing here?

"You're finally awake. Come on, get up and let's make breakfast."

"Why should I listen to a criminal like you, Owl Lady?" 

The wild witch froze, frowning at her.

"Did you fall back into old habits, or what, Lily?"

"Bad habits? There's nothing wrong with being reserved around a criminal. And why do you call me Lily?" 

Out of the corner of her eye, she looked around. This room was not hers, nor Belos's, nor any other room in the castle. Had The Owl Lady kidnapped her?

"Lily, I'm not awake enough for jokes. Could you put Socks down and help me make breakfast already?"

"No." She stood up, but immediately regretted it. The world was spinning, and now that she realized it, her cheeks were burning. Was she sick? Is that why she had been so easy to catch? "What did you do to me?"

"...Lilith, you're worrying me. Did something happen?" The criminal approached her, frowning, but she walked away, holding her palismen tightly. 

"Get away, criminal." Heck, she needed reinforcements. "And don't call me that. That's not my name."

Belos hated that name. He always seemed enraged when he heard it. After all, it was a name worthy of a wild, uncivilized and cruel witch, something his right hand was not. Lilith was the name of a demon who belonged to the night, to the cruelty.

She was just the Covenhead. The right hand. The bearer of good news. The one who keeps on living.

Not that other thing.

"Lilith, seriously, what's wrong?" The woman continued to approach her and call her by that despicable name.

"Don't call me that, you impure." She tightened her grip on Mike, slamming her back against the wall.

She was trapped and helpless in the hands of this hellcat. What could she do?

Come on, think.

"I'm Eda, your little sister, remember?" The woman raised her arms, pretending to be weak and vulnerable.

Did she think she would fall for the tricks of a criminal? She's sick, not stupid!

"My sister is not a monster like you." She looked her up and down. "And she's not a hag like you."

"Oh, I'm tired of this. Fuck it." 

She didn't have time to react before being attacked by the impure. They both fell to the ground with a loud bang. 

She resisted the instinct to curse as she saw how her Staff had been taken away by the Wild Witch. A woman did not behave like that.

Hopefully, the titan would have mercy on her in the afterlife.

"I'm Eda, Lilith. Your sister. Come on. Look at me."

She writhed beneath her, but in the face of a feathered monster, there was little she could do.

"I will not look into your soulless eyes."

However, she had no choice. Using her claws, the woman forced her to look at her.

The world kept spinning, and her vision was black around the edges. That had to be the explanation for why The Owl Lady looked exactly like her younger sister.

"You're not my sister." She affirmed, but she was no longer so sure. Could it be that this woman had stolen her face?

"Oh for the love of the titan, come on Lily, come to your senses. You're sick, not crazy." 

She remained silent, without taking her eyes off her features. She looked too identical to be a copy.

A basilisk, maybe?

...No. If that were the case, she would be dead already.

Was this Hellcat telling the truth? Was she really her baby sister?

"Neda?" She tried, her heart pounding against her ears. If this woman really was her sister, did that mean she was tainted as well?

Belos had always insisted that her name could not be Lilith. That it was a mistake, a misunderstanding. According to him, her name was Eve.

Just Eve.

But she had never identified with that.

"Holy shit, finally. What the hell happened to you, Lily?" The Owl- no, Eda, released her death grip on her face, letting herself fall wearily on top of her. "You seemed like a totally different person." 

"I-" The words didn't come out of her mouth. How was she supposed to respond? Belos was always the one who handled these situations. "I'm not sure."

She, Lily, Lilith? lied, completely still under Edalyn's weight.

"Next time you decide to go crazy, let me know. You really had me worried back there."

"I'm sorry," She took a long breath "sister. It won't happen again."

Fortunately, The Owl Lady didn't react to her slight hesitation.

"I hope so."

She gave her a weak smile.

"Yes. It must have been the fever that drove me crazy." She laughed nervously, unsure.

If this was her sister, why was she with her? Did Belos get bored of her? 

... No, she preferred not to know.

Chapter Text

Wanting to absorb the knowledge into her head, Lilith slammed her face into the hardcover of a motherhood book.

Unfortunately, it didn't work, and all she gained was another headache.

"Ugh, why did Belos have to go and get a kid?" Lilith 72 hours ago would have had a cardiac arrest from such disrespect.

Present-day Lilith? She has much more colorful and appropriate names for the man who threw a newborn baby at her and ran away like a coward.

"I hate my life." To demonstrate exactly why, the baby began to cry. When did he wake up from his nap? Who knows. "Fuck."

Pushing herself out of the chair awkwardly, she walked over to the blond brat and grabbed him in her arms, holding his neck and head. The crying eased a little, but it didn't stop.

"Please tell me you didn't poop again." There was no bad smell, and the diaper didn't look wet, thank the Titan. "So you're hungry."

How can something so small eat so much? Only two hours had passed since his last meal!

Rubbing her eyes and propping the baby up in one arm, she grabbed one of the already-filled bottles of formula from the fridge and poured warm water over it. Then she took it out of the spout, rocked the baby a little, and poured a few drops onto her hand.

It wasn't hot or cold, so it must have been fine for the brat. She sat down on her bed, propping the baby up in her lap, and placed the bottle in his mouth.

The starving kid devoured it instantly.

"You act like you haven't fed in days." She said, grabbing a nearby towel and placing it on her shoulder. She then rested the creature's head on it and gently patted its back, making it burp. Fortunately, it didn't vomit. "I don't even want to imagine how much worse you'll be as a teenager."

The jerk just laughed, so she took a deep breath and rocked him in her arms. He should fall asleep soon, since he still hadn't gotten his seventeen hours of sleep.

Lilith wish she could sleep as much as he did. Waking up every two hours to sobs and screams should be something she's used to as a soldier, but apparently a baby's are far more hellish.

"Oh, stop laughing, you little rascal, otherwise you'll lose your Socks privileges." However, the brat continued to laugh. With a sigh, Lilith lay down on her bed, and placed him face down on her chest.

Mike Socks, having heard his name, opened his eyes and flew towards them, landing on her shoulder. 

After getting the brat on a decent sleep schedule, she would have to reward Mike for waking her up every time something went wrong. Who needed a babysitter when you had an incredibly intelligent palisman?

"Hey, stop it, you little jerk." Having seen Mike, the little boy tried to lift his head towards him, clenching his fists against her shirt. "You're too young to be a hunter."

Wait.

Hunter?

Oooh. Lilith's sleep-deprived head had an idea.

"You like the name Hunter, brat?" She stroked his soft blond hair. The baby laughed. "Then that will be your name."

Calling him just a baby or a brat got boring after a while. At least this way the baby would be a real kid.

"Hunter Clawthorne, that's your name." If this being was going to give her so much trouble and making her take full care of him, she could at least make him part of the family. "And if Belos tries to claim rights over you after not taking fucking care of you, I will disintegrate him."

As only a baby Clawthorne could, the boy laughed at the threats of violence.

Chapter Text

"Take care of your sister today, little flea. Your father and I will be late, and we don't want Edalyn to get into trouble."

Lilith took a deep breath, gently tapping her thigh once, twice, three times.

"Of course, mother." She forced a smile, holding her breath. 

Her mother smiled back, and went back to pack her travel bag.

Her shoulders relaxed, letting out the pent-up breath. 

Yes. Yes, everything was fine. She could take care of Eda today.

(As she always did).

She just had to call Alador and tell him she couldn't go out with him today. It had been very difficult to coordinate their times, and Lilith had warned her mother in advance so that something like this would not happen, but what could she do?

Reject her mother's order? Of course not.

Lilith was the older sister. It was her duty to take care of Eda whenever their parents couldn't. That's what good older sisters did.

So she looked back at her plate, grabbing her fork again, but she wasn't hungry anymore.

Today was supposed to be her day off. Exam week was finally over, and Lilith had been studying nonstop this past month alongside Eda to get good grades and not disappoint.

Why couldn't Eda take care of herself? She was only two years younger than her. At her age, Lily already took good care of her. No, even before that.

She was already fifteen, why couldn't she...?

No, no, bad thought. That's not what a good daughter thinks.

Eda was still young, and it was true that she was always getting into trouble. It was Lilith's duty to make sure she didn't do anything inappropriate. She shouldn't be bothered by that.

She was just... tired. Taking care of Eda every day, making her meals and making sure she did her homework and didn't neglect it simply consumed a lot of time.

Time that, as a senior, she didn't have. Not if she wanted to enter the Emperor's Coven.

Hopefully, Eda would behave today.

She really doesn't have the energy to chase her around. Today she just wanted to spend time with her friends, and sleep, and now she couldn't even do that.

She loves her, but she's starting to resent her, and it's not supposed to be that way. Lilith has to be mature, understanding, not...jealous.

It's not Eda's fault that Lilith has trouble adjusting her schedule.

It's only her own fault.

Taking a deep breath, she gently patted her thigh three times again.

She just has to be good. Nice.

In any case, in a few more months she will be able to enter the Emperor's Coven, so Edalyn will have to be independent. But everything will be better at that moment, because her mother will finally recognize Lilith as someone to be proud of.

She just had to keep trying. 

Chapter Text

Eda rubbed the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes.

She had an insatiable desire to eat those stupid Biscuit Bars that the Covens gave to the recruits.

Not because they were delicious. Once, out of sheer curiosity, Eda had tried them, and ended up vomiting behind a tree because of how bad and cardboard-like they tasted.

No, it was her stupid older sister's fault. Ever since she had stopped drinking so much Apple Blood for her kids, it had become impossible for her to ignore that every miserable day Lilith ate the same bars.

Every meal. At least three times a day. Every day.

Was her sister stupid? Why did she eat the same thing every day? Be a Covenhead must have given her plenty of money, so why didn't she buy herself something? Anything would be better than those Biscuits.

She had tried to ignore it, but damn, she was fed up. Not only was this unhealthy for Lily, it wasn't healthy for Eda's mental health either.

So, she had to make an intervention, and add another crime to her list of charges.

Said crime? Kidnapping and extortion.

Which is why she's here now, pushing several plates of food she made to a very confused Lilith.

"Why did you bring me here, Edalyn?" She narrowed her eyes, examining the food. "And why are there so many food here?"

"I'm threatening you. Eat that, and you can go to the castle. If you don't, you'll stay here, kidnapped."

She frowned.

"Why?"

"Why? Lily, you eat those tasteless, rock-hard bars every day! I'm tired of craving something so terrible. So, you'll eat real food or else..."

Lilith looked at the plates again.

"The bars aren't that bad," she complained, but grabbed a fork anyway. 

"Are you going to say that they are better than my food?"

"No."

"Then shut up and eat. And if you eat one more bar, I won't hesitate to blow up the castle."

"Ugh, fine."

Chapter Text

Where is she? Who are all these adults around her?

And Eda. Where is Eda?

"...Lilith?"

Someone is speaking to her, but she isn't sure who. There are too many faces, too many people.

It's all very noisy. There's another girl, but she's older than her, and she looks very happy.

This is weird. This is a lot. The house is too small for so many people, it feels cramped.

She can't- she can't breathe.

"Lilith, I'm here, breathe." She doesn't know when she fell to the ground, but she moves away from the woman in front of her. She's too close. "Follow my breathing."

Her back hits the wall, but the woman keeps coming closer, and she doesn't stop. Lilith can feel her own skin itch at the closeness, at the glances.

She has to go, but-

"Eda. Where is Eda?"

She feel out of breath, taking large gulps of air through her mouth in what seems like every second.

Why is everyone looking at her like that? Why can't they look away? She knows she's ugly, but that much?

"I'm here."

What?

That woman couldn't be Eda! Her sister was younger than her, adorable and had very cute puppy eyes. Not a grown, old, gray-haired woman!

"You're not Eda." They had the same face, but that was all. 

In any case, this woman was closer to her mother's age.

"I'm Eda, Lily. I swear."

She looked at her outstretched hand, placing her own hand against her racing chest.

She didn't want to touch her.

"Everything is fine, Lily. We're in my house, thirty years in the future." She stood up, looking at her doubtfully. Then she pointed to the people behind her. "They're our family."

Our?

Lilith frowned, adjusting her glasses.

The girl looked nothing like any of them, and neither did the dog. Were they long-lost cousins? Niblings?

However, she could recognize the people in the background. They were-

They were her parents. Grayer, older, but her parents after all.

Oh Titan. Her parents were here and they knew she had lost her Eda. The real Eda.

She's so dead. She's supposed to be the oldest! She should have kept an eye on her sister more, held her closer. How could she lose her? Eda must have been scared without her!

She has to go back. Her sister needs her. 

"My Eda. Where is she?" She demanded, frantic. She wanted to deny it, but she was sure her sister wasn't here with her. If she was, she'd already be clinging to her arm, insisting they make jokes or bother these 'old hags'. 

"She didn't appeared with you." 

Fuck.

Lilith ruffled her hair. Eda should be with her parents. Her last memory was in the courtyard of her house. 

But what if she wasn't? What if she was lost and alone, without Lily there to look after her?

She could never forgive herself if something happened to her. She's supposed to look after her. 

"Do you know how I can get back?" She stood up, leaning against the wall, her knees shaking. The girl gave her a comforting smile, but she ignored it. She reminded her too much of Eda to look at. 

"No, but my Lily seems to have swapped places with you, so she should be with your Eda."

Her Lily?

Like an older Lilith?

Had she made it to adulthood alive without being a complete failure to her parents? 

Her breathing calmed down. If her sister was with a future version of her, she had to be safe. After all, Lily would never hurt her.

"Ok." She took a deep breath, trying to calm her breathing. "Call me if Eda shows up." 

Without looking back, she walked towards the door. She needed fresh air. She couldn't let anyone see her stressed out. They would think she was a terrible sister!

"Wouldn't you rather stay here?" the girl suggested, approaching her and smiling. Did she feel sorry for her? "Your parents are there."

Yeah, they were.

"I can see it." She didn't care, though. Without Eda around, they never paid much attention to her. Not that they would if Eda was around either.

Be with them while Eda was missing? No. She could imagine the scolding her mother would give her for not paying attention to her sister, and for being a disappointing older sister.

She preferred to be alone. It was easier to hear that from her own mind.

"Aren't you going to stay with them?"

Lilith looked at them, meeting their gazes which was...strange.

Since when do they look at her like that? With interest?

"No." She said anyway. "Don't bother me." And walked out the door, closing it behind her. 

She wanted to throw herself back on the ground and cry, but before she did-

"Hoot hoot! Hi Lulu! You're smaller than the last time I saw you, Hoot!"

The only reason she didn't scream is because the strange... hell-bird tube was suffocating her.

"Let me go," she managed to gasp, and though the bird tube didn't move away, it released its grip on her neck, still wrapped around her like a scarf.

It didn't feel as bad as she thought. His feathers were soft. And the weight was almost comforting on her shoulders. Relaxing.

"Who are you?"

"Hooty! I am the best guard in this house, hoot hoot."

She had never heard or seen such a being.

It should look scary, but it's not.

Like...

"Hootcifer, huh? How do you know me?"

Chapter Text

Alador rubbed his eyes. Where was that damn thing? The sound was distracting him.

Oh, there it is. Was it a call from...Lilith?

Frowning, he answered, wiping the grease against his jacket, and waited for Lilith to speak.

"Alador, I have your kids."

His kids? Oh no. Odalia is going to kill him.

"...In kidnapping, or in care?" He asked carefully.

"In adoption. They're mine now."

"Legally?"

"Yes. I brought a case against Odalia and won. She's no longer legally linked to them."

He sat at his desk, processing the news.

Odalia... had lost her rights to their kids?

It couldn't be real. But Lilith would never lie to him.

What it meant...

"Could you do the same for me?"

"Legally separate you from Odalia?"

His heart pounded against his chest quickly.

"Yeah."

"Only if we have shared custody of the children."

"Of course." The children needed a decent mother. Why would Alador take that opportunity away from them?

"Then consider it a done deal. Tomorrow morning you'll be a divorced man, finally free to raise your children."

"Thanks. Oh, and Lilith?"

"Hmm?"

"Once you divorce me from Odalia, only if it's not too much to ask, could you arrange a date with Darius for me?"

For a few seconds, the line was silent. Then-

"Oooh, fuck yeah. I've waited twenty years for this. Get a suit, a nice bouquet, and a stuffed bird."

"Stuffed bird?"

"It's for my son with Darius. His name is Hunter, he's the Golden Guard."

"Did you steal him too?"

"No. We both stole him, he's the Emperor's nephew."

He rubbed his chin.

"So if all goes well, I'll have four children?"

"Exactly."

Oh well, he already had three kids, what's one more?

"What kind of birds does he like?"

"Ravens, blue jays, and northern cardinals."

"Oh, he's quite a Clawthorne, isn't he? I'll have to show him some of my inventions. I can probably make them fun for him."

"It will be. He loves to learn." Lilith hummed. "Then, Alador, a pleasure doing business with you. Now enjoy your night off, I'll I will take care of the children."

"Understood." He tapped his fingers on his desk. Should he...? "Thanks for everything, Lilith. I know we haven't spoken in a long time."

"What are ex-childhood friends for?"

"You're right. And... I guess after this, we can go back to being childhood friends."

"It better be that way. I gave your stupid ass a date and freedom."

"You're going to demand to be the godmother at our wedding, aren't you?"

"I've been demanding it since we were all fifteen, of course I will be. I haven't put up with twenty years of your nonsense for nothing."

"I had almost forgotten your attitude."

"I'm a Clawthorne, Alador. The attitude comes with me."

Right. Wait.

"The twins are going to be even more chaotic than before, aren't they?" As long as they didn't get hurt, he didn't care much, but...

"Yes. And Amity too. Although my niece could be guilty of that."

"Edalyn's kid? The human?"

"Herself. Amity is as madly in love with her as you were with Darius when we were all kids."

Oh Titan. Of all the things to pass on to his daughter, this had to be it?

"She's a tomato like me, isn't she?"

"Quite."

"I hope she never finds out where she got that from."

Lilith, like the best friend she was, just laughed.

"Get a second date with Darius, and I promise never to tell her."

"Deal."

Chapter Text

All these years of obeying and staying aside, disappearing into the background, being the perfect girl, just for this?

She did everything she was told. She won every prize she could, she got top grades, for nothing?

"I hate you."

"Hmm? Did you say something, little flea?"

How could she speak to her with so much love, without feeling any? How could she pretend like this? Was her mother really that cruel?

She couldn't go on like this. She couldn't keep quiet any longer, pretending that she didn't exist.

"I hate you." Her hands shook against her sides, clenched into fists. 

She was fed up. Fed up with being the second choice, with being the forgotten daughter, the responsible daughter.

Why couldn't she be herself for once?

"Excuse me?"

There it was. That frown, those pity eyes.

Why couldn't she look at her with love? Why couldn't she look at her the way she looked at Eda?

Why did she always insist on looking at her as if she were less than, sinking every sharp word under her skin?

Lilith was not a bird, she had no plumage to protect her from adversity. Only soft, easily broken skin.

Why couldn't anyone notice?

Was it because she was a mistake?

"Why am I not enough for you, mother?" 

She was tired of pretending to be okay. Of pretending she didn't hear or see the difference in how her mother treated her compared to Eda.

She just wanted someone to care about what she wanted or needed. Not Edalyn this, Edalyn that.

Can't it be Lily, just once?

"Of course you are enough for me, hun. Why would you think otherwise?"

Lilith laughed.

Of course.

Of course her mother couldn't tell her the truth.

"I know you don't love me as much as you love Eda." Why soften her words, when she known that since she were six? "Just tell me why, please. Why am I worth less?"

Lilith just wanted to understand it. Excuse it.

Could her mother give her that little mercy?

"That's not true, daughter."

"Dad, please." Her chest rose and fell erratically. "I want to know. I'm old enough."

It wasn't that difficult.

If Lilith could understand, could comprehend, she would be able to go back to being seen and not heard.

She doesn't ask for much. Does she?

"Lilith, that's not true. I love you and Edalyn equally."

Why did she keep making excuses?

She'd had no qualms about pushing her aside her entire life, why couldn't she just admit it?

"Mother, I'm not stupid." But how would she know? She had never cared about her grades beyond the fact that it was her duty to be good at them. "Just tell me, please. Is it because I wasn't planned? Is it because I'm not that magically skilled? Just tell me, please."

There had to be something definitely wrong with Lilith, something that made her mother not want to even look at her.

Because if there wasn't, what did that mean to her?

"Lilith, don't talk nonsense. Why do you insist that I love you less? I've given you the same as I've given Edalyn."

Discarded, again.

When not?

"The same?" She couldn't control herself anymore, she put a hand in her hair, and pulled it. "Eda has always received more praise, more hugs, more things, than me!"

Her mother looked at her, and a part of Lilith wanted to curl up into a ball on the floor. Disappear into the background like she always did.

"I get it, you're jealous of your sister. Lilith, that is very inappropriate behavior for you, you are supposed to be the eldest."

Tears fell down her cheeks, but she couldn't help but laugh.

"This has nothing to do with Eda. This has to do with you, Mother." She wiped away a tear with her free hand, laughing even harder. "But you always make everything revolve around Eda, why should i have expected anything else?" 

"How dare you talk to me like that? Your father and I have always given you everything."

"Yeah? So where were you when Bump rewarded me for getting the best grades? Where were you when I faced Grom? Where were you when I won my Grudgby match? Exactly. You were with Eda."

She stood up from her chair, pulling her hair tighter.

And finally, she looked her mother in the eyes, not flinching, even though all she wanted to do was burst into tears like a little girl.

She could only be thankful that Eda wasn't here, and was instead on a date with Raine. She shouldn't see this side of her.

"Lilith, go to your room. You're grounded."

She couldn't be serious, right?

Lilith is laying bare all her insecurities to her and- and she grounds her?

She took a deep breath, straightening up to her full height.

"I will do it when you answer me."

"Why don't we calm down a bit, and take a break?"

Neither her mother nor she answered him. Lilith felt bad about that, but she had other priorities right now.

If she let the moment pass, she would never do it again. And before she could regain her courage, she would have to fight Eda for a place in the coven.

"I've answered you many times before, Lilith." She rubbed the bridge of her nose tiredly. "It's you who doesn't listen to me."

"Mother, it's you who doesn't listen to me! I just need you to tell me why I'm not enough." Did she want her to get on her knees and beg her to tell her? Or did she enjoy seeing her not knowing what to do with her life, having to disappoint her even more? "Please, just...please, mom."

Gwen sigh.

"I'm tired, little flea. We can continue this conversation when you're more stable, and your grounding is over, okay?"

"Are you really not going to answer me?" She pulled her hair more.

"Please stop harping on this topic, darling You're jealous of your sister, and you're overreacting. You'll realize that when you're calmer."

"Not everything I do is related to Eda!" Her voice broke. "I'm my own person. Why can't you see that?"

Was Lilith really that boring? So... useless, that she had no charm unless she was associated with someone else?

"Lilith, dear, please come to your senses. You are creating problems out of nothing."

Lilith recoiled as if she had been hit.

"You can't... really see me, can you?" She walked backwards. "You really can't imagine a way for me to make you proud. I'm just a mistake to you, aren't I? That's why you don't answer."

"Little flea, that's not-"

"No, I don't want to hear anything else." She turned, taking long strides toward the door. "Simply no."

"Where are you going? You're still grounded." Gwen stood up from the table, walking towards her.

Lilith's breathing quickened, more tears soaking her cheeks.

She couldn't let her catch her. She cannot be left aside, ignored and forgotten again. Not without a reason.

"Anywhere but here." She gripped the door handle tightly, trying to ignore the trembling in her hand. "Not that it matters, anyway. You won't even notice I'm not here. You never noticed me when I was."

"Daughter, don't do something so hasty. We can talk about it."

"No, dad. Clearly we cannot." She pushed the door open. The sky was already almost dark. Eda would arrive shortly. She had to do this now or never. "I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore."

She closed the door behind her, ignoring anything her parents said, and ran out, summoning Mike Socks in her hand.

She could barely see where she was going, but she couldn't care less.

She was finally free.

Not the way she wanted. But she was. Now, if only she could stop crying...

"I'm sorry, Eda." She hoped she understood. Lilith simply couldn't stay there any longer. 

Not when she knew how the fight between her and Eda would turn out. Not when she knew that that fight would be her last chance to win her parents love, and she would inevitably fail at it. 

At least this way, Eda could be happy with her dream job, and Lilith would escape the humiliation of losing to her younger sister.

If only things were different...

Chapter Text

"Good afternoon, Lilith."

She bowed slightly, lowering her head.

"Good afternoon, Principal." Straightening up, she looked at him. "Why have you contacted me? Did something happen to any of the Blight children?"

Bump sighed, looking much older than he was.

"Not exactly. Please sit down, this conversation won't be easy."

Biting her lip, Lilith pulled out the chair in front of his desk and sat down.

"What happened?" 

"Today one of my teachers pointed out to me some...worrying attitudes Miss Amity is having toward one of her classmates."

She frowned, patting her right knee and then her left knee anxiously.

"Like which ones?"

"It seems that Amity...is a bully, Lilith."

A bully?

Amity? Her student?

Suddenly Lilith understood why Bump had asked her to sit down.

He knew better than anyone what track record she had when she was in Hexside. 

"Amity isn't like Odalia, why would she...?" 

She wasn't like that. She had a tough attitude sometimes, but she was always so...calm and vulnerable.

Maybe that was a facade she only put up with her?

No, it can't be.

"I'm not sure. What I do know is that she's been constantly bothering Miss Park, insulting her and pushing her."

"Miss Park? Like Willow Park?"

"Yes."

Amity's former best friend? Was she the one Amity was bullying?

Titan, she could feel Odalia's dirty hands in all of this.

"I'll give her a very long talk, Professor." She stood up from the chair, breathing slowly. "It won't happen again."

Bump nodded.

"Thank you, Lilith. Considering her parents, you're the best person to handle this." He let out a sigh. "And please, Lilith, talk to the twins too."

Lilith stopped inches from the door, her hand hovering in front of the handle.

"They too...?"

"They seem to quite enjoy playing cruel pranks on their sister."

"Oh." Damn Odalia. Damn Alador. Why couldn't any of them take care of their children properly? "I'll talk to them too. This behavior is not only unacceptable, it's dangerous for everyone."

"Glad to hear it." He gave her a small, tired smile. "Have a good evening, even if I know it's difficult given this revelation."

"I'll try. Have a nice day, Professor." With nothing else to say, she walked out the door.

Ideally, she should talk to the children separately first. To know why they were doing something so cruel.

Then... then she will see how she can resolve it. 

Miss Park and her parents will need a proper apology for Amity's behavior. And if the twins have been as mean to Amity as she thinks, she deserves an apology too.

Sighing, she pinched the bridge of her nose.

This is not going to be a pleasant conversation for anyone involved.

Chapter Text

Oh, what was his oldest daughter doing outside at this hour?

Dell was here because he couldn't sleep due to the incessant pain in his arm, but Lily had to go to the Emperor's coven tomorrow.

"Hello, little one." His footsteps echoed against the wet grass. It was not yet dawn, and everything was dark. The stars were beautiful in the sky. "Are you worried about socialize tomorrow?"

Sitting down next to her on the cliff, he smiled at her. 

He knew Lilith was usually very anxious. Now that her sister had been cursed without a clear culprit, she was only bound to be even more so.

After all, the two had always been very close. He couldn't even understand how Lilith would feel having to leave Eda at such a vulnerable moment.

"Uh, no." Her fingers tapped against her lap. "I'm just... appreciating the view."

"Is that so?" The sky looked good. But good enough to go see it on the cliff? Lilith really wanted to experience that view.

"You should go to sleep. It's not healthy for you to stay up all night, daughter."

"In a few more hours I'll rest, but right now my mind is too busy for that." 

"I understand. Everyone in this family has always been a big thinker." Patting Lilith on the shoulder, he moved closer to her, holding her close. He had to stop herself from wincing at how cold her skin was. How many hours had his daughter been here? "Why don't we look at the sky together? It's been a while since you and I spent some quality time."

Since Eda had been cursed, he and Gwen had been very busy trying to cure her and find out the origin of her illness, leaving Lilith largely aside. He can barely remember the last time he and Lilith did anything together. Without being able to carve, Dell had had a very difficult time these past few weeks.

"Shouldn't you go to sleep? Mother is alone."

When had Lilith started calling Gwen 'mother' instead of mom?

"You know she's a heavy sleeper." He shrugged, reaching out and putting his arm around Lilith's shoulders.

"Yeah..." Slowly, his daughter rested her head on his shoulder. "Don't the stars look pretty?"

"They look beautiful." He acknowledged. "Although you should already know, you've been here for quite some time, haven't you?"

"I couldn't sleep." Her gaze never left the sky. "I'll be a star someday. I want to know where I'll be."

"You are already shining brightly, little one." He stroked her shoulder. "But you'll be the prettiest star of all, I'm sure of it."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Hmm." Lilith closed her eyes, hugging him. "Thank you, Dad."

Although Dell wanted to stroke her hair, he chose not to. He didn't want to miscalculate and end up hitting or upsetting his little girl.

Instead, he gently kissed her forehead, still holding her against him.

He really missed this.

"You're welcome, daughter." 

They stayed there for a few more hours, looking at the sky and talking in whispers.

It wasn't until the sun rose that they finally got up from the cliff and walked home, pretending nothing had happened.

Chapter Text

Hmm. 

This girl had a lot of potential.

Belos hadn't been wrong in sending Terra to examine this recruit. This girl was quite powerful.

"What is your name, little bloom?" She ran her hands over her shoulders, sliding them down her arms. There was muscle there. "You've got some strength here, darling."

"I- uh." Oh, her cheeks had turned pink. How adorably weak. She'd have to fix that in the future. "I'm Lilith Clawthorne, ma'am."

Lilith Clawthorne...

Where had she heard that name?

Oh, she remembers now.

"You're the cursed girl's older sister, aren't you?"

The muscles in her arms tensed beneath her hands. Sensitive subject, huh?

"Yes, Edalyn is my younger sister." She hadn't yet learned to completely hide her anger. For a prodigy soldier, the girl was pretty... easy to read. "Why?"

"Dealing with a sick relative can't be easy." Smiling, she placed her hands back on her shoulders. "You're stronger than you think, little bloom."

Any hint of anger disappeared in an instant. Like a plant that hadn't been watered in days, the girl revived, standing up straight and with brighter eyes.

Who could neglect such a powerful specimen?

Terra should be thanking them. They made her job easier.

There was no flower more interesting to care for than one that was seconds away from disappearing.

"I-Is that so?"

"Of course, my dear. You'll be a great apprentice to me." 

Her ears flushed even more. Yet she remained still in her grasp, almost relaxing into it. How delightfully naive.

"Apprentice?"

Terra moved a little closer to her, smiling at her.

"Well, I believe in you, honey. You won't let me down, will you?"

Lilith shook her head from side to side.

"Of course not, ma'am." 

Nodding, Terra caressed her cheek with maternal sweetness. The girl melted under her touch with enchanting ease.

"Good girl. Now, just call me Terra, Lily. Ma'am makes me feel old."

"Understood, Ma- I mean, Terra."

Hm, having this girl under her command would be a pleasure. It's been a while since she have been able to have fun with someone.

Chapter Text

Shit. Eda shouldn't have brought all the kids here.

Escaping the Emperor and going through the halls was one thing, but this?

This wasn't something anyone, least of all them, could see. Eda herself felt like throwing up, and could only be thankful that King was sleeping in her hair.

Because there, locked in one of the castle's many dungeons, was her sister, chained against the wall and dressed in rags. 

What made the image terrible were the large metal bars on her legs, blocking her way out, and all her fingers pointing at the wrong angles.

Lilith barely seemed conscious, blinking weakly, not even acknowledging their presence. Her hair was red again, despite having been dyed a few hours ago, and much of her skin was burned and raw.

"Oh Titan." Willow whispered, covering her mouth and hugging Gus against her chest. 

"Diablo." 

Eda took a deep breath, swallowing the bile in her throat. She was the adult here.

"Stay here kids, I'll go free her. See that no one comes, and if someone does, knock them out."

Without further ado, she entered the dungeon. And instantly, she had to cover her nose. The stench of burning hair and skin, along with the sour aroma of piss and vomit, turned her stomach.

"What have you gotten yourself into, Lily?" She whispered, crouching down in front of her and freeing her wrists from the chains. She had to hold her breath for several seconds to keep from moving away when she accidentally brushed against raw skin, making Lilith moan. "I'm here, I'm here."

However, Lilith could not recognize her. Eda resigned herself to measuring her breathing, and continuing to work with the halter. 

With that done, she could only stare at the iron blocks on her sister's legs with her heart pounding against her ears.

She couldn't lift it alone.

Titan, she hated to do this but every second they were here would be one second closer to being trapped.

"Luz? Can you come here, please?"

Luz quickly did so, grimacing at the smell, and standing beside her.

"Do you need me to help you lift this?"

"Yeah."

With much effort, and Owlbert's help, the two of them lifted it up and set it aside.

If her curse wasn't so bad, she could have used magic, but she didn't dare risk it. Especially when it could ruin Lily's legs even more. 

Taking a deep breath, she lifted Lilith into her arms, trying to ignore how her skin stuck to hers because of the blood.

Luz just looked at her, strangely well composed for such a blurry and traumatizing image.

...Eda would have to ask her if she had seen anyone die before. This calm was not normal.

"Okay kids, I need us to run to the nearest exit, and get on Owlbert. Okay?"

When everyone nodded, Eda led them towards an exit.

However...

"There...Socks...rescue."

"You never really make things easy, do you, Lily?" Sighing, Eda looked towards where Lilith weakly pointed. It was a closet like any other. "Is he really there?"

"..hmm-huh"

"I'll get it!" With ease and speed worthy of her daughter, Luz ran to the door, opening it carefully, Willow, at her side, seemed ready to summon plants in case there was something dangerous.

However, there was nothing but Lily's palisman.

Suspicious. Extremely suspicious, but Eda didn't have time to worry about that.

"Okay, this makes things better. Luz, you and your friends fly on Owlbert, me and Lily will fly on Mike." She ordered, everyone finally in a roofless part of the castle.

"Is there anything else we need to do, Eda?" 

"No, Willow. Just keep your eyes on the road, and ready to attack in any way you can think of." Eda frowned. "Wait, I need you to reach into my hair and pull out my scroll."

"Done." 

"Okay, call Boots, and tell her and her siblings that I have Lily, and to come and see her tomorrow."

"Why?"

"A few things happened with them a while back, Luz." Carefully, Eda climbed onto Mike Socks, settling Lily onto her lap with the help of Willow and Luz. "Okay, time for takeoff."

Chapter Text

It was early in the morning, and the children had gone outside to play, while Eda had stayed to get some rest. 

Lily...was off somewhere, doing Titan knows what. 

She didn't care to know. Lilith was a top-notch nerd, so she should be reading or talking to herself. Nerd stuff, you know?

She would appear when she was hungry, her older sister couldn't cook to save her life.

"Good morning, Edalyn. May I know what we are having for lunch?"

Like right now, apparently.

"I don't know yet." She looked up from her Scroll, and looked at her. "Is there something you're craving?"

"I'm not sure." Moving closer, Lilith drummed her fingers on her arm. 

Eda opened her mouth to say something, but now that Lily was closer...

"Lily, what the hell are those marks?"

"What marks, sister?"

"Those in your arms." There were several faded lines intertwined with each other on both arms. 

They weren't very small, nor very subtle, but now that Lilith was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, it was impossible to miss them.

"Oh." Her left hand covered the scars on her other arm almost unconsciously. "Old things. No need to worry."

Eda got up from the couch, and walked towards her.

Lilith didn't move away, but she wasn't subtle about looking around, as if she wanted to escape.

Before she could do so, Eda grabbed her arms, and pulled them apart. Up close, the scars were even more severe. Scarred skin upon scarred skin. 

She stroked the raised skin with a frown. She remembered seeing similar marks on Lilith when she was younger, but there were not as many as now.

"What happened?"

"Nothing important." Her breathing was controlled. "They are just samples of survival."

"Survival of what exactly, Lily?"

Eda had her suspicions, but...was it too much to hope that it wasn't like that?

"Survival against myself." Her free hand slapped her thigh in a pattern. "Although that was a long time ago."

Eda's thumb continued to caress the skin.

"You survived long ago?" None of the scars looked pink or healing.

"Yes." Goosebumps rose on her skin. "It's a battle I've already won."

"I hope so, Lily. I hope so." Without letting go of her hand, she led Lilith into the kitchen. Although she had many questions on her mind, she pushed them aside. Eda knew when she needed to keep quiet. "Let's celebrate your victory, okay? And if the kids ask, tell them the same thing you told me."

King probably wouldn't understand, he was too young to do so, but Luz... could use an example to tell the truth.

Eda would never let her fall for that, and even though she had just found out that Lily had done it, she knew that she wouldn't allow it either, but...

In case Luz had already done this before, she wanted to give her the confidence to talk to them about it.

The same way Lily now knew she could talk to Eda about it.

Chapter Text

Is she on the ground? Why?

"Oh Lilith, I see you've woken up."

What?

No, it couldn't be him. Lilith wasn't in the castle.

It had to be someone similar. A- a juxtaposition of her dumb brain.

"Open your eyes, dear." A gloved hand grabs her chin, pushing her face upward, making her eyes widen in surprise. "Don't you know it's disrespectful not to look someone in the eye while talking?"

His other hand rested on her shoulder, holding her in place. 

Her breathing quickened.

Belos was without the mask.

He only did that when-

When-

"Sorry, Lord Belos." She let out, looking into his eyes. They shone in the darkness of the empty throne room.

She should have known Belos would never let her go so easily. She had always been his favorite.

"Far better." His thumb caressed her lip. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Certainly your appearance has... declined without me."

Slowly, he looked her up and down.

Only his hand prevented her from twisting.

Suddenly, she was very conscious of her disheveled appearance, such as her bright and colorful clothes, and her hair.

Oh, that's bad.

"You've got that vile hair back." Letting go of her chin, he grabbed a handful of her severed hair and pushed her head back. "How many times do I have to tell you that a decent person doesn't have that hair color? And oh, that short hair. You're not a man, Lilith. You should have long hair."

"I-"

He pushed her head back even further, making her moan in pain.

"I haven't given you permission to speak." Letting go of her hair, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back down onto the ground, towering over her. "I'm going to straighten you out, Lilith. Make you a good woman again."

No no no-

Not again, not again!

"Please, please don't-" 

Her face spun. Her cheek burned and began to turn red.

"Silence, Lilith."

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She couldn't do anything.

Anythi-

A heart-rending scream pierced her ears.

"I knew it! He was bad!"

What...?

She blinked slowly, but everything was dark.

Wait, dark?

Lilith gasped, sitting up. She wasn't on the floor, she was in her bed. She wasn't in the throne room either, she was in the owl house!

"I'm fine? I'm fine!" Kicking the blanket off her, she stood up on weak knees, almost falling face first onto the floor. The clothes felt itchy against her skin, and there was a tingling sensation all over her body, as if something was crawling up her. "Water, I need water."

She no longer had her sleeping pills. She hadn't needed them in recent months, even when the Collector was terrorizing the Isles.

She thought she was fine. Belos was dead, no longer a problem, so why...?

Why can she still feel his hands on her?

"Nothing is wrong, Lilith. Everything is fine, as usual."

To go down the stairs, she clung to the wall. 

She tried to take a deep breath, but that didn't stop the dizziness.

"There's little left, there's little left." She sang to herself, pressing her hand against her sleeping shirt.

After drinking water, she could go to the bathroom and throw up. No one had to know. She just needed to get to the kitchen first.

If only those damn shivers would stop shaking her like a rag doll...

"Come on, Lilith. Pull yourself together, you're an adult." She shouldn't react like that. Belos was dead. Why couldn't her stupid body understand it? 

She made it, she reached the first floor!

"Auntie Lily? Why are you awake?"

Titan, how could she forget? Tonight was the weekly movie night.

Bloody hell.

Lilith had to suppress the urge to hit herself. Why did she have to have that dream today? Why not tomorrow or yesterday? When there would be no one to see her?

"I'm just a little thirsty." She smiled as best she could, trying to ignore the invisible hands on her. He wasn't behind her. Not anymore. "It's hot tonight, isn't it?"

Luz frowned.

"Are you ok?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Lilith walked as fast as she could towards the kitchen.

"You don't look well, right, Eda?"

"Huh?" Edalyn looked away from the television. "I don't think- holy shit, Lily, you look like you've seen a giraffe."

That was enough to draw everyone's attention to her. Her parents, the children, Raine and Camila, everyone looked at her.

Titan, Lilith wanted to vomit. She could already feel the pangs in her stomach.

"I'm fine, Edalyn. I'm just really hot."

Camila frowned, watching as the little bit of long hair she had stuck to her forehead.

"Are you sick, Lilith?"

"No. I'm-" Pain shot through her chest, making her shudder. "Blast it."

All right, she have to get out of here. Get that damn water, and disappear of existence. Preferably forever.

"Little flea?"

"Hmm?" Still forcing a smile, she stumbled back, panting slightly. "I'm fine, mother."

A chill runs through her body, making her tremble.

She- she has to go.

They can't see her like this. They will think she is weak.

"Lily, what-?"

She couldn't see them. She couldn't continue feeling their eyes glued to her skin, staring at her as if they knew every one of her sins.

Lilith ran to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. 

After locking it up, she collapsed against it, pushing her legs towards her chest, and burying her face in them, as if she were a little girl and not an adult. 

She certainly felt as helpless and foolish as one.

"Lilith you donut, how do you come up with the idea of going down like that on a movie night?" She closed her eyes, hugging her knees tighter. "Titan, I'm such a melt. That bastard is dead. He can't hurt me."

Not anymore.

And still, she could feel him on top of her, whispering in her ear, touching her, manipulating her to be exactly the way he wanted.

How did she ever believe his words? How could she fall for his games? She was supposed to be smart, not a nitwit.

"Little flea?"

Oh no.

Why couldn't they just leave her alone?

Lilith didn't want to be around anyone right now.

Just thinking about talking to someone...

No.

"Little flea, answer me."

Like her mother responded to all the letters she sent her these past twenty years?

Hah.

"Lily? Come on, what happened? The kids are very worried about you." 

"...They shouldn't."

"Lily?"

She took a deep breath, wiping away her tears.

"I just had a nightmare, Edalyn. I just lost my temper a little, but otherwise I'm fine."

A little, right.

Is that what she call almost having a panic attack in front of the children?

She should have known better. They had already seen several bad things, she shouldn't give them another one.

"A nightmare? It's about the curse again?"

"No."

"Daughter, what kind of nightmare did you have?"

Bloody hell, was her whole family really behind that door? Why couldn't they just mind their own business?

Lilith was fine.

"Can we drop the subject, please? Go back to movie night. I'm fine."

"Rainestorm and Camfire are watching the kids while we're here. Now spill the beans, sister. What did you dream about?"

"Nothing that involves you, if that's what you're worried about." 

"Lily, come on, cooperate a little." She could almost see Eda sighing. "What twisted your panties?"

Ironic.

"It was a dream about Belos, okay?"

"...What type of dream, Little flea?"

"One that is more of a memory." She rubbed her eyes. "Can we leave it at that?"

"...Daughter, please, what kind of dream was it?"

They weren't going to leave her alone until she said something, were they?

However, Lilith didn't have the courage to say it out loud.

She have never done it before. Not twenty years ago, not now.

The man might be dead, but Lilith was still afraid of him. She doesn't think she would ever stop being scared.

She was that weak.

"The kind of things you wish never happened to your daughter." She finally decided to say.

There was silence on the other side of the door. Appropriate for such a gruesome revelation. Surely they hated her now.

As they should.

"Lily, please tell me I'm misunderstanding and he didn't make you have-"

She couldn't hear it out loud. Just...no.

"You are not."

"Damnit." A punch slammed into the door. "That fucking bastard-"

Oh, Edalyn... How she regrets being such a disappointing older sister to her. 

"I'm sorry, daughter."

Lilith turned to look at the door.

Her dad sounded like he was about to start crying.

And yet, her mother still hadn't said anything. Did she not care or...?

"Lilyflea, oh Titan, I'm so sorry."

She care?

"That's why you had a nightmare that time, right? When Mike came looking for me? You dreamed that Belos- that Belos..."

"Yes."

"If he were alive, I'd tear him to pieces. Believe me, Lilyflea, if I'd known what he did to you, he would have died sooner."

"Oh, if it hadn't been you, I would have killed him. How dare that bastard do that?"

Suddenly, her throat felt even drier.

Seriously, everyone cared? And no one blamed her? This couldn't be real.

But it was.

She quietly rose from the tiled floor, leaned against the door, and squeezed the handle.

"I'm glad Raine and I stomped on him. Something as pathetic as him deserved a pathetic end like that."

She licked her lips.

Was she sure she should open this door and remove the only protection she had from the stares? From the awkward conversations?

"Still, that's far less than he deserves."

Yes, she was.

Taking a deep breath, Lilith turned the handle. And suddenly, she stood before her parents and sister, all of them bright-eyed and paler than usual.

Though to be fair, Eda was also half-harpy at this point.

"Lily!" Before she could react, Eda threw herself at her, hugging her.

If it had been anyone else, Lilith would probably have flinched. Her eyes would have opened wide and she would have backed away.

But it was Edalyn.

Her little sister. And the only person she would always trust completely.

"Neda." She hugged her back, her skin still itching, but less so, and looked up at her parents. Dell gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and Gwen gently fixed one of her strands.

Lilith wanted to cry again, for some reason.

"What do you think about changing plans and instead of ending the movie night, having a cuddle night in the nest?"

"I-" Did she want that? It sounded like too much. "Will you stay by my side?"

"Do you really need to ask? Of course I do. And Rainestorm or whoever you choose will be on your other side. We won't make you feel uncomfortable, Lily."

Oh.

"I think I prefer Golden Brat over Raine right now." 

Even if the others wouldn't bother her, Hunter was probably the only one who fully understood what she felt, even if it was in a very different way for him.

"So it will be then." Taking her hand, she led her into the living room, with their parents following behind, talking in low voices.

This definitely wasn't how she thought the night would end.

But it was...fine. No one hated her, though they should have. That was good, right?

She just have to see if it holds up.

Chapter Text

Lilith is seventeen years old, with nothing to her name except a broken family of her own making.

Writing a will is a silly idea, she thinks at first.

Then she sees all her teammates die in the snow, killed by a Wild Witch, and something in her changes.

Maybe it's the still-warm blood covering her face and hands. Maybe it's the Wild Witch's amused smile as she leaves.

Maybe it's just the fact that she is alone again.

Either way, Lilith ends up writing a draft of her will that same night, buried under layers of cold snow that burn her skin and numb her fingers.

It's clumsy, it's ugly and poorly made, and no one will see it, but she needs to get it out of her head.

It was going to be her last act. An apology to life itself. 

Then she wakes up the next morning, snow up to her neck, eyelashes stuck together, and realizes the Titan wouldn't let her leave.

She doesn't know how she manages to get out of there. How she manages to crawl and find Socks in a world where everything is white except for the blood she's still spilling, but she does.

The journey to the castle is a blur. Blood loss and hypothermia have already set in, and it's Socks who guides her, not the other way around.

The next thing she knows, she wakes up on one of the castle's gurneys, wrapped in bandages and smothered under blankets.

There's no one with her, and that's the breaking point.

She gets up, tangled in blankets and leaning against walls almost as cold as her, and walks blindly through the castle corridors to the Throne Room.

No one tries to stop her. No one cares. The few who know her are just surprised she's still alive.

Lilith is too. 

"Lord Belos." She stammered, almost stumbling in front of him.

"Hmm? Aren't you the survivor of Troop 613? What are you doing here?" 

"I am." She walks toward him, falling to her knees on the floor. It hurts, but not much. "I need to make a will, my Lord."

"Shouldn't you wait until you're healthy?" His voice oozes amusement. "Your breathing is so shallow I might think you're a walking corpse."

"I am perfectly in my senses." Her voice is slurred, but that's all. "I need to make my will, please."

"Well, you certainly are determined." He snaps his fingers, and within seconds, his Golden Guard appears with a paper in his hands.

"Considering the tremors that invade your body, only dictates your will, he will write it."

Nodding, she took a deep breath.

"I, Lilith Clawthorne, resident of the Emperor's Castle, Boiling Isles, declare this to be my will."

She pressed her hands against her thighs, tearing the flesh with her nails.

"I declare Edalyn Clawthorne, resident of Clawthorne Cottage, as my first beneficiary. I want 90% of my money to be given to her." She tightened her grip on her thighs. "I also declare Darius Deamonne, resident of the Emperor's castle, as the second beneficiary. He will inherit the other 10% of my assets, and everything in my room at the castle."

Golden Guard hummed, nodding as he wrote, then clicked his teeth.

"The will has already been made." With a small gesture, the other man left. "Now get back on the infirmary, Lilith. After this incredible survival of yours, I expect great things from you."

"Of course, my lord." She pushed herself up off the floor with trembling arms, and walked toward the infirmary, hugging herself. 

She was very, very cold, but she couldn't stop sweating. Had she gotten sick?

Whatever. She needs to get to the infirmary first, then she can collapse in peace.

Chapter Text

"Steve."

"Hmm?"

"What was your brother's name?"

"Matt, why?"

"I think I maybe...adopted him a little."

"Pfft, really?"

"He was sad! And I'm a cool aunt so...

"So now my little brother is your nephew?"

"Yes."

"At this rate, all the isles will be your nieces and nephews."

"That's not true!"

"Didn't you also adopt that three-eyed girl because she was 'irritating' and needed to improve?"

"Well yeah, but-"

"You also adopted the detention kids as your niblings, right?"

"They looked like Edalyn!"

"What's next? Are you going to adopt the Blight children? The Emperor's nephew?"

"..."

"Lilith?"

"Technically, the Blight children aren't my niblings. They're more like...my children."

"Titan, really? And the Golden Guard?"

"Oh no, he is my nephew. A brat one, but my nephew anyway."

"I'm starting to think it's you who has an adoption complex and not The Owl Lady."

"That's- probably right, to be honest."

"Glad you admitted it. Anyway, good luck with my brother, I have to go back to work."

"Have a nice day."

"You too."

Chapter Text

...

Carefully, she held the Owl Beast curse in her hands, looking at Edalyn's unconscious body.

It was time to win and end this once and for all.

"Sometimes you have to make sacrifices," she murmured, opening the scroll. 

Her sister was unmoved, completely asleep.

She almost felt guilty, but this was necessary. This curse would only last a day, anyway.

31

Lilith sighed, putting down the history book she was reading on her chest, and turned her head to look at Eda, who was talking animatedly to Raine on the scroll.

"Will you go on a date with Raine when you beat me in battle?"

Eda froze, the tips of her ears red, and ended the call with an apology.

"Why do you ask that so suddenly?"

"Well, there's nothing more romantic than showing off how awesome you are, right?" She shrugged. "I don't know. I just want you and Raine to finally get together. At this rate, you two will be a couple by the time we're all gray."

"That's not-!" Her cheeks blushed. "Do you think Raine would appreciate it if I asked them out after kicking your ass?"

"I think they'd appreciate it even without that. Though I have no doubt Raine would love to see you being terrifying. Their tastes are strange."

"...I guess I can try."

277

Eda frowned, leaning against the desk and looking at the sheet of paper on top.

"What are you calculating there, Lily? We don't even have homework today."

"Just some simple math."

"You call that multiplying the number of seconds in a day over and over again? Jeez, you're really bored." She sighed, placing her arms behind her head. "I know I'm going to kick your ass, but come on, you might as well get some training in for tomorrow."

"Can you leave me alone, Edalyn? I'm busy."

"Yes, I'd rather be anywhere than here right now, have fun with your math!"

The door slammed shut behind her.

Without a mask to put on, Lilith sighed, looking at the paper.

"I guess happy birthday to me."

888

Gently, Lilith opened the door to her parents room.

"Mother?"

Gwen rubbed her eyes.

"Little flea? What's going on? It's the middle of the night. You should be asleep."

"I was wondering if I can sleep with you tonight?"

"You're too old for that now, Lilith. Not even Edalyn sleeps with us anymore." 

"Oh." She took a deep breath. "Right. Sorry to bother you."

Before she could say anything, Lilith closed the door.

Gwen rubbed her eyes, burying her head in the pillow.

What had gotten into her daughter? She'd been acting strange all day.

69

"Wow, who would have thought there'd be an explosion today and we wouldn't be able to fight, huh? It's almost depressing that I had nothing to do with it.

Lilith grabbed her books more.

"Yes, I wonder who that was."

9

"Dad, can I talk to you for a second?"

Dell looked up from his hands, placing the wood he was grating in his lap.

"Of course, daughter. Did something happen?"

Seeing him pat the seat next to him, Lilith sat down, as straight as an arrow.

"If Eda beats me in battle, will you still love me?

"What kind of question is that? Of course, darling." He pulled her against his side. "You're my daughter, Lilith. How could I not love you?"

"I don't know. I was just wondering."

"Well, if you ever feel that way again, I won't hesitate to tell you I love you again. No matter if you win or lose, you'll always be my little girl, you know that, right?"

"...Yeah."

224

Lilith cursed, brushing the dirt off her clothes.

She lost again. How was that possible? By now she should have been able to predict Eda pretty well!

"Are you okay there, sis?"

"Better than ever." 

Hopefully she'll have better luck next time.

30

"Odalia, could you do me a favor?"

"A favor?" She repeated as if she didn't know the word. "What kind? And what do I get out of it?"

"I need you to see my future. And, well, I can offer help with anything you need, whenever you want, as many times as you want."

Odalia smiled.

"You really are desperate, aren't you? I never imagined the day where I would have Lilith Clawthorne begging me." 

"Can you do it or not?"

"Oh, I will. And it will cost you dearly."

"I don't care. Just tell me if I'll win or lose tomorrow."

"You... Eh?"

"What happened?"

"I can't read your future. Why can't I? This has never happened to me before!"

"I... don't know?"

416

She needs to win.

But how?

Eda is much stronger than her. And faster and more agile, too.

Without cheating, there's no way Lilith can defeat her and get out of here.

...

"Oh."

788

Gwen covered her mouth with her hands, pale. 

"Titan, how could so many of the Emperor's Coven recruits die overnight?

"That's a massacre," Edalyn cursed, without taking her eyes off.

Lilith continued chewing her tasteless food.

"How sad." 

7

"Oh, and Lilith?"

"Yes, mother?"

"Don't be mad at Edalyn when she wins."

"Why do you assume Eda will win?"

Smiling at her ruefully, Gwen stroked her cheek.

"Little flea, we both know Eda is much stronger than you. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"But-"

"But nothing, dear. I expect you to behave maturely tomorrow, okay? Your sister's future is at stake.

"...Understood."

660

"Lilith, what the fuck!?"

She blinked slowly, trying to clear her vision. However, there were still dark spots.

"Hmm, Neda?"

"What did you do!?" Eda's knees hit the floor, her arms grabbing her and pushing her against her body. "You're covered in blood."

"Mm."

"No, wait, don't close your eyes!"

That sounded difficult.

"Dad! Mom! SOMEONE!"

Could she finally rest this time?

¿¿??

"I'm twenty-one years old now, huh?" She murmured, looking at the giant cake in front of her.

"At this rate, I'll be my mother's age." She grabbed a fork, scooping out a piece. "I hope there aren't too many more birthdays."

At least buying this cake wouldn't hurt her money. Nothing she ever made was ever preserved.

She looked at her wrist.

Well, except for that.

"I hope I die soon." And she blew out the candle.

Order no longer mattered.

12

"Darius."

"Glasses? Wow, you look terrible. Was there a torrential boiling rain and I didn't notice?"

Lilith pushed him against the wall, grabbing him by the shoulders.

"Please promise me you won't forget me when you enter the coven."

"Huh?"

"Promise me, Darius."

"Titan, what did your parents do to make you look like this, girl?" Sighing, he placed his own hands over hers. "Yes, I promise. Now will you stop shaking me like a doll?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry."

"I want an explanation of this later, you know?"

999

Lilith tugged at her hair, nibbling on her tenth pencil.

"Okay, killing me before fighting Eda doesn't work. Neither does doing it after. Nor while we're fighting. And even if I cheat, I still can't win against her. How the hell do I get out of here?"

A tray fell to the floor.

"Lilyflea? What did you just say?"

"Ugh, another failed line." Without further ado, she grabbed her hidden knife. "Another scar, excellent."

"Lilith!?"

2

Lilith grabbed Socks tightly.

She was sure she had already fought Eda and lost, but apparently that had been a dream.

Oh well, that's better. Now she can try again!

∞

The Night Market is the solution. Something there is calling her.

The question is, which of all the terrifying Merchants is the one that ensures her freedom?

She'll have to try them all.

It's not that she lacks time.

...1

The line has been corrected.

Chapter Text

Lilith tossed and turned in her bed. It was midnight, and she still didn't know what to do.

She just knew that cursing Eda wasn't an option. It would only make her stronger and faster!

But what can she do? Lilith needs something big to win her parents attention and her mother's love. Something they can't ignore.

Something like...

Her eyes fell on the curse, which lay on her pillow, almost sliding to the floor.

Could be...?

"No, no. That's a bad idea." She didn't even know how long the curse lasted. What if it made her situation worse?

Although, could there be anything worse than being unemployed, humiliated by her younger sister, and being the eternal disappointment of her parents?

Oh, fuck it.

Lilith grasped the curse in her hands, sitting on her bed.

If even this couldn't get her parents to pay attention to her, nothing would.

With that in mind, she took a deep breath and released the seal.

"I just hope it works." She whispered, suddenly tired.

Her head hit the pillow before she could even take off her glasses.

Chapter Text

Okay, maybe doing Lily's words hadn't been so bad, her student's mom was hot.

Very, very hot. About the same as Rainestorm.

Sure, she was yelling at her in a language she didn't understand, and she'd made her sit on her knees on the floor next to Luz, but she looked fine, so she didn't care.

Would Luz be happy to have two mothers? She hoped so. She couldn't let her student have a better love life than her; that was unforgivable! Once Lily got her game back, she'd tease her about it until she died.

Sooooo.

"Considering your daughter was very open to dating a Witch, are you?"

The tirade in the other language stopped. 

"What?"

"Would you consider dating a witch? Specifically, me?"

"You are a wanted criminal."

"Yes, and proud of it."

Camila pinched the bridge of her nose. Eda just did that to people. She would recover.

"Eda, don't flirt with my mom!"

"Sorry, owlet, but I can't help it. She's hot."

Titan, Eda wishes she had a scroll, Luz's horrified face would make wonderful blackmail material.

"Eda!"

Camila sighed, placing her hands on her hips in the perfect scolding pose. However, her ears and cheeks were red, so not everything was going badly.

"Are you asking me out in a date?"

"Yes. Unlike Luz, I can stay in control when I see a pretty girl."

"God." Camila rubbed her face, "Not again."

"I proposed to her by accident! Accident!" 

Eda raised an eyebrow.

"Are you going to tell me you didn't want to? Because I see you very happy going out on dates with Boots, even if Lily is supervising them."

"I never said I regretted it. Besides, Aunt Lily is so much fun, and she's always buying me things."

Huh?

"Aunt Lily? My sister doesn't hate you?"

"No! Amity was also surprised, but she seems to have accepted me. She even calls me her niece! Which is a little weird because Amity is like a daughter to her, but it's exciting."

"Of course only you could unfreeze my sister's heart." Eda sighed.

Camila cleared her throat.

"Does this sister of yours already see my Luz as your daughter?" She asked with a frown, then rubbed her temples. "You know what? Yeah, let's go on a date. Sounds easier than understanding the new family tree."

"Cool! You won't regret it, Camfire."

"I have a feeling I will, and a lot."

"Uh, so now I have two mothers?"

"...Luz, cariño, it's still too early to talk about marriage. I know you and Amity are already on the verge of getting married even though you've only known each other for about a month, but I'm not like that."

"It was an accident!"

"Kiddo, we get it. You don't need to repeat it over and over again." She got up from the floor, ruffling her hair as she walked past her. "Do you want to know the magic of a bard, Camfire?"

"Bard's magic? Like music?"

"Uh-huh. Rainestorm is very good at it."

Camila smiled, walking behind her.

"You know what? Yeah. I need some calming music after this last day."

"Cool, it's a date." She took her hand. "After that, the three of us can give Lily the scare of her life."

"Isn't she something like a magic police? Won't she lock you up?"

She shrugged.

"She may try, but she has never quite succeeded."

"...Our family is going to be a family of criminals from now on, isn't it?"

"I mean, Luz, King, and I already are. All that's missing is you and Lily."

"Excuse me what!?"

Chapter Text

Lilith leaned back against her knees, breathing heavily. Her hair stuck to her neck, and her face glistened with sweat.

"You know, when you told me you were going to stop living with our parents, I didn't imagine this."

Closing the door behind her, she leaned heavily against the wall, closing her eyes.

"Hmm? Why?"

"Because I thought you'd go live with one of your friends, or get your own place, not live with me in the castle, in my own room, without anyone knowing." She nodded toward the pile of soda and clothes on the floor. "You could at least clean up your mess, you know?"

Lilith was too tired to do it herself. The Emperor was just beginning to see her potential, and she had to train three times as hard to keep his attention on her.

Which was why, more than her room, this room felt like Edalyn's. Lilith went on too many long missions, and meanwhile, Eda stayed here and stole food from the kitchens.

And while she was at it, she decorated the walls with posters and put up some pictures of her with Raine or Lilith. Which was adorable, but she's not going to encourage her.

"But that's so boring!" 

"It is." She conceded, finally pushing herself away from the wall. "But you're not a little girl anymore, Edalyn."

The only thing she got in response was a pout.

"Just—clean up a little, okay? I don't need this neat or anything." She rubbed her eyes, walking towards the bathroom. "And if you're going to use my bed, just try not to leave any feathers or twigs in it. That's what your nest is for."

"You're a killjoy." However, she got out of bed, unfairly energetic. "Anyway, how did your mission go? Did you defeat anyone? Kill any big bad guys?"

"Yes and yes." She opened the bathroom door almost in fear, but fortunately, it was clean. "Now let me take a shower, Edalyn. I really need to check myself out."

"Huh? Are you hurt?" All amusement evaporated from her tone. Owlbert, appearing out of nowhere (probably of her hair), hovered worriedly around Lilith, trying to detect blood on her dark robes.

"Aside from minor bleeding? Not that I know of yet." She opened the shower door. "Would you please leave, Edalyn? I'm very tired, and I haven't slept in several days because of this insufferable mission." 

Eda squirmed in place, frowning at her. Owlbert perched on her shoulder, rubbing against her neck as he felt her concern. 

"Okay, but I'll heal your wounds. I know you won't do it unless you consider them mortally serious."

"That is not true."

"It is."

"It's not."

"It. Is." Eda crossed her arms, smiling with mockery. Oh no. "Promise me you'll let me heal you, or I'll send mom a letter to make her scold you."

"Ugh, fine." Why couldn't her sister mind her own business? "But don't tell mom."

"Got it, sis." And without further ado, Eda left the bathroom and closed the door, probably throwing herself into Lilith's bed and making it even more of a mess.

Lilith sighed, stripping and standing under the shower.

Thank Titan Eda wasn't here to see the grimace she made when the hot water hit the cuts and scrapes on her back and arms.

She would never have let her forget it.

"Why does she have to worry so much? This is normal for a recruit." She rubbed the soap on her arm, which was covered in bruises. "Belos is just a little stricter with me, not a torturer or anything like that."

Even if Eda thought so. 

She wasn't the one working for him, what did she know anyway?

"I hope Mother comes to her senses soon. Having Eda living with me here isn't a long-term arrangement."

Belos would be furious if he found out. He felt like she'd cut all ties with her family.

If he finds out that Eda lives with her...she doesn't even want to think about it.

"I just have to be patient." She grimaced when the soap touched the wound on her back. "When dad finally convinces Mother to apologize, Eda will not hesitate to go home."

And then, Lilith would be alone in the castle again.

As it should be.

Eda shouldn't keep talking to the person who ruined her life, after all.

"Just a little more."

Chapter Text

"And how was your teenage years, Aunt Lily?"

"My...what?"

"Your teenage years! Were you a troublemaker like Eda, or were you more easy-going?"

"Oh." Lilith's hands tightened on her dress. "I...I'm not sure how to respond."

"Ugh, don't be so shy, Lily." Putting her arm around her shoulders, Eda leaned against her, smiling. "Despite what it may seem, my sister was one of the masterminds behind my operations!"

King looked from Lilith to Eda, as if he were saying 'are we talking about THIS Lilith?'

"Really?" Luz leaned closer to them.

"Yes." Her cheeks flushed. "Edalyn could sometimes be...pretty good at convincing me."

"Hey, don't blame me for everything! You came up with several pranks. Yours just weren't as amazing as mine."

"I've always been more subtle, I guess. Although I don't remember it very well."

Eda raised an eyebrow, looking at her mockingly. 

"Oh yeah? Age is finally catching up to you, Lily?"

"That's not- Whatever, it doesn't matter." 

"No, no, I want to know. Why don't you remember? That was our last year in Hexside before you entered the coven. You should remember it well."

"So it was during that year that auntie Lilith cursed you?" Luz knew she shouldn't mention it, but she couldn't resist. Lilith nodded, staring at her hands.

"Yes, it was that year." She closed her eyes tightly, as if she was trying not to remember it. "After I began my training as a recruit, I only kept in touch with Edalyn through letters."

"Although you even stopped sending that." Luz grimaced. Apparently, they had reached a sensitive topic for Eda. "You didn't even last a year."

Despite everything, Eda didn't break the hug with Lilith, which Luz took as a victory. It couldn't be that bad if they were still being affectionate in their own way, right?

"I am... aware of that, and I apologize. I should have fought harder."

"Fought? What the hell do you mean with that, Lily?"

Lilith grabbed her dress with her hands, squeezing it.

"All those months I sent you letters, it was because I was still just another recruit." She took a deep breath. "I stopped being one."

King let out a groan, pulling out of Luz's embrace, and sitting down with his arms crossed.

"I don't understand."

"I... was one of the best cadets, and I built up quite a reputation. It was just a matter of time until... Until Belos approached me."

Luz grabbed King in her arms again. Every time Belos name came up in conversation, the conversation wasn't good.

"What did that bastard do?"

Lilith bit her lip.

"He took me under his wing." Finally she said. "He made me his star student, distancing me from the other recruits and giving me my own separate missions."

Somehow, Luz had the feeling that wasn't all he did. Neither did Eda, by the grimace on her face, and the tightening grip on Lilith's shoulder.

"And?"

"... And I won't talk about that, Edalyn. It's not an appropriate topic."

"Why? He's not here anymore, you can say what you want about him, and he'll never know!"

"Edalyn, stop insisting. This conversation is over." Pulling away abruptly, Lilith stood up and headed for the door. "I'm sorry kids, but I need some time alone. I will reward you, I promise."

Without one last look, Lilith left the owl house.

"Well, that went wrong," King said, settling into Luz's arms. "What are you waiting for, Eda? Aren't you going to go talk to her?"

"... Yes, I'll talk to her. Luz, can you take care of King for a while, please?"

"Count on me, Eda!"

"That's my kid." Taking a deep breath, Eda walked out.

It was more of a guessing game to find Lilith, but she eventually did, catching her sitting at the top of the Owl House.

"Hey, Lily."

The woman sighed, hugging her legs closer.

"You've never been able to take no for an answer, have you, Edalyn?" 

"Do I really need to answer that?" Sitting down next to her, Eda looked at her. "So, spill the beans. What happened that made you stop sending me letters?"

"Edalyn, you don't want to know."

"I want. There's a reason I'm asking you."

"Titan, you are the most annoying little sister in the world." Lilith looked out into the sunset. "Belos didn't like me being out of his control. He wanted my every thought to be about serving him."

"You know, I always thought he was an idiot."

"He is worse that that." Lilith let out a dry laugh. "When he found out that I was keeping in touch with you, he threatened to fire me since I wasn't focusing on him. Of course, fire me meant he would never 'heal' you, so he knew I would do whatever he wanted." 

"Whatever?"

"Whatever."

"...Lilith, what exactly did he do to you?"

"I'm pretty sure you already have an idea, Edalyn. You've always been quite perceptive."

"Oh, I definitely have an idea, but I'm praying to the Titan, something I don't even believe in, that I'm wrong." 

"I guess your pleas were of no use," Lilith teased weakly, looking up at her. "Titan, Edalyn, you're growing feathers everywhere!"

"What do you expect me to do when I find out that my older sister, one of the people I love most in this world, was abused? Laugh?"

"You need to calm down, Edalyn. It wasn't... it wasn't abuse. I said yes."

"Lilith, you were seventeen. At that time, Belos must have been at least fifty years old. That wasn't right."

"Edalyn, I was old enough to make my own decisions. Don't make me look like a victim. I wasn't."

"Oh, don't make me laugh. Lilith, don't you understand? You were a child! Think of Luz, or Amity, in that situation, and look me in the face and tell me you were 'old enough'! Come on!"

"...Okay, I see your point. However, I insist that it was not abuse. I accepted."

"Yes, of course you accepted, Belos was your boss! Not even just that, the fucking Emperor of the isles too! Even if you wanted to say no, you couldn't have."

"Edalyn, can we stop talking about this? This conversation is unnecessary."

"Unnecessary? Lilith, ever since you moved into my house, I've seen you shudder at the slightest thing. For Titan's sake, you look like you're about to throw up every time someone surprise-touches you! And if I let this conversation end, I know we'll never talk about it again. So, please, Lily. Please."

"... The first time he spoke to me, I was very happy. He praised my skills, remembered my name, and even seemed interested in me. I felt... I felt like someone was finally seeing me. Not the elder Clawthorne, not Edalyn's sister, but me."

"Lily..."

"I remember very well how kind, compassionate, and patient he was with me. In retrospect, it's obvious that he was trying to manipulate me, but back then, when mother wouldn't even answer my letters? It meant everything to me." Her fingers tapped against her elbow. It was the rhythm of the lullaby their mom sang to them. "I only realized how caught up in his deception I was when he told me that if I didn't help him, he would have no choice but to fire me. I couldn't let that happen, not when he could heal you, so... I agreed."

"...I'm gonna kill him. I'm gonna kill that fucking bastard. He hurt you for years, and he hurt King and Luz too!" Her fingers transformed into claws. "I want to see that bastard's blood dripping down my hands. Seeing his entrails lying on the ground."

"Edalyn, breath." Carefully, Lilith took her claws in her hands, doing her best to not look scared. "We can take care of him in the future, but we mustn't do anything hasty. Remember; King and Luz are fine."

"And you? You're not even working for him anymore, but you still dye your hair and straighten it! You think I haven't noticed how you're having trouble sleeping too? He may not be here, but he's still hurting you.

"I know. Believe me, I know. But making an impulsive decision will do more harm than good, Eda. He's not just any person. Killing him without a plan would just end with us all dead, is that what you want?"

"...No."

"Then breathe with me."

Slowly, Eda imitated her breathing, making a couple of feathers disappear.

"Just I don't want him to hurt you anymore. I don't want anyone to hurt you anymore."

"Edalyn, I'm the older sister, it's my duty to worry about those things, not yours."

"Well, I'm the first one to be a mom between the two of us. I have more power. And as such, Lily, I demand that you come with me whenever you cannot bear...everything, understood?"

"I-" For the first time in their entire conversation, Lilith really looked at Eda. Despite all the years, the gray hairs and the changes, she couldn't help but see the same girl who had always tried to make her feel better when Lilith was sad. There were things that didn't change, weren't there? "Yes. I understand."

Carefully, Lilith wrapped her arms around Eda's back, drawing her into a hug.

If they both ended up with wet shoulders...that was nobody's business.

Chapter Text

Lilith swallowed nervously, crouching against the wall of her bed.

Was this the end? Was she going to die because of her stupidity?

Her parents weren't even home. No one would know why the Owl Beast attacked her.

What if they blamed Eda? But it wouldn't be her little sister's fault, but Lilith's for cursing her!

A soft chittering stepped out of it, as The Owl Beast moved closer to her, climbing onto the bed.

"Psh...psh...psh..." It opened its beak, looking at her with big dark eyes.

Oh Titan, was The Owl Beast going to eat her?

"Shit." She had nowhere to run, completely cornered against the wall. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and resigned herself to her fate.

However, nothing happened. 

Tentatively, she opened one of her eyes, but the Owl Beast was completely still, its beak still open.

"What?" If it wasn't going to kill her, then what did it want? "Do you want food?"

"Psh...psh...psh."

"Let me out, and I'll bring you food." Could it even understand her? She had nothing to lose by trying it. 

"Psh..." The Owl Beast moved slightly to the right, lying down on her bed.

Without the danger of dying or being severely maimed, Lilith was able to admit that it looked...quite adorable. Like a baby owl.

Not that it matters. She still has to shake off the curse.

However...

"I'll be right back." She walked to the kitchen with light steps, and took a large piece of meat out of the fridge.

Could the Owl Beast eat it like that? If it really was a baby bird, maybe it can't.

As she recalls, baby birds usually ask their mothers to rips the meat and make their food more digestible.

Even so, The Owl Beast didn't ask that to her mother. If it had, Lilith would have found out.

Instead, they asked her.

...

She shook her head. Better to focus on what she had to do.

With that in mind, she tore the meat into small pieces with a knife, and placed them in a pot.

This would probably be fine, right?

Lilith didn't want to be the next meal.

She grabbed the pot and went to her room. There, the Owl Beast was waiting for her, its head hanging down, as if they were asleep.

With bated breath, Lilith walked over to it, and sat down beside it, extending the pot towards them.

The owl raised its head, hooting, and opened its beak.

Did they want Lilith to feed them?

"Titan, you're just as spoiled as Eda." She groaned, grabbing one of the pieces of raw meat in her hands, and dropping it into its mouth. She did this until she finished feeding them. 

After she returned from washing her bloody hands, and lay down in the empty space of her bed, the Owl Beast lay down on top of her.

"You're freezing." Its down covering was too thin. Soft, but unable to retain heat. 

The Owl Beast hootted again, simply snuggling even further against her.

"Are you a cat or an owl?" Her eyes began to close, The Owl Beast was very soft, and Lilith was very tired after a long day in the library looking for a cure. "You won't kill me if I fall asleep, right?"

Probably not. Like Eda, the Owl Beast was happy to let her pamper them and slack off as much as they could.

"Goodnight, Eda." With that said, she closed her eyes.

The next morning, she woke up buried under Eda, who was drooling on her clothes, completely dead to the world.

"The Owl Beast is much cleaner than you, apparently." She muttered, trying to push her away. 

Eda let out a snort, and hit her with her hand.

"Really?" 

Well, if she couldn't escape, she had to resign herself. 

After all, tomorrow she moves into the castle full-time. This would be the last time she would see Eda for a long, long time.

However...

"Ew! Edalyn, stop drooling on me!"

Chapter Text

The door slammed into the wall. Her pencil fell to the floor, ink staining the sheet of paper she was writing on.

"Lily!" Eda ran to her side with a big smile. "Do you want to go play a prank with me and Rainestorm?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm busy right now."

"Are you being serious?" She complained, watching what she was doing. "You've been writing letters for days as if there were no tomorrow! Can't you just go out and have fun like a normal person?"

"Eda..." She adjusted her glasses. "If I don't do this, I'll never do it."

"I just don't get it." Eda frowned at the stack of letters on the desk. "You sit here every day, writing like we're still in the time of the wild witches. You know we have Scrolls now, right?"

"Of course I know."

"So why are you so determined to lock yourself in your room? You haven't even hung out with Darius or Alador lately. Or, you know, with me, your little sister."

Lilith smiled weakly.

"You'll understand later." No, she wasn't. "Although... I guess I can keep writing tonight. What joke are we and Raine going to play?"

Eda smiled, tapping her foot against the ground.

"We'll dye Odalia's hair brown! And then we'll blow up the detention room!"

"Yeah?" Lilith stood up from her chair, stretching. "Sounds like fun. Although I hope no one finds out about my participation."

"Of course not, sis. Your records will be as clean as ever." She winked at her, leaving her room. "Now come on! We don't want Rainestorm to get bored!"

"I'm going!" 

By the end of that day, Eda had completely forgotten about the letters thing.

But just as Lilith said she would, she understood everything afterward.

She wishes she hadn't.

Chapter Text

"You know what day its, mom?"

"September 18th."

That's all?

Eda pouted. How could they not remember? Today was Lily's birthday!

Eda had been very excited about it all night. She didn't have much money, but she had saved her allowance from the last few months to buy her a comic book about the Savage Age. 

"No, mom, today's Lily's day!"

"Hmm?" 

"Yes! Today is Lily's special day!

"Oh." Mom frowned. "Today is Lilith's birthday."

Why didn't she sound excited?

Eda kicked the ground.

Today was one of the best days of the year!

The only day better is her own birthday, and that's because Lily spoils her even more on that day, and gives her whatever she wants!

Oh, and her parents too. Dad always takes her carving and gives her a wooden owl, and mom takes her on cool adventures.

Although mom never does that for Lily.

Maybe this is the year?

"Yeah! What flavor is the cake? What are you going to give her? Will dad give her a wooden owl or a raven?"

"Why don't you help us with that, Edalyn?" Smiling, she held out her arms to her. "What do you think her favorite cake is? Or the gift she'd like the most?"

Eda jumped into her arms without hesitation. She loved being in Lily's arms, but she wasn't as tall as mom yet, and Eda loved being up high. Seeing everything from above was so much fun.

"Hmm, "I have to try them first!" Eda snuggled against her neck. "And I know Lily wants a collection of history books! I don't like them because they're so boring, but I like them when she tells them."

"Is that so?" She hugged her close as she walked. "Then let's go buy them. And then, we'll tell your dad to get us some ice cream, okay?"

"Yup!" She let out a laugh. "Let's get her lots of presents! She never gets as many as I do."

"That's...right, sweetie." She forced a smile. "Do you know what time your sister will be back? I haven't seen her today."

"Hmm." Eda frowned. "I think she told me she'd be back for me at 8!"

"Oh." Mom frowned too. "Didn't she tell you where she was going?"

"No!" Eda tilted her head. "Probably the library." 

"There's no other place she goes?"

Eda pouted.

"Sometimes she goes with the sticky boy." That boy was very bad, he was always stealing her sister! Eda didn't like him. "Or the nerd."

The nerd was nicer. He always showed her cool animals, and he had a rat that loved back rubs.

"Lilith has several friends, doesn't she?"

"I'm her only friend! Not them." Anyway, they weren't as important as Eda. Lilith always told her bedtime stories, and she never let her go to sleep without tucking her in. They couldn't say the same! "They are just Lily thieves."

"Oh, Edalyn." She stroked her head, filling her face with kisses. "You are very adorable."

"No! I'm not!" Eda was a big girl, like Lily! "Now let's go buy Lily her presents! There has to be twi-twelve! Like her age!"

"Twelve would be." Giving her one last kiss on the forehead, Gwen started walking towards the market.

Chapter Text

Gwendolyn opened her eyes to a dark world.

Immediately afterward, she rubbed them, sitting up in bed. She looked at her clock; it was barely five in the morning.

Why did she wake up? She usually doesn't have trouble sleeping.

Knock knock.

Is there someone knocking at the door? At this hour?

She swung her legs out of bed, tucking her feet into her slippers, and stood up, gently pushing Dell's shoulder to wake him.

Whatever was waiting for her behind that door, she didn't have a good feeling about it. 

"Hmm? Love? What's happening?" He asked in a hoarse voice.

"There's someone knocking at the door."

"At this hour?" Rubbing his eyes, Dell blindly put on his boots, getting out of bed and stretching.

Gwen nodded, walking shoulder to shoulder with him toward the door. Once there, she opened it.

In front of them was a coven recruit, and the Golden Guard himself.

"Good morning." The Golden Guard whispered. "I'm here to notify you of an accident involving your daughter."

"Did something happen to Edalyn?"

No, it couldn't be. Edalyn had never been imprisoned in twenty years. Perhaps they'd just captured her and were being formal about it?

"No." The Golden Guard took a deep breath, tightening his grip on his Staff. "To your other daughter, Lilith Clawthorne."

"Lilith?" Dell frowned. "Did she get hurt on her last mission?"

"You could say that, yes." The Golden Guard bowed. "However, it is not accurate. Lilith Clawthorne, Covenhead of the Emperor's coven, and my battle partner, is dead."

"...What?"

"My sincere condolences." He straightened, looking into their eyes. "Lilith served our Isles well, I can assure you of that. And although she died, she died as she lived: as an excellent leader and witch. In a few hours, her ashes will be delivered to you and to The Owl Lady, as the law requires."

Her ears rang.

Lilith? Her little flea? Dead?

That couldn't be. It simply wasn't possible.

"W-what? How?" Dell gripped her arm tightly, pale.

"A wild witch dishonestly attacked her and her recruits. Lilith sacrificed herself to save them." His breathing was controlled. "She was the only dead. However, not before taking the life of the wild witch with her."

Titan. 

"Does Edalyn know about this?" 

Her youngest daughter would be devastated. She and Lilith had always been close. Knowing she'd lost her...

Gwen didn't know what it would be like for her. But for Gwen, it was as if the world had gone silent.

"Not yet. I'll go notify her after this." The Golden Guard pointed to the recruit at his side. "He will stay with you and inform you of the next steps. Since Lilith is someone of high status, she will have an isles-wide commemoration, and her uniform funeral will be public, but other things, such as the return of her belongings, her Palisman and her wealth, will have to be legally distributed."

Dell nodded, but it was clear he wasn't listening. His hands were shaking, and for once, Gwen didn't know how to help him.

She herself didn't know how to stop the twitching in her eye.

"And the will?" He managed to ask. "When will it be read?"

"In a few days, sir," the recruit replied. "There are only six beneficiaries, all of whom are very well-known, so it will have to be private and highly secure."

"I understand." 

Gwen rubbed her eyes, wiping away the moisture.

"Can- can you go tell Edalyn everything right now, please?" She almost begged.

"Of course. I know how strong her sisterhood with Lilith was, even if they were both on opposite sides of the law." The Golden Guard transformed his Staff so he could fly on it. "Again, my sincere condolences. Bye!"

Just like that, Gwendolyn was alone with her husband, and a random recruit in their suddenly colder and less colorful house.

She should... She should go make some tea. Have something ready for when Edalyn arrives.

The mere thought of being alone with her thoughts...

Simply no. Not until this recruit leaves. Not until she has at least one of her daughters in her arms.

Only one, because she will never be able to hold the other in her arms again.

When was the last time she even hugged Lilith? Or saw her?

Titan, Gwen wanted to throw up.

Chapter Text

Eda rubbed her eyes with one hand, using the other to scratch her belly.

She hated these kinds of nights, where the Owl Beast kept her awake despite how sleepy she was. 

Ever since Lily arrived, it had only gotten worse. She wasn't sure if it was because Lily had almost killed Luz, or because she had cursed her, but her insomnia was getting worse and worse, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to move.

Although, given the light pouring from under Lily's door, she's not the only one who can't sleep.

Stretching her old joints, she walked to the closet, opening the door without knocking.

"Hey Lily, what are you...doing." Her voice fell. Her eyes fixed on the small, open suitcase on the bed, freshly packed. "Lily?"

"Edalyn?" She moved to cover the suitcase, but it was too late. "Did I wake you?"

"Why are you packing a suitcase?"

It had only been two weeks since her near petrification. There was no way Lilith had found another place to live.

"I-" She didn't look her in the eye. "I'm leaving here, sister."

Eda frowned. Whatever drowsiness she had before, faded to nothing. 

"Why?"

"Because that's the right thing to do." Her fingers tapped her arm six times, over and over, with a small interval.

"I thought you wanted to fix things." Eda took a step back, hugging herself. "Are you going to run away again? Cut off contact and pretend nothing happened like you did twenty years ago?"

"Edalyn, that's not-"

"Lilith." She cut her. "Why are you leaving? Especially after Luz, King, and I agreed you could live here?"

"Because I will only bring you harm." Finally, her eyes fell on hers.

Eda raised an eyebrow

"Yeah, well, you already did that. We've already forgiven it. So what's the real reason?"

"No, you don't understand." Lilith pushed a handful of her hair back. "I don't mean to bring you pain, but I will."

"Lilith, this isn't a fucking riddle. Could you just talk straight?" Eda rubbed her temple.

"I'm cursed, Edalyn." Lilith drummed her fingers on her arm again. "I attract misfortune as if I were a bad luck charm."

"What? That is not possible."

"It is." Lilith took a deep breath. "Belos cursed me when I was just a recruit. Since then, I am a guaranteed catastrophe."

Eda frowned.

"No. That's not true." 

However, since Lilith had moved in with them, several things had broken in the owl house, and King was getting sick all the time. Even Luz seemed to get hurt more often than before.

Eda herself was thinking a while ago that she had had a lot of trouble sleeping since Lilith's arrival, wasn't she?

Put like that...it didn't seem like a coincidence.

"You already realized it, right, sister?" Lilith smiled at her bitterly. "That's why I can't be around you all. All I'll give you is pain. So far, only small things have happened, but I know it won't stop there, it never does."

"Lily, why-?"

"Do you know why there are almost no other recruits my age in the Emperor's coven, Edalyn?" It was Lilith's turn to hug herself. "I killed them for being so close to them."

"But Sticky Hair is still alive."

"Because I don't talk to him anymore, sister. I haven't spoken to Darius for anything other than a mission in over fifteen years. Not after I realized that the only reward of being near me was pain."

"So, you're going to leave."

"Yes." Lilith looked at her suitcase. "Tomorrow."

"And what happens next? Where will you live? Will you talk to me? Or will you pretend I don't exist?" 

"I don't know, okay?" She pulled her hair. "Just trust me on one thing: if I stay around, I'll ruin your life even more. And not just yours, the children's too. I have to go."

Eda couldn't contradict her.

If it were only for herself, she would insist that she stay, because she preferred to suffer with her older sister than to be alone.

But now she had King, Luz. She couldn't keep something that could be dangerous to them around.

"Will you at least visit us?"

"If you want me to do it, yes." Lilith tightened her grip on her hair. "However, I'll explain it to the children. They'd better be careful, I can't... I can't hurt them by accident.

Eda nodded, tightening her arms around herself.

Why couldn't anything be easy between them? Why was there always something in the way?

Eda just wanted her older sister back. Was that too much to ask?

Chapter Text

Lilith doesn't like mirrors. The broken mirror in her personal bathroom, which she never bothered to replace, makes that quite clear.

She doesn't need it. She can look perfectly put together without seeing herself in one.

Still, every night before going to sleep, she looks at her shattered reflection.

Look at her straight blue hair, the scars that frame every inch of skin, and her eyes.

Her stupid eyes. Those who every day look more like her mother's, filled with a self-loathing that is almost...satisfying.

Sometimes, all she needs to do is frown and look at her eyes in the mirror, just to imagine her mother looking at her like that. It's all she has left of her.

Her disappointment. Her boredom. There is nothing more representative of Gwendolyn Clawthorne than her eternal look of disappointment.

Well, at least for Lilith. Edalyn was always lucky in that regard.

Lilith wishes she were too. She wishes she could look into her own eyes and remember love, affection, and so much quality time spent together.

But all she remembers are scoldings and sidelong glances. There was never any hatred, but she can't say there was ever any love either.

Lilith hates it. She hates being the exact same shade of green as her mother. Why couldn't she be like Edalyn, and have her father's eyes? At least Lilith knew he loved her.

Maybe if her eyes were golden, if her hair were orange and not red, she could look at her reflection without having to dye her hair and change her appearance.

But that's not the case, and all she can see are the two things she hates most: her mother's gaze, and the Emperor's favorite color.

The only two people she's ever wanted to please, and never been able to.

Chapter Text

Philip adjusted his mask, breathing slowly and evenly.

Being a Prophet for such a sinful society was exhausting. Sometimes, enough to make him doubt whether what he was doing was worth it.

Then he would look at Kikimora, or one of his golden guards, and come to his senses. Even if he sometimes strayed, he would never stray from the path of the Lord.

His brother may have done it, but he already suffered the punishment for his sins, as did the witch he dared to sleep with.

However, perhaps he didn't punish all the witches enough. If that were the case, this bright-eyed, giant-haired girl wouldn't be staring at him with stars in her eyes.

"Who is she?" He asks, just to keep up appearances. He knows perfectly well who she is; he could never forget the witch who messed up his nose, even if she was much younger now.

"I'm Lilith Clawthorne, sir." 

Philip really, really wants to hit something. Of course, the witch who broke his nose was the descendant to his brother's bastard baby.

The Lord loved to test his patience. He had no doubt about it.

"Are you Gwendolyn's daughter?" Only a daughter of that wild woman could provoke such anxiety in him.

"Yes, sir."

He clasps his hands, taking a deep breath.

"And why did you bring her?" 

The stupid recruit (maybe someone high-ranking, who knows) shudders at having his gaze on him.

"She is an excellent recruit, my lord." His arm circles the girl's shoulder, squeezing her shoulder with his hand. "A true prodigy among prodigies."

The girl looks down at the ground, adjusting her glasses as the tips of her demonic ears turn red.

"I thought it was her sister who was a peerless prodigy?" Edalyn Clawthorne's name was whispered quite a bit in his castle by the new recruits. All making fun of the girl who transformed into an owl beast.

A pretty funny curse, if he did say so himself. The witch who did that to her must have really hated her to choose a curse like that.

"She was, but she has strayed from the Titan's path, my lord. However, her older sister has not." He squeezed her shoulder again, acting too comfortable in his presence, and worse, too close with a little spawn of evil, and Philip couldn't stand it anymore.

"Hmm, come out of here, recruit. I want to speak to her personally."

"But-"

Philip raised an eyebrow under his mask.

"Did you just say 'but'?"

"No, my lord." The idiot ran out of there, almost pissing his pants.

Philip looked back at the little demon, who was squirming in place, trying to make herself smaller.

Was this really the woman who was going to break his nose? She looked as weak as he had when he was a child, still unaware of his fate and the weight he would bear on his shoulders.

Huh, she even had the same lock of hair he had in the middle of his forehead when he was little. Could that be part of his brother's legacy? 

"So, tell me about yourself," He says almost reluctantly, settling into his throne. He hated having to pretend to care about these beings.

"Uh." Where was the confidence, the courage? This brat looked like she'd crumble after just one negative comment. "I really like reading."

That was all? Seriously?

"Is there nothing you like to do with your family?" He almost threw up saying that. Why couldn't this brat be as chatty as Kikimora? He wouldn't need to pay attention to her if that were the case. He would just need to nod at the right moments. 

"I like spending time with my sister."

Well, he could work with that.

"The owl beast witch, right?"

"No, Edalyn."

This witch had just...?

God, Caleb had never even met this girl, and yet, she was just like him, always ready to fly into a rage at the slightest mention of her younger sibling in a bad light.

Although that hadn't lasted long for Caleb, leaving him behind for a deceitful and evil witch.

Still, he couldn't help but remember it.

"Edalyn, then." He agreed easily, resting his chin against his hand. "What do you do together?"

"We played with wooden swords and chased each other." Was this witch aware that she shouldn't talk so easily about her life with a unknown man like him? "Although we stopped doing it because mother always scolded us."

No, she definitely doesn't.

"Mother?" He repeated, without faking his curiosity. "Is there any reason behind that formality?"

Her shoulders slumped. Was this a weak point? Interesting.

"Mother always preferred Eda, as did father." 

Hmm. Philip could relate to that. The town had always preferred Caleb, even if Philip was equal or better than him. He just...had a way of connecting with people that he didn't.

One that this girl doesn't have either.

"Is that so?" He stroked his chin. "Why? You're a prodigy too, aren't you?"

"Edalyn has a way of charming people that I don't." Oh, is that bitterness? "Everything works out for her when she does it. She's not bad at anything, and she's very good at talking with people. I'm not."

Huh, so her younger sister was like Caleb. A stupid talker who achieved everything without any effort, leaving everyone behind.

Philip can still remember what it felt like to be around such a person. When he was younger, it wasn't uncommon to see Caleb surrounded by friends and others, smiling and laughing while having fun, while Philip tried and failed to be like him, hiding his shame behind a pile of books. 

Given the dried ink on Lilith's bare hands, he wasn't the only one who did that.

Who would have thought that human blood would be strong enough to overcome sinful blood, and repeat the pattern of his childhood?

"I was like that too." He confesses, straightening on the throne. "But I never gave up until I proved that I was just as capable as my brother."

Even better.

"Really?" Her eyes shine with hope, which isn't an unusual look to receive as he is the Emperor, but this time...it gives him a strange feeling in his chest.

"Yes." Biting his lip, he decides to get up from his throne, and approach where Lilith is standing. "I learned to make sacrifices and stay on track. I think you can too."

After much thought, he puts a hand on her hair, like Caleb did with his when they were both children, and ruffles it.

The girl melts at the touch.

"I promise not to fail you, Emperor. I will be just like you!" Her smile is bright, almost blinding.

And Philip...

Maybe he can save her. This girl isn't completely a witch; she has human blood. The same blood as his and his brother's.

She can still see the light.

So he laughs softly under the mask.

"Call me Philip, that's my real name."

Chapter Text

Gwendolyn frowned, biting her lip.

There was something, she wasn't sure what, that kept all her senses on alert. Something strange enough to catch her attention.

The question was, what? Edalyn acted the same as always. She didn't know the children well enough to notice anything strange about them, and Lilith...

Oh.

That was what was getting her attention, wasn't it?

"Little flea?" 

Lilith turned to her.

However, she didn't look her in the eyes or at her face. Her gaze was slightly to the left until Mike croaked against her ear.

Only then, her eyes were on her face.

"Hmm? Something happened, mother?"

"No, I was just wondering if you could pass me that tray over there?"

She didn't need any tray. She just needed a proof. 

One that Lilith gave her when she didn't follow the movement of her hand, look away or looked where Gwen was pointing.

Maybe it was a mistake. Perhaps Gwen was taking several things out of context, after all, she had seen Lilith move with complete naturalness and efficiency in the battle that took place on the bridge, the same way she had seen her walk into the Owl House with ease, or watch over the children.

But this was an unfamiliar environment for her daughter. Yes, it was her childhood home, but she hadn't lived there in twenty years. 

"Of course." Mike pecked at her ear, and Lilith's hand, which was hovering over a vase, quickly shifted to the tray. "Here."

Gwen grabbed it, nodding.

"Thanks. By the way, Lilith... I was wondering what happened to your glasses. Hasn't your vision worsened over the past few years, dear?"

"I-" She crossed her arms, clenching them tightly. "Don't need them anymore."

"Yeah? Has your sight recovered?" Taking care to make sure her footsteps didn't make a sound, Gwen walked toward her. Mike looked at her, but didn't say anything. 

Gwen was going to give him some snacks later for cooperating.

"Yes."

Without further ado, Gwen raised her fist toward her daughter's face. She would never hit her, of course, but it was the easiest way to trigger a reflex.

However, nothing happened. Lilith's eyes didn't even focus on the hand, still positioned where Gwen had been standing a few seconds ago.

It shouldn't be like this. Her daughter, as a former soldier, should react instantly to the threat of a punch. And even without that, she should also react quickly. It was the natural thing to do.

"Darling, please don't lie to me." She carefully placed het hands on her arms, squeezing them gently. "You don't see anymore, do you?"

"What-?" Lilith stepped back. Mike pecked at her neck, but even that didn't get her attention. "Why do you think that, mother?

"Darling, your father is blind in one eye, I know everything I need to know about blindness." She softened her voice. "How did it happen?"

"...It was due to an injury that led to an infection." She said, biting her lip. "It was the result of a coven mission gone wrong. Since then, I've been using Socks as my guide, since I can only see lights faintly. That's why only I, as Covenhead, kept my palisman."

"Oh, dear." The lack of details was more worrying than the harsh truth. "Do Edalyn and the children know?"

Gwen glanced at them quickly through the window. The three of them were playing outside in the yard, taking advantage of the last rays of sunlight of the day.

"No." Dropping her arms to her sides, she slapped her thigh repeatedly. "I usually only left my room when the day it was quite sunny, and I had Socks by my side. Only Hootcifer knows, but he's been helping me keep it a secret."

Gwen frowned.

"But why are you hiding it, little flea? No one will look down on you for that."

"I don't need anyone to look at me with pity. I may not be able to see their looks, but I can feel them."

Oh, Gwen had struck a chord.

"Sweetie, that's not-"

"Mother, can we forget this? My blindness is no one's concern but my own."

How could she say that?

"Lilith, everyone needs to know. What if you ever can't defend yourself? Or don't have Mike with you? You could hurt yourself!"

Feathers grew on her daughter's neck, whose shoulders were now tense, her fists clenched against her side.

"I'm not a helpless baby, Mother. I'm a grown woman, I can take care of myself. I've always done it."

"But-"

"I don't need your help, or anyone's. I didn't need it when I was a little girl, I didn't need it when I was a teenager, and I certainly don't need it now." Lilith turned around. "So forget it, like you always forgot about me until a few weeks ago."

She didn't have time to say anything else; Lilith ran out of the room.

Chapter Text

Lilith took a deep breath, leaning her head against the wall, her scroll crushed in her hands.

"So this is the end."

And what an ending it was, just as pathetic as her. 

Forty years of life, and she has achieved absolutely nothing? That was impressive. 

But, what can she say? Lilith lives to disappoint. She was born that way. It's an art she's already mastered.

It's the one thing she can't seem to get rid of. She's been incredibly successful at ruining lives, severing relationships, and breaking trust, but apparently not disappoint even those who expect the worst of her is a step too far.

How deliciously miserable. The Titan must be laughing in his grave. She doesn't blame him; she wants to laugh too.

It's just that... She wasted so much time, so much energy, on nonsense, that she lost sight of what was truly important: the people she loved.

And now that she finally realized it, it's too late. She missed her chance.

"I'm sorry, Edalyn. For abandoning you when you needed me most."

What a shitty older sister she was. Edalyn made the right decision by cutting her out of her life; Lilith had never done anything good for her.

"I'm sorry, Darius, for not being a good friend, and I'm sorry, Alador, for not helping you get out of that stupid marriage."

Hopefully, they'd be able to talk to each other again someday. Reconnect. Although she didn't have much hope for that.

"I'm sorry, Amity, for failing you as a mentor and...and mother. I should have known better." She wishes she could tell her in person, but she was too much of a coward for that. "I'm sorry, Edric and Emira, for hurting your sister, and ignoring you when you both clearly needed help."

Lilith, more than anyone, should have known what they were feeling and stopped it. Why didn't she? Was it really so hard for her to do something good for once in her life?

"I'm sorry, Steve, for not listening to you and leaving you behind." He would be better off without her, but he was still her only friend. "I'm sorry, father, for ruining your career. And I'm sorry, Mother, for...for being born."

She took a deep breath, a lump in her throat, and got out of bed, grabbing her palisman.

Before dying, at least she could do something useful. It wouldn't change the stupidity of her existence, but at least it would be better than nothing.

"Sorry everyone." She murmured, wiping the dried tears from her cheeks.

It was time for the only person worse than Lilith to leave.

It was time for the Emperor to die.

Chapter Text

Lilith looked at the sleeping child in his bed. He was small, no more than two or three years old, and very thin.

Still, he had the same baby fat that Edalyn had had at his age, which was quite adorable.

"My lord, may I know what happened to his parents?"

"Oh, Lilith." The Emperor's eyes glistened with unshed tears, his brow furrowed as he looked at his nephew. "I arrived too late. His mother, a Wild Witch, had already killed my brother with a stab to the chest after tricking him into being with her."

"Oh Emperor." Lilith bit her lip, and after much thought, placed a hand on his shoulder. The man looked so imposing and wise every day, that it was easy to forget that he was a witch like her. "I'm so sorry for you and your brother."

"Thank you, Lilith. I know I can always count on you."

She smiled at him.

"Of course, my Lord." She looked at the child, her heart aching. "What will you do with him now?"

"I'll take care of him as if he were mine, of course. He's all I have left of my brother." His bright eyes settled on hers. "It may be too much of me to ask, but could you take care of him too? I don't want him to grow up like me, without a mother and father."

A...mother? Lilith?

She didn't know how to be one. Her mother was not a good example of one.

However...

It couldn't be much different from being a big sister, right?

"I will, my lord." 

"Thanks. Oh, and Lilith? Call me Philip when we're alone. Hunter can't grow up in such a complicated environment. I prefer that we explain our situation and status to him when he is a teenager."

"Of course, my lo- I mean, Philip." Her gaze went from the boy, Hunter, to the Emperor. "May I ask why that is his name?"

"Like his mother, of course you can." He smiled softly at her. "I chose it because when he grows up he'll be the best wild Witch Hunter there ever was."

Lilith nodded. That made sense.

"Once he's old enough, I'll train him to be one." 

"Sounds good to me. You've always been my best and most trusted soldier." Philip straightened, looking much lighter. "I will give the news about our heir to all the Isles tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Isn't that too soon?"

"Maybe, but I want everyone to know that this child is protected by us. That way, everyone will know the consequences of hurting him."

"Oh, sorry for questioning you, my lord. You're absolutely right." 

"Of course I am, Lilith. And call me Philip. From now on, our relationship will only grow."

Huh?

Chapter Text

"Oh, Lilith." Belos laughed softly, resting his chin against his hand with a satisfied smile. "You're so naive. Did you really think I cared about you?"

Lilith panted heavily, her body glistening with sweat, as she hunched over the tiles in front of the throne, holding her bleeding side.

"I'm sorry, Emperor. I'm sorry." 

Belos clicked his tongue, banging his staff against the ground.

"You're a Witch. You destroy and burn everything you touch. Everything you love." His staff lit up. "So let me help you, Lilith. Let me turn you into a true being of self-destruction."

A hiss escaped from between her gritted teeth as another wave of pain shook her body. 

"Please, no-"

"Silence." He pointed his staff at her. "This is the punishment for failing me."

Her vision went white as a heart-rending scream escaped her throat. 

Blazing fire coursed through her skin, her veins, her soul, disassembling and reassembling everything at his will. Her body fell to the ground, panting and trembling, every nerve screaming and pleading for it all to stop.

"Everything you love will decay and turn to ashes. That's your curse, your destiny." 

Lilith could barely hear his words, her ringing ears drowning out anything but her labored breathing.

"Don't let me down again. Next time I won't be so nice." Without giving her a last look, Belos left, ordering his golden guard to look after her.

As he walked, he smiled. A curse as painful, as powerful, and as terrible as Misfortune was the just punishment for the witch who had broken his nose so many years ago. It would certainly ruin her head. Only eighteen years old, and cursed to watch everyone die because of her for the rest of her life? There was no punishment more deliciously cruel.

Especially since she herself couldn't die or escape. Not if she knew what was good for her sister.

Hmm. Philip has outdone himself this time. He should celebrate. A good wine and reading his journal would make the evening only more perfect.

Chapter Text

1) Eda

Lilith yawned, covering her mouth with watery eyes.

It was two in the morning, and no one but her was awake.

Which was understandable. Luz had classes, and King needed twelve hours of sleep to function.

Edalyn, however...

She looked at the door curiously. Perhaps it was the shared curse, or the older sister instinct, but she was sure Eda was awake too.

The question was whether she should talk to her, or go lie down in her attempted nest.

After much thought, and pacing in front of her door, Lilith grabbed the handle and pulled.

Edalyn looked at her, with dark circles under her eyes and slightly sweaty skin. She looked like she hadn't slept at all.

Gently, Lilith closed the door behind her and walked over to the nest, cautiously lying down in it. Eda, however, didn't react, blinking sleepily at her.

Good. At least she didn't hate her enough to make her instincts want to attack her.

"I have you, Edalyn." Settling in beside her, she pulled her younger sister against her, hugging her to her chest. Eda squawked, but just like when they were little girls, she snuggled against her. "Dream. I won't let you have nightmares."

Perhaps because the nightmare is right next to her, holding her.

"I'm not a child." She weakly complain, but when she gently brushed her hair, she quickly fell asleep.

Lilith looked down at her, still brushing.

So many years had passed, and Eda still trusted her enough for this.

Lilith truly didn't deserve such a good younger sister.

"I love you, Neda," she whispered against her ear, placing a kiss on her forehead. Eda responded somewhat, but Lilith couldn't understand it. Soon, she fell asleep beside her.

2) Luz

"What are you doing up at this hour, niece?"

"Huh? Hi Aunt. I was just..." Wringing her hands together, Luz looked longingly at the food in the refrigerator.

Lilith smiled, coming closer. "You want something to eat, don't you?"

"Yes. I know I shouldn't, because we're tight on money, but I'm really hungry. The griffon egg doesn't fill me up very much, but don't tell Eda!"

Stroking her hair, Lilith shook her head. Then, she took several ingredients and a frying pan out of the fridge.

"I won't tell her anything. But only if you don't tell her about this late-night snack, okay?" She winked at her. "And feel free to eat whenever you're hungry. Edalyn and I can work our budget just fine."

Lilith wasn't used to eating much, anyway. Ever since she'd joined the Emperor's coven, she'd been thin and lanky. 

Going to sleep hungry wasn't unusual. So she didn't want her niece to experience the same thing. Edalyn would never forgive herself.

"Of course not, cool Aunt Lily!" Smiling, Luz climbed onto the counter, sitting on it. "I'm not a snitch."

"That's my niece." 

If they both stayed up all night drinking tea and eating while talking, well, Edalyn didn't say anything. 

Contrary to popular belief, she knew what to say and what not to.

3) King

"I brought you something, nephew."

King lifted his head from his paws, his eyes narrowed, and sniffed the air. His tail wagged at the sweet scent, and he immediately stood up.

"What have you brought me, servant?" 

Hesitating a bit, Lilith sat next to him on the couch, and handed him a cupcake. 

"It's the replacement for the one my student ruined."

"Oh." He didn't hesitate before devouring it, squealing happily. "It's very good, my humble believer."

Lilith bit her lip. Should she...?

"You know you can call me Auntie, right? I know you and Edalyn haven't admitted it out loud, but you're her son. So, if you want to call me that, you can.

King froze, staring at her, his muzzle smeared with cream. Lilith gently wiped it with a handkerchief.

"Okay... Aunt Lily." Looking at her doubtfully, he nodded, agreeing with the new title, and went back to eating.

Lilith smiled at him.

4) Darius 

Lilith held the scroll close to her face, drumming her fingers against her arm.

Fortunately, the call was answered.

"Hey, Darius. I heard you're in a rebellion. Do you think you have time to spend with a criminal like me now?"

Darius rubbed his eyes, just waking up.

"Back in my day, you used to say good morning first." Stretching and wiping the sleep from her eyes, she nodded. "Yeah. I guess it's been a while since we hung out, hasn't it?"

Only fifteen years ago.

"Yes. So what do you want to do?"

"Well, first of all, I want to fix the mess that is your hair, and then buy you some new clothes because, Titan, you need a better wardrobe, glasses."

She should be offended. She isn't. Instead, her chest feels warm.

It's like coming home.

5) Amity

"I'm sorry for what I did to you, Amity."

"What?"

"I was your mentor, and I shouldn't have taken advantage of your trust like that. Especially not just for my ego. I'm so sorry."

"That was... a long time ago." She said, squirming in place, not looking at her."

"Still, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. And it's okay for it to, you know?" Lilith didn't look at her former student. Instead, she focused on the orange sky. It was almost nightfall.

"I... Yes. It hurt because I trusted you, and then you acted like mom and I..."

"You felt betrayed." Lilith nodded. "I should have known better. Now I know. And believe me, I deeply regret how I acted toward you. I should have been more mature."

"Yes, you should." Amity leaned her head against her arm. "Promise me you won't do it again."

"I won't, I swear to the Titan." She pulled her a little closer, stroking her hair. "And just so you know, Amity, I'm so proud of the person you've become."

Amity didn't say anything. There was no need to.

They both knew what the other felt.

6) Alador

"You should leave Odalia."

"Lilith?"

"You're not happy with her, Alador. You haven't been for a long time, and neither are the children."

"...they aren't?"

"No. They just want their father. Someone to take care of them and be there for them, and right now? You're not that man."

"But Odalia takes care of them."

"Odalia uses them. It's different. If they could? They'd leave home without hesitation."

"...I'll see what I can do. And if I see Odalia hurting the children, I'll come to her defense."

"That's all I ask." Without further ado, Lilith hung up the call, sighing. There wasn't much time left.

7) Dell

"Hey Dad, now that I'm living here again, do you think you could teach me how to carve again? I've gotten really rusty since the last time I did it."

Dell stroked his beard, smiling.

"Of course, honey. Do you want us to sand Mike's splinters?"

"That would be lovely. I haven't spent time taking care of him in a long time."

"Yes." He grabbed his tools, handing them to her with shaky hands. "Hmm, we should clean his feathers, and smooth his staff first."

"Sure. Are we going to sit on Clawthorne's log?

Dell laughed, patting her on the back.

Lilith tried not to melt. She'd been longing for this for years.

"Of course, little one. I think it's time you and I had our father-daughter time."

Lilith pretended not to notice her father's shining eyes.

Her father, on the other hand, pretended not to notice hers.

If they had both been whispering and working the rest of the afternoon...well, Gwendolyn was happy to see them that way.

8) Hunter

"Golden Guard."

"Ex Covenhead."

The two stared at each other, both gripping their staffs.

Lilith gave in first, allowing Mike to shapeshift, transforming into a raven, which quickly went to nestle in the Golden Guard's hair.

If Lilith saw a small red palisman bird there... no, it was a hallucination.

Instead, Lilith clenched her fists.

"If you're going to escape the castle, go to Hexside."

"What? I'd never-"

Lilith shook her head, gently grabbing him by the shoulders and looking into his eyes.

"Hunter. Belos isn't what you think he is. If you feel your life is being threatened, go to Hexside. Bump will protect you."

"I don't need to be protected. I'm not a baby."

"No, but you are a child. And I should have seen that before." Slowly enough for Hunter to step back, she brought her hand up to his face and caressed his cheek. "I never should have treated you the way I did. I'm so sorry. I should have taken care of you."

Hunter's lower lip trembled.

"I can take care of myself."

"You can." She agreed. "But it shouldn't have been this way."

Hunter said nothing.

"Please, Hunter, promise me that if anything happens, no matter what, and you feel unsafe, you'll go to Hexside."

"...I promise."

"Thank you." Lilith pushed his hair back, kissed his forehead, and pulled away from him. "Please take care of yourself. Once this is over, I want to be able to hug you."

Hunter ran his hands over his face, wiping away his tears.

"I will." He put on the mask, hiding his face. "Try not to die too. I won't let you break that promise."

"That's the point."

With nothing more to say, the Golden Guard walked away. Mike flapped back to her, squawking happily over her shoulder.

There was only one person left.

9) Gwen

Lilith held her breath, her cheeks and ears flushed. It was late at night, and everything was dark except for the lamp in her parents room, so it shouldn't be that noticeable.

"Mother, could you... could you read me a story like you used to do with Edalyn and me when we were little?"

Gwen looked up from her book, leaving it on her nightstand, and adjusted her glasses, getting out of bed where Dell was still asleep.

"Of course, honey. Let's go to your room."

Feeling like a little girl, Lilith did so. When they arrived, Gwen stopped Lilith to tuck herself.

"Let me do this one last time, okay, little flea?" She didn't have the strength to refuse, and so, for the first time in over thirty years, her mother tucked her in, gave her a bedtime kiss, dragged her desk chair to the side of her bed, and began to sing softly.

It wasn't exactly what Lilith had asked for, but...she wasn't complaining.

Not when her mother continued combing her hair, singing softly, looking at her with loving eyes.

Not when she covered her face with kisses, and gave her one last look before going to her room.

Not when she looked at her with tearful eyes and a small smile.

It was perfect. 

It was all Lilith needed. As if her mother could finally understand her, and somehow knew she needed to be with her tonight.

And now...

Now she was free.

No sin or weight was on her shoulders anymore.

10) Everyone 

On her birthday, Lilith smiled, danced, and sang with everyone. She hugged every single one of the children, and refused to leave Eda's side. She even talk to Darius, Alador and Raine again. 

It was a very joyful day. Full of laughter and silly games.

No one knew that that very night, Lilith, having just turned forty-seven, would never live another year. That she would leave silently, without warning or goodbye.

Chapter Text

"Daughter?"

Lilith blinked slowly at him, wiping the snow from her eyelashes with a trembling hand. Her body didn't move a single inch, still leaning against a large tree, with two other recruits asleep against her sides.

"Dad?" She murmured. 

"Yeah." Lifting his boots from the snow, he walked toward her with a grimace. It was freezing up here on the mountain, even if the view was spectacular. "What are you doing here?"

His daughter wasn't dressed for the sub-zero temperatures. All she was wearing was her standard recruit uniform. Why?

"Training." She answers, hiding her face between her knees. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose are red from the cold, just like those of her friends.

"Training?" Dell frowned. This wasn't training. There was no food, clothing, or fire anywhere, just recruits piled on top of each other. "Daughter, how long have you been here?"

His daughter was barely seventeen years old, fresh out of a comfortable home. The Emperor's coven couldn't be foolish enough to immediately throw a lot of kids to their death, right?

"Only five days." 

"Oh." That was...more than it should have been, but easy to bear. "So how long do you have left to finish this training?"

Lilith rubbed her eyes, sleepy.

"Twenty-five days."

"What?" 

A month? His daughter had to be on the Knee without supplies for a month?!

"Where's Mike Socks?" He sank to his knees in the snow in front of her, examining her body. There were a few bruises, but nothing too worrisome. "Why isn't he with you?"

The Emperor really expected a group of children with little training to survive on the snowy mountains for a whole month? What was on his mind?!

Lilith had only just started her training two months ago!

"Palismans are not allowed. We have to survive without them."

Dell's blood ran cold.

"Survive?" 

"This is a battle for survival, dad." Her voice was almost monotonous. "Only the strongest will return to the castle."

His hands shook from where he gripped Lilith's shoulders.

What kind of wild training was this? The Emperor was forcing children to kill each other just because he wanted to?

His daughter was only seventeen. Seventeen! She was still a child. She shouldn't have to do this.

"Little one, just tell me where you are, and your mother and I will come and get you."

"...Why?"

Dell squeezed her shoulders, ignoring the sting of the snow against his skin.

"Because you're a kid. This job isn't what I want you to do with your life."

"Dad, I-"

A heart-rending scream pierced the air.

"Guys, run! Someone woke up the Slitherbeast!"

No, no no-

"Lilith, quick, where are you?"

The snow-covered trees began to blur. Her daughter gave him one last look before drawing a magic circle in the air.

"Sorry, dad."

The world went black, and Dell woke up in his bed, frozen to the bone.

"Please be well. Please be well." His heart pounded against his chest. "Titan, please keep my daughter safe. I beg you, please."

Eda stretched her arms above her head, yawning. 

Feeling better, though her skin was slightly cold, even though the sun was rising between the mountains, she looked around.

She hadn't really expected to show up here when she decided to take her afternoon nap, but she was happy to be. Since Dad had that dream two weeks ago, he hadn't had another one. And although they had tried to talk to other recruits, no one had wanted to tell them anything about Lily's whereabouts.

The fact that she was here, instead of trapped with the Owl Beast, at least meant that Lilith was alive, even if she couldn't see her yet.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Was that a sob from Lily? 

Eda frowned, straining her ears. She could hear faint cries further ahead in the woods.

"What trouble did you get into, Lily?" She cursed, trying not to get her legs buried in the snow. It was impossible to walk here. "I'm supposed to be the troublemaker of the family."

"Sorry. Titan, sorry." Her voice was heard closer.

Eda quickened her pace, reaching a clearing with a frozen river.

"Lily?" She called out, not knowing where to go. The sobs stopped. "Lily, it's me! Eda!"

"Get out of here, Edalyn. Please." Her voice was weak. Too weak.

Eda looked around until she finally found red among all the white. She walked toward it, only to see...

"Lilith?!"

Her sister was on top of someone, breathing heavily. She had the handle of a knife in her hand, buried firmly in the chest of, what she now saw, was another recruit.

Titan, did Lily kill someone?

"Eda, get out of here." Lilith raised her head to look at her, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Shit." Her eyes were swollen, and her eyelids and dark circles were a deep black. There was even blood falling from her forehead. Hell, Lilith was almost as pale as snow! "What happened to you!?"

"Nothing." With a grimace, Lilith clenched the handle in her hands, pulling it from the recruit's chest, standing on wobbly knees. "You shouldn't have had to see this, Edalyn."

Closing her eyes, Lilith wiped the blood from the knife onto her jacket, running the back of her free hand across her mouth. Was that vomit that was next to the corpse?

"And you shouldn't have had to do this!" Titan, Eda didn't even feel bad about not joining the Emperor's coven anymore. If this was how they treated their recruits, she was happier outside. "Dad and Mom have been worried about you all week!"

"Is that so?" Without looking at her, Lilith turned the corpse over, easily removing the cape and putting it on her, also taking advantage of the opportunity to take away all his weapons. "I'm fine."

Eda, very consciously, didn't look at the corpse. That thing would be enough nightmare material even without seeing it again.

"Well, you look like you're the living dead!"

"Better than the other recruits. Almost all of them are dead."

"What?"

"Hmm." Lilith walked clumsily towards her. "Only twenty of forty recruits are alive, counting me."

"Lilith, what the fuck?" Where was her worried, sentimental sister? This woman, no, soldier, couldn't be her. 

"It's kill or be killed, Edalyn." Lilith continued forward, without looking at her. She swayed as if she were drunk. "There are only two weeks left until we return to civilization. I'm not going to die soon."

However, her leg gave way, and Lilith ended up collapsed on the ground, her face towards the blue, sunny sky.

"Lily!?"

"I'm fine." She didn't move, letting out a sigh. "Ice helps reduce the swelling anyway." 

Eda was almost afraid to ask.

"The swelling of what?

"The fracture in my skull."

"Your- your fracture in what?!" 

"Hmm." Her eyes closed. "How have you been lately, Edalyn?"

Eda really, really wanted to scream. Her older sister was actively hurt, and that was the first thing she asked her? Not a 'could you come get me'? Or a 'could you tell our parents I'm okay'?

"Given that I thought my sister was dead for a whole week, I'd say I haven't been doing well."

"But I'm not?"

"Well, it looks like you're about to be." She couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice, plopping down beside her anyway. "Why can't you just tell us where you are so we can bring you home?"

"...Because I don't know." 

"Huh?"

"The covenhead didn't tell us anything before dumping us here."

At this rate, Eda was going to become a Wild Witch, for Titan's sake.

"What do you mean he didn't tell you anything!?"

"He just told us it was survival training, nothing more." 

"Damn," Eda lay down in the snow, burying her head in the crook of Lilith's neck, like she did when she was a child. "So I have to wait half a month just to find out if my sister is alive or not?"

"Quite." Lilith moved her hands clumsily, unable to stroke her hair as she always did. "But I'll be fine."

Eda closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around Lily. 

"I hope so. I refuse to be an only child."

The two stayed there until Eda was forced to wake up from her nap.

When she did, she had to wipe the tears from her eyes, hugging herself and unable to stop sobbing.

It was finally her turn to see her daughter. The month was almost over, and since Edalyn had dreamed about Lilith, no one had heard from her.

However, Gwen can't see her yet. The cold is already biting at her skin, but she can't see anything; everything is dark.

Where is she? This darkness is not that of the sky, it is almost like a...

-confinement.

"Lilith?" Crossing the snow that buries her, she moves forward a little. "Little flea?"

Her lungs hurt a little. She's not even physically present here, and she's struggling to breathe.

How is her daughter?

There is a gasp for breath. Is muffled, but not enough to not be heard. Gwen pushes through the snow, and...

And there Lilith is.

She was lying back down in the snow, her arms and legs completely buried. She couldn't move, and from the looks of it, she could barely breathe.

"Oh Titan." Gwen covered her hands with her mouth, watching her in horror.

Because... because there was nothing she could do to get her out of there. All she could do was touch Lilith, nothing else. Not move her, or dig her up.

"My baby." Gwen fell beside her, passing through the snow as if she were a ghost. "Oh my baby."

Lilith looked horrible. Her hair was greasy, her face was red and burned by the frostbite, and her lips were purple. 

She didn't even look like she weighed more than twenty kilograms, for Titan's sake. She was too thin, almost to the bone.

"M-mom?" 

Gently, Gwen took her face in her hands, ignoring the shrinking of her heart. Oh her poor little girl...

"Yes. Mom is here."

Lilith blinked slowly at her, almost wearily.

"How nice..." She murmured between heavy breaths. "I didn't want to be alone."

Hot tears slid down her cheeks as Lilith smiled at her. 

This was her baby. Her little girl. She shouldn't look like a walking corpse, like a lost soul from a tragedy. She was only eighteen years old.

And yet, she looked much older, covered in wounds and tired. Even her gums were covered in blood.

Any baby fat on her face was gone, as was her innocence.

"You won't be." She promised, caressing her cheek.

"Thanks." Her eyes began to close. "I'm sorry for letting you down, mom. I should have been better."

"What?"

There was no response.

"Lily flea?"

Nothing.

"Lilith, please, this is not funny..."

More tears fell down her cheeks. Her daughter's face lay deathly still in her hands.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

She didn't even notice when she woke up, still crying her eyes out as she hugged herself.

She didn't care anymore.

"I've got Clawthorne! Someone come and heal her, her pulse is very weak!"

"Titan, she's not breathing anymore."

"Come on, we can save her. They're coming for us today. We just—we just need to not give up, okay?"

"Guys, the healers have arrived! Someone take Clawthorne with them!"

Chapter Text

Lilith froze, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.

Was that the human? Was she going to fight Belos? By herself?

She was just a child. 

She shouldn't go near Belos. She's young.

Lilith takes a deep breath, her heart thumps against her ears, and her skin itches.

She has to go with her. It doesn't matter how much resentment Lilith has to her, or that she seriously threatened her life just a few hours ago.

No child deserves to be around Belos. He'll hurt her, break her, and mold her however he wants.

She's not going to be hurt the same way she was. Lilith is not going to let Belos lay a hand on her.

"Wait there, human. I'm coming."

Gripping Socks tightly in her hands, she quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest, bile rising in her throat.

She'd never forgive herself if she was late. She might be a shitty person, but even she wouldn't leave Luz in Belos's hands.

Belos was that terrible. A man who didn't hesitate to take what he wanted. He had a knack for making death seem like a mercy. An escape from the filthy skin of the body.

"I'm sorry, Edalyn." If she was going to save Luz, she wouldn't have time to go rescue her sister. 

Still, she was sure Edalyn preferred it that way. She'd always had a bleeding heart.

Also, Eda would never forgive her if she knowingly left Luz in Belos's hands. Lilith wouldn't either.

Luz doesn't know it, but the hits and wounds are the least of her worries. Belos would never be so kind to such a defenseless and weak girl.

Chapter Text

Home, for Lilith, has never been something too elaborate.

At least not for her. When she was young, home was her younger sister, and the time she could spend with her friends. And sometimes, her home was carving and seeing the stars next to her father.

When she grew up, home became the castle. And then, wherever she slept on a mission. On the ground, in a treetop, buried under the snow...

Home was now a more literal topic. A place where she could rest after a long day. Not a person she could talk to and confide in. That didn't exist in the Coven.

After losing her position in the coven and starting to live in Edalyn's house, she thought she'd never have a home again. Not after destroying and betraying it the way she had.

However, trying to predict Edalyn is like trying to predict a wild beast; difficult, inaccurate, and often wrong.

Not that she's complaining. Her home is now a big one. She has a younger sister with whom she's reconnecting, an enthusiastic and fun-loving niece, a tyrannical little nephew, and a best friend and soulmate as the house demon.

All the people who, for some reason she'll never understand, love and care about her.

People that she, suddenly and without warning, lost.

And, in a way, it was helpful. It helped her bond with her sister more than ever before, but the months of pain and uncertainty were too high a price to pay.

Everything went well, of course. Her niece wouldn't let it happen any other way.

She was like that. So enthusiastic and happy that she motivated everyone around her to be the best version of themselves.

Without her, Lilith is sure she would never have had a home, much less several. She recovered and bonded with her entire family, and in the process, made amends with her former student and reconnecting with her two childhood best friends at the same time.

Lilith truly owes her niece a lot. So much so that she'll never be able to fully repay it. However, Luz is so kind that she'll never charge her for it. She might not even realize it.

Chapter Text

"I hope today is the day you bring The Owl Lady to the castle, Lilith. I'd hate to have to punish you."

The Owl Lady?

Who was-?

Oh.

Yeah. 

That was a part of her family, right?

"Edalyn?" Lilith rubbed her forehead, feeling thousands of tiny needles pierce her brain. "Yes, I will catch her, my lord."

Edalyn was her younger sister. How could she forget her? Lilith was old, but not that old!

Maybe some spell was affecting her memory? No. Lilith would have noticed, she wasn't Covenhead for nothing, so why...?

Why couldn't she remember her face?

Eda was- she was a pale woman, right?

And her hair was-

Was-

...She doesn't know.

"Fuck." She rubbed her forehead again, grimacing. The Emperor didn't even look at her, chatting with Kikimora. "I have to find her."

Getting up from the floor with a slight dizziness, Lilith took long strides towards her room, closing the door behind her once she entered.

She needed photos. Letters. Anything with her sister in it.

"I have it! Eh?" 

But no matter how much she looked at the photo in her hand, nothing appeared in her head.

The girl in it. Red-haired, very cheerful, and as pale as Lilith herself, didn't even provoke the tingle one would get upon seeing a stranger again.

And her chest, which should have been filled with warm feelings, or at least something, was empty. Just as it had been before she saw the photo. 

There had to be something else, right? Some thought, some feeling, hell, even some memory. This was her little sister, not some stranger she'd never met!

And yet-

And yet, she just couldn't bring herself to care about the woman in the photograph. Was this indifference normal? Was this how she'd felt all her life? Or was this something new?

She doesn't know. Why doesn't she know?

Chapter Text

"Tell me it's not true."

"Huh? Little flea? I haven't seen you in years. What brings you here today?"

Lilith tightened her grip on her Palisman, trying to hide the trembling in her hands.

"Mother, I know." Her throat was dry. "I know who cursed Edalyn."

"Oh?" Mother smiled, and if it were anyone else, she might not have noticed. But Lilith knows her. She knows she would never smile at her for no reason, she's not Eda. "That's great news! Who is it, darling?"

Lilith took a deep breath, her heart pounding against her chest.

"You." 

"Me? Oh, dear." She shook her head. "I understand that you're desperate to find someone to blame, but blame me, your own mother? I didn't think you'd go this far."

Lilith tightened her grip even more, her knuckles turning white. 

"Mother, I-" No, Lilith couldn't apologize and back down. She was forty, and she couldn't be afraid of her mother. "I know the truth. Just tell me, why did you do it?"

"I didn't do it, little flea." She'd never seen her look so disappointed before. "And I'm sorry you think I did. Is it because I haven't paid much attention to you lately?"

Lately?

It had been twenty years since she last spoke to her mother.

But why was she surprised? If Gwendolyn had hurt her favorite and beloved daughter, why would she have any qualms about doing it to the daughter she despised?

"Mother, please." Why was she always so weak? Why could she never stand strong in front of her mother? "Just tell me."

She needed a reason. An explanation. Her mother, as a member of the Beast Keeping Coven, should have known how terrible the curse was, so why...?

"Oh, sweetie." She sighed. "I didn't want Edalyn to leave."

"Eh?"

"I didn't want Edalyn to leave." Gwendolyn repeated. "I knew the Coven would hurt her, that that wasn't the life she'd like, and that she wouldn't be safe like that, so..."

"So you cursed her." So many years of pain for Eda, for Raine, for their dad, just for that? "I can't believe it."

But she could. Her mother was always willing to do anything for Edalyn.

Lilith had never been happier to be the forgotten daughter until today. On the other hand, she's also angry. Her mother had ruined her little sister's life, how could she not be?

"Dad knows?"

"Of course no. He could never have made that hard decision."

Good. Dad was still reliable. He was still someone Edalyn could bond with. 

Especially because...

"I'll tell Edalyn. She needs to know this."

Gwen's face contorted. 

"Darling, no, that's not a good idea." She approached her, taking her hands. "If Edalyn finds out it was me, she'll be devastated. That won't be good for her health, or for her children. Please don't do it."

Her heart stopped.

"Children?"

"You didn't know, little flea? Edalyn has two children now. They need their mother. If you told Edalyn it was me...the curse could consume her."

That was...true, she supposed, but still, Eda needed to know. 

She needed someone to blame. Someone to come to terms with her curse.

Why couldn't her mother accept it and admit it to her? Eda would probably forgive her. 

"Edalyn won't rest until she knows who cursed her." She warned, with trembling lips. 

"You could tell her it was you."

"What?"

"You're just her older sister, Lilith, not her mother. It won't hurt her as much if it comes from you. In fact, she'd probably forgive you. You were always her favorite. Wouldn't you prefer that? Then our family could be together and happy again."

"Mother-"

"Besides, it'll be easier to believe. Who's a more obvious culprit, the sister she's barely spoken to in years and works for the government she hates, or the mother who's always trying to cure her?" Gwendolyn didn't even pretend to listen, squeezing her hands. "Please, honey. Do it for mom."

"I-"

Gwen caressed her hands.

"If you do, the family will stay together. We can all be happy again, united. Don't you see, Lily Flea? Don't you want to make your mom proud?"

"...Fine."

Chapter Text

Gwen sat up in bed, wiping the sleep from her eyes. Who was calling her at this hour?

"You contact Gwendolyn Clawthorne, what do you need?" 

"Mother?" 

Gwen rubbed her face. Was that Lilith's voice? She hadn't heard it in a while. "Little flea? Did something happen?"

"Hmm, no." Her voice sounded slurred. "I just wanted to hear your voice one more time."

A small hiccup escaped her mouth, and Gwen tried not to think about it, but she was sure her now nineteen-year-old daughter was drunk.

"Is that so, dear?" She softened her voice, squeezing the scroll. "Do you want to talk about something in particular?"

The line remained silent.

"Lilith? Are you still there?"

There were a few more seconds of silence, until...

"Why don't you love me, mother?"

Her breathing stopped.

"What?"

"just wanna know." A glass crashed against a surface. "What does Eda have that I don't?"

"Lilith, sweetie, I love you. Why do you think I don't?"

"You always preferred Eda to me. You gave her more gifts, more hugs, and more attention. You didn't even congratulate me for my grades."

That- that couldn't be true. Gwen gave them both equal attention. 

But if that were the case, her oldest daughter wouldn't be calling her in the middle of the night, drunk and with the voice of someone who was crying, right?

"I thought you were too big for that."

"I am, but- but I wanted my mom. I wanted her to see me and treat me the same as Edalyn, even if it was embarrassing. But you didn't."

"I'm sorry. As a child, you were always so mature, so advanced, and so intelligent for your age, that I thought you didn't need it, little flea. Although I see that I was wrong."

"You were. I did." An ice cube hit a glass. "I was like that because I thought that way I would earn your attention, your praise."

"Oh Lily." Her heart tightened.

"Why was I never enough? Why could I never catch up with Eda? Is it because she's more fun than me? More powerful? Or is it simply... because you wanted her?"

"'Wanted her'? Lilith, I wanted you. How can you think-?"

"I know I'm a error, mom." Lilith coughed, apparently choking with whatever she was drinking "I know I was an accident for you and dad. You don't need to pretend I'm not."

Oh bless Titan.

How long has her daughter been thinking this way?

"Lilith, that's not true. You were wanted. You were wished. You are NOT an accident."

"So why do you love Eda more? Is there something wrong with me? Is it because I'm... is it because I'm broken or something?"

Damn, how was Gwen supposed to fix this?

No parent should hear their baby talking about themselves like that.

 Especially since it was her fault.

"There's nothing wrong with you, Lilith. You're perfect." Gwen wiped her own cheeks, but it was no use; the tears kept falling. "And you're not broken. You're... you're hurt, which is different."

"It feels the same." Lilith hiccuped, banging her glass on the table again. "I don't think I'm good for anything. All I do is ruin everyone's lives."

"Oh no no, baby, that's not true. You are the best thing that has ever happened to your father and me, and Edalyn adores you."

"That's not true." Lilith's voice broke. "Dad lost his job because of me, Eda will never fulfill her dream because I stole it from her, and I took away your chance at having a perfect family."

"Lilyflea, sweetie, you had nothing to do with your father's injuries, just as you didn't intentionally sabotage your sister's life or take away my chance at a perfect family. My family is perfect because you're there, you understand?"

There was silence. No glasses, no small whispers in the background, just silence.

Then the wind hit the receiver.

Lilith had left the bar where she was?

"I'm sorry, mom." Her voice was muffled, drowned out by the wind. "It's all my fault. I was a fool."

Her heart raced, and the hairs on her neck stood up. She had a very, very bad feeling. 

"Lily, where are-?"

"-I just wanted to hear your voice one more time, sorry." Something heavy fell to the floor. "I'll fix everything now."

"Lilyflea, where are you?"

Lilith sobbed.

"Please tell Eda- Eda and dad that I love them and I'm so sorry."

Her heart raced.

"Lilith, love, please, where are you?"

There was no response. Just the sound of the wind crashing.

"Lily? Baby? Please. Tell me where you are."

The call was cut off, and Gwen could swear that was the worst moment of her life. No matter how many times she called her, Lilith didn't respond anymore, and no one knew about her.

But to say it was the worst moment of her life would be a lie, because that was that morning, at 7:56 a.m.

After all, at that time, Lilith was pronounced dead.

Chapter Text

"Glasses, she's literally using you!"

"Yeah? But Darius, she's using me! Me! This is the first time someone has chosen me over everyone else. Not even mother has done it!"

"Yes, but this is Odalia. You know, Alador's toxic ex?"

"She has improved."

Darius raised his eyebrows.

"She literally won't let you see anyone other than me, Alador, or your sister and her partner? You know, people already in a relationship?"

"She's a bit jealous, I know. But no one had ever loved me as much as she does! Well, that and that I have access to endless history books, Darius, ENDLESS. Do you think I want to lose that?"

"So you're with her for the benefits."

She frowned.

"Obviously? Why else would I be with her?"

"Because you are in love with her?"

"Darius, let's be honest, Odalia is too much of a bitch to fall in love with anyone, and I don't even feel that way about people. We're both just...taking advantage of the other in a consensual way."

"Good, because if you were in love with her, I'd kick your ass and send you straight to Terra Snapdragon, because you'd definitely be as crazy as her."

"Honestly, I would do the same."

"Well, that's the reason we are friends."

"It's not because no one but Alador wants to talk to us and we both get zero parental attention?"

Darius pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath.

"Glasses, that's just so you and I know. Everyone else has to think we're best friends because we're both smart and hot as hell."

"Oh, right."

"Anyway, when are you going to end your 'relationship' with Bitchdalia?"

"Uh, about that..." Lilith tapped her thigh with her fingers, one by one. "Remember how the Emperor's Coven lets you go home if you're married?"

"I don't like where this is going, but yeah."

"Well, Odalia asked me to marry her, and I accepted, because how am I supposed to leave my little sister alone almost all year? That's unacceptable!"

Darius slammed his face against the table.

"You can't be serious. We are only nineteen years old!" 

"I know, but Eda's only seventeen. How am I supposed to leave her alone? She needs me! Mother won't even let her go anywhere, and she can't talk to Dad yet, I have to take care of her!"

"You and your damn big sister complex." Why couldn't he have a best friend with common sense? Why did he have to choose a pair of blind idiots as his boyfriend and his best friend? "Does your brick-headed sister even know?

"Uh..." Titan's sake. "No?"

"I'm going to kill you, Lily. I swear." Is it too late for Darius to change his best friend? "And if I don't do it, Eda will. You know how much she hates Odalia."

"She wouldn't do it." Lilith frowned. "Okay, yes, she would. But she won't, because Odalia is rich and can buy her whatever she wants."

"Didn't Odalia hate your sister?"

"Yeah, but I gave her a long talk about it." Her smile was as cheerful as Eda's when she made an explosive joke. It was almost terrifying.

"Titan." Darius banged his head against the table again. Maybe that way he could wake up from this nightmare. "So what, you plan on spending the rest of your life with that bitch?"

"Only until her parents die."

"That could be more than twenty years away! What will you do if she wants to have children? As far as I know, you can't do mitosis."

"...Okay, I didn't think about that." Lilith rubbed her chin. "I guess I should ask her for a library with a LOT of books in it."

"I hate you, I hate you so much." Darius covered his ears. "Let's just pretend this conversation never happened. I was better off in ignorance."

"Ok."

Darius raised his head.

"Oh, and Glasses? Eda's on her way. I think she said something about yelling at you, and she's got Raine with her."

"Oh no." Lilith looked at her Palisman. "Do you think I can disappear before she gets here?"

"No."

"Dang it."

Chapter Text

"Well, are you excited about today's birthday?"

Lilith frowned, stopping walking.

"A birthday? Of who?" There were no birthdays around this time. Not that she could remember. "Please tell me I didn't forget one of the kids birthdays."

She was supposed to be the cool aunt. How could she be if she couldn't even remember her niblings birthdays? Titan, she needed to go buy tickets to a game and sorry stuffed animals, this was not acceptable behavior. 

Maybe she could take all the children on a daring adventure and shower them with hugs and gifts afterward? That would make up for her forgetfulness? No, it wasn't much. Maybe she needed to invite them to a sleepover too. That would make things more fun. Yes, that could work. And then-

"No, you didn't. Lilith, is YOUR birthday, remember?"

Huh?

"My...birthday?" She whispered. "But that's not until...until..."

Until what?

Lilith couldn't remember.

Since that wasn't important information, it hadn't stayed in her head. 

"Lily, did you really not remember it's your birthday today? When was the last time you celebrated?" 

"Some time ago." 

Eda raised an eyebrow.

"Lily, how long ago?"

"When I was...17, I think?"

"What?" Edalyn looked at her as if she were crazy. But she wasn't! Birthdays were a waste of time. "Lilith, that was over twenty years ago."

"Yeah?"

"So if I hadn't told the kids and everyone else, you wouldn't even realize you were turning 48 today?"

"Age is just a number." In the coven, age was the least important aspect of a Witch. The only important thing was to survive. "And as long as I'm not injured or close to retirement, my age doesn't matter."

Eda pinched the bridge of her nose.

"So you're not going to celebrate your birthday, are you?"

"Of course not, Edalyn. I haven't done anything worth celebrating this year."

"'Worth celebrating'?"

"Yes. I haven't done anything useful, good, or interesting. So, nothing to celebrate." Well, maybe she could celebrate getting rid of Kikimora, but the only person worth inviting to that party would be her golden brat. 

Which would make Luz a little depressed and Amity give her dirty looks, so she preferred not to do it.

"Well, too bad for you, but we're all going to celebrate your birthday."

"Can I not go?"

"...Did you really just ask me that?"

"Edalyn, you know I hate loud music and socializing." Lilith bit her lip. "Well, with anyone other than the kids or you, I suppose."

"Even mom?"

"Especially mother." Lilith narrowed her eyes. "Wait, she's going to be at the party too?"

"Yeah? Is our mother? Of course she has to be there?"

"I hope it's not like my 12th birthday."

"...What happened there? I don't remember."

"Mother bought your favorite cake, which I can't eat because milk makes me sick." 

"Ooh yeah." Eda scratched her chin. "That time she also only gave you a T-shirt that wasn't even your size, right?"

"Yes."

"Huh, I see why you don't celebrate your birthdays. Mom was always so mean to you on them, that even my own maternal instincts are strongly against it, and I was a literal criminal."

"That's because you love King and Luz equally, so mother preference just doesn't sit well with you."

"I guess." Eda scratched her head. "Well, luckily for you, Luz and Goldie are in charge of your birthday, so you can bet everything will be perfect."

"If that pair doesn't manage to wreck everything with a deadly adventure, you mean." Lilith laughed, shaking her head. "They're even worse than you and me."

"Fortunately for you and everyone else, Boots and Willow are keeping an eye on them, so there's no danger to their lives today. Or so I hope. Otherwise, Camila will kill me."

"That would be fun." Lilith fell silent. "Will Hootcifer be wearing a party hat?"

Chapter Text

Eda pouted, kicking the air with her little legs.

Her parents wouldn't let her go out without them, and she was very bored of having to play alone. She already knew the whole forest by heart, and all the owls knew who she was. 

Why couldn't she have friends? All the kids older than her were nerds! And the ones younger than her were so gross. She just wanted someone to play with her when Mom and Dad were busy.

She wanted to have an older sister or brother like other kids! That would be so much more fun. The two of them could play pranks together, and escape from their parents whenever they were in trouble. 

Still, mom and dad didn't want to give her an older sister. At most, they had joked about making her a big sister, but Eda didn't want that! She had to be the baby of the house. She didn't want to have to take care of a noisy, disgusting baby! 

"I hate mom," she complained, getting up from the log and walking through the woods. "Why can't she and Dad give me an older sister? I want one."

Huh. Where was she? She didn't know this area.

"Wow, cool rock." It was shaped like a owl tube. Maybe. Whatever it was, it was pretty cool. "Wait."

Eda cheered up, running over there.

Was this something like those gods mom and dad talked about?

If so, they could give her an older sister!

However, the stone up close didn't look very amazing. It looked like one of Dad's carvings. But old and ugly.

And it had a weird name, something like-

"Hoo- Hoot? Hoot...cifer. Hootcifer." Eda pouted. Why was it so hard to say? If it weren't for her mom teaching her manners, Eda would hit the rock. "Hi Hootcifer, I want a cool, protective older sister! I want her to be really smart and love me a lot. You can?"

The stone didn't do anything. It didn't light up, emerge into a spirit, or become an epic god; it just sat there.

How boring. Eda thought she could really do it!

She turned around, crossing her arms and walking back to home until...

"Eda?"

She turned around quickly. There, in front of the stone, was a girl her age! Only a little older, and she had red hair like her. And her eyes were just like her mom's!

"Me!" She jumped toward her, grinning. The Owl Tube had done it! It had given her a sister! She had to tell her parents. "I'm Eda, and you?"

The girl rubbed her head with a pout, taking her hand to lift herself off the ground.

"Lulu? No...Lilith. Lilith is my name."

Eda tilted her head. That was too long!

"Why not Lily instead?"

"That...sounds good, actually." Her new, very cool older sister squeezed her hand. She was a little taller than Eda. "Uh. Where is home?"

Eda smiled from ear to ear.

"I'll take you there!" She ran through the woods, pulling Lily with her. "Mom and Dad will be so happy! Now they have someone to take care of me!"

"Eda, slow down!"

"No, this is the best day of my life! Oh, oh, this is your bday, since you were born today, isn't it? Happy bday, Lily!"

Chapter Text

Lilith took a deep breath, readjusting Hunter in her arms for the tenth time.

She didn't know how to do this. She hadn't spoken to her parents in six years, since she'd packed her bags and moved into the castle. 

She had no desire to see them again. Not when she knew it would be the same as before; where all their attention was focused on Eda, and Lilith got the crumbs.

But this wasn't about Lilith. This was about Hunter, her son.

Lilith couldn't take away his right to know his grandparents and aunt. It was bad enough that Belos didn't want to take care of him or let him know he was his father, she couldn't take any more family away from him.

So, supporting Hunter's weight on one of her arms, Lilith knocked on her parents door.

Hopefully, Edalyn would be there too. The day before, Lilith had spoken to everyone through her scroll -something she hadn't done in years- to request a family meeting. So hopefully, Eda, who never missed a chance to tease her and was too curious for her own good, had decided to come and abandon her life of crime for a day.

"Oh, good day, little flea! I haven't seen you for so long." Her mother opened the door with a smile, unaware of the small child in her arms. "Come in, dear. What is it you need to tell us? Edalyn has been pacing restlessly around the house, waiting for your arrival."

"Good afternoon, mother." Lilith cleared her throat, closing the door behind her. Was her mother that distracted, or was she just paying too little attention to her? Hunter wasn't exactly subtle in his red bird pajamas. "I'll tell everyone at the table."

Gwen nodded, walking toward the dining room. There, her father greeted her with a smile, while Eda opened her mouth, ready to make a mocking comment, only to immediately freeze. 

Lilith held back a sigh. Of course Edalyn would be the first to notice. Lilith had to hurry, she wasn't going to let Eda break this with a bad joke.

"Good afternoon everyone." Lilith straightened her shoulders, accommodating Hunter in her arms. "I wanted to introduce you to my son, Hunter Clawthorne."

The sight of her father choking on his own saliva and turning pale was not what she expected from this meeting. Her mother wasn't much better, her mouth wide open in shock.

"Who did you steal him from?" 

Lilith closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Hunter's small hands touched her face, as if he wanted to make sure she was okay. Tender little thing.

"Belos."

"You stole him from the Emperor? Damn, sister. I didn't expect that from you," Eda hissed, smiling a grin. "I thought I was the only thief in this family."

"Well, you certainly are the only aunt." Just for fun, Lilith dumped Hunter in Eda's arms. "Meet your nephew, sister."

"Hey hey I don't wanna touch this thing! What if he shits himself?" 

"How bad." Lilith smiled, not telling her that Hunter was too old to do that. "I guess you'll just have to put up with it."

"Oh, little flea." True, her mother was here. Lilith would like to forget about that again. "He is adorable."

Dell rubbed his forehead. 

"My heart wasn't ready for this," he admitted, walking over to Eda and stroking Hunter blond hair. "But I can't say I'm not happy to have a grandson."

"Well, I'm not happy about being an aunt! I'm only twenty-one!"

"Actually, you've been an aunt since you were nineteen."

"Holy fuck." Eda paled. "I'm an old woman."

"Oh, Edalyn, pass me my grandson. I want to hold him too!"

Eda tightened her grip.

"Fuck no." 

Chapter Text

Eda rubbed her head, blinking repeatedly. Her vision was back to normal, and, looking at her hands, there were no feathers in sight. Why-?

"Edalyn?"

"Lily? What did you do? Why am I not the Owl Beast anymore?"

"I found a...temporary solution." Lilith didn't look at her, choosing instead to stare at the floor. Eda and that floor probably held equal importance in her mind. "You'll be fine, just don't try to do magic."

So Eda didn't even have any magic anymore, huh? A small price to pay, she supposed, for being a witch again. Although that will be a disaster for her finances and the kids food.

Speaking of them...

"Where are my kids? Did you curse them too or something like that?"

Lilith recoiled, looking like she'd swallowed faucet vomit, and Eda couldn't contain her satisfied laugh. She deserved it.

"N-no, of course not. The human went to their next to Socks, and her friends are fine."

That was a relief. Eda really didn't want to know her kid was trapped in the cells somewhere.

"I assume you have nothing to do with that. After all, all you're good at is kissing Belos's ass and ruining people's lives, not saving them. Bet you just turned me into a witch again because you didn't want to deal with the guilt, didn't you?"

"...In a certain way, yes." Lilith took a deep breath, looking disgusted by the truth that Eda already knew. "But it's also because, no matter how... downright shitty I've been as a big sister, I still love you."

"So this is your love? Cursing me out and ignoring me for half my life? Ruining Dad's life? Making Mom even more manic? Almost killing my kids? Damn it, Lilith. I don't want to know what your hate is like if your love is like this." Eda stopped, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. This wasn't what she needed to focus on. "Ugh, whatever. When is your stupid emperor coming to kill me? In ten minutes? An hour? A day?"

"What? No, Edalyn, that's not going to happen."

Eda raised an eyebrow.

"Lilith, I know you're blind and stupid, but not even you can believe that Belos won't kill the most famous wild witch in all the Isles. Especially when he has the perfect opportunity."

"He won't do it." Lilith closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, her skin paler than usual, and handed Owlbert to her. "You won't be here when he comes."

"Oh, so now you're thinking of rebelling? I'm sorry to say this, but you're twenty years too late." Eda took her Palisman from her hands, checking that he was okay. "So what's your big plan here? Let me go and... what? Capture me another day? Kidnap my daughter again? Because if you try it, believe me, Lily, I'll kill you."

"I won't do anything like that, Edalyn. Not anymore." Lilith drummed her fingers against her elbow. "I promise you, everything will be okay. Now get out of here, and go to your children. And...and tell the human, no, Luz, that I regret having thrown her off the bridge."

"You better be. You could have killed her."

"I know. Believe me, Edalyn, I know." Lilith rubbed her face, looking more tired than ever before. "Now go. Belos could come at any moment."

"Bossy as ever, huh?" Eda climbed onto Owlbert. "Unless you have a good apology for all my children, don't come near them ever again, understand?"

"Yes." 

"Good." She floated to the window. "I expect a good explanation for all this later, even if you keep kissing the emperor's ass, I deserve the truth, all of that, and I will not accept less."

"In the morning, you will know everything." Lilith promised. "And Edalyn? Please remember that I love you."

A lump formed in her throat. A half-formed response. Words eager to get out, a fondness she hadn't allowed herself to admit in years.

But it wasn't the time. Not now. Maybe later.

"Bye, Lilith."

Taking a deep breath and tightening her grip on Owlbert, Eda flew towards the Owl House, leaving the castle and Lilith behind.

What Eda wouldn't know until the next day was that the explanation wouldn't come from her sister, but from the Crystal Ball.

"And, in other news, the Ex-Covenhead, Lilith Clawthorne, was found mutilated after a riot in the castle dungeons led by her sister, the infamous criminal Edalyn Clawthorne. Witnesses say the scene was straight out of their worst nightmares. However, we civilians are left to wait until the autopsy is released to the public."

"...What?"

That couldn't be.

Her sister sure was a bitch, but she just couldn't be dead. She was the best soldier that the idiot emperor had, so why was-?

Why was she mutilated?

"Eda."

Her skin prickled. She could barely feel King and Luz's strong grip on her arms, unable to tear her gaze away from the crystal ball.

Lilith had always known this was going to happen, hadn't she? 

That's why she insisted Eda leave. That's why she sent Owlbert and Mike Socks with her. She didn't want either of them involved.

Not when they would have the same bloody fate.

Titan.

Eda didn't even believe in him, but fuck.

How she wished there was something he could do right now.

Because- because Lily may be an arrogant and impulsive idiot, she may have been the person who ruined her life and almost killed her daughter, but Eda still loves her.

And it's not fair that this is the end. That she didn't even receive an apology from Lilith. Or a goodbye.

She was her older sister, and her last words were just...

...Were just how much she loved her.

"Eda, you're crying."

Was she still capable of that? 

The last time she cried was when she and Raine broke up.

She didn't think she could do it again.

"Sorry, kid." The words passed through her mouth like sandpaper. There was a dull ache in her throat, thumping in time with her heart. 

What kind of sentimental jerk was she, crying over the person who had made her suffer the most?

And yet, one of the people she loved most?

Because Lilith cursed her and haunted her for years, but she was also the one who took care of her when she was little. She was the one who dried her tears when she hurt herself, the one who played with her and the one who hugged her when she felt bad. 

How was Eda supposed to feel? She'd just lost her older sister. The one person she knew she could never hate, even if she tried.

Things weren't supposed to be this way. She wasn't supposed to lose her sister before one of their parents. One of them wasn't supposed to die so young.

Even when Lilith was chasing her and yearning to capture her, Eda had always imagined that the two of them would go to her parents funeral when the time came.

She never thought that the first funeral she would have to attend in her family would be Lily's.

Titan, they were only two years apart. If one of them had to die, it had to be Eda because of her curse.

The same curse that Lilith had decided to share with her on her last day of life, and never tell her.

Because when has she told her something?

Never.

And-

And shit, Eda thought maybe there could be a reconciliation. That if Lilith tried, she could forgive her and the two of them could be as close as they were when they were children.

But how was she supposed to communicate with a grave? If Lilith even had one, after whatever Belos did to her body.

How much did Lilith suffer before she died? Did she know that, even if she didn't want to think about it, Eda loved her? 

Eda hadn't been able to tell her. She'd had the perfect opportunity, but she'd put it aside because she thought she had time.

Well, she wasn't wrong, she has it. It's Lilith who doesn't.

Lilith, who died thinking she hated her, as if Eda was capable of that.

Lilith, that despite all the shit she had done, Eda knew she could change, that she could recover and redeem herself.

What would that be like? What would it be like to live in a world where her sister is still alive, and now they can both stop regretting the past and start fixing the present?

A world where Eda can stop hiding and running away from the people she loves. A world where Lilith can finally return to who she was, get her hair back, and stop hiding behind the appearance of others.

Wouldn't that be perfect?

A world where Lilith and she can talk to their parents, and fix their relationships with them.

A world that isn't this one, and won't be, because Lilith is dead, and the mere thought of talking to her mom, who ignored Lily and probably doesn't even know she's dead, angers her.

Just thinking about her dad and how terrible he'll feel when the news comes makes her shudder. If only she had the guts to talk to him, to apologize, everything could be better.

But Eda doesn't want to know what it would feel like to have a family together again, because it wouldn't be, not without her sister. She can't imagine being with her dad and mom and Lilith not being there; it's wrong.

She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. Tears gather on her eyelashes, and she knows she's a mess. That the kids shouldn't see her like this. 

But damn if her kids aren't a sweetheart, with Luz just holding her in silence, as if she understands and knows everything she's thinking, and with King snuggled up to her neck, telling silly jokes that don't even make her laugh when she's happy, but now they are like the best consolation in the world.

Because they're here, and they're not going away. Because if anyone tries to take them away like they took Lily's, Eda's going to destroy them.

Chapter Text

When Eda thinks about how to being a mother, it's not her own mother who comes to mind as an example.

It's Lily.

Lily, who helped her change clothes with clumsy, fat fingers. Lily, who made sure to make her food and tell her a bedtime story every night.

Lily, who was barely two years older than she was, yet always more mature than her age.

Or so their mother always said.

Now that she's older, gray-haired, and a mother herself, she can't help but realize how wrong that was.

Because Lily didn't just do those things. She was the one who always went to her school events, and she was the one who comforted her when she was scared or terrified. She never had any hobbies outside of studying and hanging out with her, and although Eda hadn't noticed at the time, she was always tired.

How could she not be? Mom always called her on her Scroll when Lily managed to make time to go out with her friends, only because Eda was crying too much or needed someone to babysit because of her reputation as Troublemaker.

She'd never had any free time for herself, and at the time, Eda hadn't noticed.

She'd thought it was normal for her older sister to be the one who babysat her all the time. That it was normal that when she was little, all the drawings, all the crafts, were given to her instead of her parents, even when they were for Mother's Day.

But now that she's a mother?

She can't imagine doing that to Luz or King. Forcing them to care for someone else without any help, and watching them suffer under that role, when it wasn't even their responsibility.

That Lily was a mature, low-maintenance, responsible, and quick learner now just sounded like excuses her mother used to leave all the work to her.

Especially since Lily never received anything for caring for her. It was Eda who received the extravagant gifts, the endless praise, and the hugs and kisses from her mother.

When Lily did receive a gift, it was always something boring, a necessity, not something that could be used for fun. She couldn't remember ever seeing her mother hug her, let alone praise her for anything other than her good grades or what a good sister she was.

Thinking about it that way, she can't blame her for taking the first opportunity to leave home and get a job far away. Her parents didn't even check on her one last time. She doubts they ever spoke to her in letters either. Have they even seen her in the last 20 years?

Probably not. And what does that say about them, when Eda, the most wanted criminal on the Isles and Lily's direct enemy, is the only one who still maintains contact with her?

For once, Eda should put her pride aside and thank Lily for everything she did when they were both children. Maybe that way, Lily can put her resentment toward her aside and talk to her again.

After all, Eda is older now. She doesn't need her care anymore. All she needs is to have her sister back.

Talking about this with her is going to be very embarrassing and awkward, but she wants to do it. She wants to get along with her sister again; she wants Luz and King to have another adult to turn to other than her.

She wants her family. Not her old one. She wants the only family she's ever considered unconditional. And maybe, if all goes well with Lily, Eda should talk to Raine too.

If not, who knows if Lily will convince the kids to plan a secret date with Raine or something. Eda thinks she's quite capable. And given Luz's character... that'll be a dangerous combination. The two of them might even find a god, if they existed.

Oh well, Eda needs more fun in her life. It's not like her hair can get any whiter than it already is. Besides, what's the worst that could happen to her? Losing an arm? As if.

Chapter Text

Lilith held her small storybook to her chest.

Mom and Dad were busy again. As usual.

She was used to it, but it was boring. She wished she had someone to play with.

Unfortunately, Lily wasn't much of a talker. At least not about things other kids liked, like Slitherbeasts or play with their parents. 

She didn't remember what that was like. Dad sometimes took her carving with him, but she was still too young to carve on her own, so she could only watch him, and that got boring after a few hours.

And Mom...her job was very dangerous. She barely had time to be home, and whenever she was, she was with Dad.

Lilith would like to have a younger sister, like other children. Someone she could talk to and hang out with.

Someone who could distract her from how unneeded she was at home. From how she was always in the way.

Maybe she's a ghost, like the ones in stories, and that's why her mom barely speaks to her.

Maybe she just doesn't see her.

That's what happens to ghosts, isn't it?

But then why is she solid? Dad can see her and play with her.

Does mom also have vision problems like her?

Maybe she's just a bad kid. Bad kids always get punished at school, even though she's never been scolded.

Maybe Mom is hoping she'll become a good daughter, and then give her attention. But Lily doesn't know how to do that.

She's doing well at Hexside, but there isn't much else to do. If she had a younger sister, maybe she could impress Mom by taking good care of her.

But she doesn't have one.

So Mom will never be able to see what a good girl she is. And Dad will never be able to praise her for how responsible she is.

She's just the weird little girl who doesn't talk and can't get over her stories. The little girl who always looks with envy at children who are picked up by their parents, and at children who can play with their siblings.

She wants that. She wants it very much.

She just wants to be as interesting to Mom as her job is. She wants to be as old as Dad so she can help him.

She doesn't want to be alone.

But she always is.

Maybe what other children say about her is true. That she was a mistake. That she was unwanted, that her parents don't love her.

Maybe Lily is the fool. The blind one. Not those kids, as the adults say.

But she needs to know.

So she pulls on her mom's dress, as she's quietly reading in the living.

"Mom, what do you do when a wild beast ceases to be useful to you?"

"Uh? Hi, Little flea." Gwen rubbed her eyes. There were large dark circles under them. "Usually, I have no choice but to put them to sleep. Why?"

Oh.

Lilith smiled.

"I was just curious." 

Without further ado, she ran out of the room, dropping her smile.

"So that's where bad kids like me go? To sleep?" 

She grabbed her shirt, frowning.

She didn't want to sleep. 

But maybe everything would be better that way.

Mom and Dad were always too busy to take care of her. If she weren't there, they'd have more time to spend together.

Besides, the kids at school aren't nice. She won't miss them, and neither will they.

Squeezing her small hands, Lily took a deep breath.

"I'm going to the woods!" She shouted as she ran toward the door.

"Be careful! Don't go to the cliff!"

Lily didn't promise anything. Mom said that lying kids didn't meet the Titan, and she didn't want to be a liar. The Titan sounded really interesting to meet!

Although, looking down the slope, perhaps she didn't want to meet him anytime soon.

There wasn't an easier way to sleep?

One that wasn't so...painful?

"I don't wanna." She murmured, sitting on the edge and swinging her legs. 

But wasn't that selfish?

At a certain age, children were supposed to take care of their parents, right? Lily must have been that old by now.

If she do this, they will live better, and less stressed.

Still, she can't find the courage to move forward.

"Little flea!"

"Lilith!" 

Lily turned her head away. What were her parents doing here? They never came to hang out with her.

Were they finally going to read her a book?

Lily looked back at the fall.

If she went to sleep, they couldn't.

But if she didn't, they probably wouldn't be spending time with her anytime soon.

Lily stood up on shaky little legs, swallowing.

"Little one!"

Baby birds sometimes fall out of their nests, right? This shouldn't be too different.

If Mom and Dad really want her to stay, they'll pick her up.

And if not...

Well, Lily now has some questions to ask the titan.

"LILITH, WAIT!"

Without further ado, Lily takes a step into nothingness. 

"NO!"

Huh, is this what flying feels like? Everything happens so fast! It's almost like seeing multi-colored spots, and there's so much wind, that she can barely keep her eyes open.

Wow. The floor is so close. The other day, Lily fell out of bed, and that really hurt. This has to hurt more, right?

Maybe she didn't think this through.

She closes her eyes, placing her arms in front of her face. 

Yet she never falls. The wind stops, and suddenly, strong arms hold her up.

"Lilyflea, oh my titan!" 

"Mom?" 

It's been a long time since her mom hugged her like that. 

"Yes, mommy is here." She held her closer to her chest, showering her forehead with kisses.

Maybe Lily had fallen asleep and hadn't noticed?

"Titan, baby, I'm so happy you're okay." Dad came over, flying his palisman towards them, and hugged them both. "Never do that again. You're grounded for life."

Lily buried her face in Mom's shoulder. 

"Mm, 'kay."

Was it always that easy to get their attention?

Chapter Text

That day, neither Eda nor her future self appeared.

The only thing that appeared was the annoying girl, who kept trying to talk to her, and Fake Eda.

Lilith ignored both of them with the help of the Owl Tube; Hootcifer.

Throughout this whole parody of a day, he had been the only pleasant thing. He seemed to know her as well as her Eda, and knew what to distract her with or when to get her out of her thoughts.

He was really cool.

But even that didn't stop him from pushing her into the 'Owl House' when night fell. 

Which is why Lilith has to look at all these weird people again. Including the older versions of her parents, who keep giving her weird looks.

Maybe they wanted her to talk to them, but without Eda, Lilith wasn't sure how. What could she talk to them about, other than being a disappointment as a big sister and being surprisingly alive in the future? 

No. She decided to keep quiet. It was for the best.

"Come on, mini Lily. You need to go to sleep."

Fake Eda, however, had very different ideas. Apparently, the fact that the two children here besides her had gone to sleep was the only reason she needed to force her to do the same.

"No." What if Eda came here in the middle of the night, looking for her? Or what if Future Lily needed help? Lilith needed to stay awake.

"Lily..." 

She ignored her, making the old woman sigh.

"Lilith, come on." She brushed her hair back. And... wait, why were her eyes two different colors? "Go to sleep."

How had Lilith not noticed before? 

This woman claimed to be her younger sister. At least Lilith should have taken a look at her.

Like now.

"Lilith?"

Bile rose in her throat.

She was missing an arm. 

 Eda, her younger sister, was missing an arm.

"I'm going to sleep." Her breathing quickened. She needed—needed to be alone. To think. "Where can I sleep?"

"Damn, finally." Eda, the future Eda, the Eda who wasn't fake even though she wished she were, smiled at her. "I'll take you to Lily's room."

Without giving her parents a last look, she led her away, not noticing how Lilith was looking at her arm, or lack thereof.

Her future self's room was exactly as she expected it to be. Filled with books, some odd objects, and lots of photos of Eda and what she assumed were the others.

"Well, I'll leave you here, Lily. Sleep well, okay? My Lily will probably bring your Eda tomorrow."

"Uh." She couldn't bring herself to look at her. Her stomach still felt weak. "Good night."

The door closed, and Lilith was left alone.

Her trembling knees finally gave way, leaving her to collapse to the floor. She barely felt it.

She couldn't erase Eda's missing arm from her mind. How had that happened? Why hadn't Lilith prevented it? Was it her fault? 

And her eyes. Why were they a different color? 

It didn't make sense. Nothing did.

Lilith grabbed her hair, pulling it, and looked down at the photos on her nightstand.

It was one of her with Eda and the other children. All happy and smiling.

But that wasn't important.

Her hair does.

"Why am I still a redhead?" Lilith was older than Eda. And if Eda already looked so old, Lilith should look older. So why did it seem like she was the youngest? "I should be gray."

She had assumed that if that woman was Eda, she was an Eda who was already eighty or maybe seventy years old just because of the color of her hair, and the tiredness with which she moved.

But her older self barely looked over fifty.

That meant that either this Eda was the same age, or she was younger.

Was she sick? Was she going to die? Was she cursed? It didn't make sense for her to look so old. Not even her parents looked like that. 

Lilith pulled her hair.

"Eda can't die." But she might be headed down that path, and Lilith didn't know why. Her younger sister was perfectly healthy; what had happened to her? 

Lilith looked down at the floorboards. If this was her older self's room, it should be...

"Got it."

Breathing heavily, Lilith lifted one of the tablets. There lay a book. Undoubtedly her diary.

The elder Lilith had to know what was going on. Maybe if Lily knew what this Eda had, she could protect her sister from this fate. 

So she grabbed the book in trembling hands with tangled hairs in them, and opened it.

"The curse..." 

Her heart raced. Has someone cursed her sister? Who? And why? 

Her older self wasn't even explaining it. She was just talking about some kind of Owl Beast curse.

Maybe in a few more pages she would explain it? Lilith needed to know who it was. Who she had to beat up or something. No one was going to ruin her sister's life.

"Huh? Children?" 

The kids... Was that the little dog-looking kid and the annoying girl?

They were the- the children of Eda?

Her niblings?

No, that couldn't be right. Eda was too young for that! And besides, no one deserved to be with her! At least, no one Lilith had met yet.

But if this Eda was already a mother, and was dating someone, that meant Lilith approved them, right?

Because Lilith would never let anyone hurt her little sister, so the person Eda is dating must be great. Maybe they and Lilith are even friends?

That would be cool. Maybe Lily could even be something of a cool aunt to those kids. Even if she doesn't like any of them very much right now.

Tomorrow she will talk to them. She needs to get to know them. Take care of them. They're Eda's children, so they're automatically important to her.

Maybe Lilith could take them to the beach or somewhere for a walk? She wasn't sure she had made a good impression on the annoying girl. And...she should ask her her name. It wasn't fair to call her niece that. 

Now Lilith felt a little bad for having been so sharp with the girl. Even if she looked strange and older, and too similar to her Eda, Lilith shouldn't have spoken to her like that.

Would she be able to forgive her? 

She figured she had to try. But that would be her problem for tomorrow, so she kept moving page after page.

"Here it is." Finally, she had found the sheet that mentioned the curse. And here should be who made it, because the sheet was stained with tears and ink. "The person who put the curse was..."

Huh?

No, she must have misread. She hadn't slept in hours, and she cried a lot today. That's why she read something so silly. 

Yes, that was all. She would read it again, and everything would be fine.

"Was..." No.

No, no, no.

This had to be a lie, a mistake. 

There was no way in the world that was-

"Me?"

Chapter Text

"Damn Serpent!"

"Uh, Luz, why is Lilith screaming from her room?"

"That's because I showed her a human videogame!" Luz scratched her cheek, laughing nervously. "Though she did get a little...uh, obsessed."

"No! They stole my gold!"

Amity frowned.

"Gold?"

"Yeah. It's a game where you can fish, farm and mine." Luz smiled. "And it's like, super fun. You can marry the characters, have kids, get divorced, etc."

Amity frowned, looking up at the ceiling.

"And she liked that?"

"Apparently, seeing her farm's finances reminds her of the good parts of being in the coven." She shrugged. "Since then, she's completely learned how to use a phone just so she can use mine for search the most convenient way to sell her crops."

"I'm...a bit confused honestly." 

"Don't worry, sweet potato! Once Aunt Lily vacates my computer, I'll teach you how to play! We can have a game together and be farmers."

"But we'll have to marry one of the characters, right?"

"Nope!" Luz took her hand, squeezing it as she approached her ear. "We can marry each other."

"Oh." Her cheeks burned. "Oh."

"Yeah." Luz raised her eyebrows. "And we can adopt children."

"That's uh, interesting."

"Ugh, I wish I could kill the mayor."

"Luz, why Lilith want-?"

"The mayor is an asshole." Luz looked at the horizon dramatically. "You'll understand when we can play."

"I guess." Amity looked back up at the ceiling. "And how long has Lilith been playing anyway?"

"96."

"96 minutes...right?"

"96 hours."

"Holy Titan." 

"Yeah, Eda hasn't had any luck getting her out of her room. Apparently, Aunt Lily is very attached to the mine and Krobus."

"Krobus?"

"Friendly possibly AroAce shadow."

"Oh." Amity frowned. "Wait, if this is your game, which character did you marry?"

Luz blushed, looking away.

"Hailey, and sometimes Abigail."

"And what makes them special?"

Luz didn't look at her, playing with her hands and laughing nervously.

"You'll know when we play." Her ears turned red "But uh, I think you'll feel pretty...familiar with their characters."

"Familiar?"

"Hailey is a little mean at first."

Her eyebrows furrowed.

"Is this the 'type' you said you had last time? You know, that time we talked about Amber?"

"Amity! Don't expose me like that!"

"Then yes it is."

"Ugh." Luz buried her face in her hands. "Look, it's not my fault I like girls who hate me and are mean to me at first."

"I think me almost killing you is more than just being mean, batata."

"Yeah, well, I liked that too! I mean, you were really OBSESSED with me that time, it was kind of charming. It seemed like you didn't care about anything but me, even if it was catching me."

It was Amity's turn to blush.

"I could have...realized that exact time how pretty you were." She crushed her dress in her hands. "Although I was in denial about it."

"Oh, really? That's cool! I realized how beautiful you were the moment I met you. And after our conversation when Lilith sabotaged you? Oh, I was falling in love so badly."

Amity smiled, taking her hand in hers.

"So I wasn't 'just a friend'?"

"Amity! We don't talk about that!"

"Why not, bata-?"

"STUPID MUMMY!"

"...And Aunt Lily died again."

"I honestly didn't know Lilith could swear until today." Amity looked at the horizon.

"Oh, and you haven't even heard my mom swear. She's the best at it."

"Your mom? Like, Camila? That mom?"

"Yeah. She has a much more colorful vocabulary than Eda."

"Holy Titan." 

"If you learn Spanish I will teach you."

"That's unfair! Hunter already knows several insults, and he's the worst Spanish speaker of all of us."

"Uh, well," Luz blushed again, "about that... it's my fault. He threw mud at me, and what was I going to do, not start a war? No, I had to! He just picked up all the insults very easily."

Before Amity could respond, another scream echoed through the house.

"Blast it!"

"...Isn't that Hunter's favorite insult?"

"Well, now we know where he learned it from."

"Hell’s bloody bells!"

"...Yeah. Hunter definitely got it from her."

"Actually, I think they both got it from Bitchbelos."

"That makes sense."

"Do you think we should see what is she doing?"

"Nah. She is fine."

"LILITH, GET OUT OF THE ROOM!"

"NO!"

"LILY, THIS IS THE LAST WARNING."

"NO, MY GAME!"

"Uh, how about we go outside, sweet potato?"

"Lead the way."

Chapter Text

Singing had been...a hobby at first. One so embarrassing that no one, not even Edalyn, ever knew about it.

Edalyn was her sister, and Lilith trusted her with her life, but not with a secret as such. The whole Isles would know less than a day!

Plus, she liked having something that was just hers. Something she didn't have to share with Eda, and that wouldn't make their parents compare them.

She couldn't say it came naturally. She'd always had a gift for writing, but writing down feelings... That was very difficult for her. It was one thing to write them, and another thing to make them sound good.

The first time she uploaded a song, it was less out of choice, and more because Darius had insisted she do so after catching her writing some lyrics.

She didn't expect much. She'd recorded it in the bathroom when no one was home, and there was a lot of background noise.

However, it did quite well. It got dozens of views and more than five likes. 

So Lilith uploaded another, and another, and another... And even in the Coven, she kept doing it. It was the only way she had to express herself. The only way she could put her guilt and her love out loud.

Edalyn would never know, and neither would her parents, so Lilith allowed herself to feel. She allowed herself to admit everything she'd been keeping inside.

However, she had been careless, overconfident.

Which is what led her to this situation.

"I know who you are."

"As the Emperor's Golden Guard, you should." 

How had he discovered her? Lilith had never shown her face, nor used her real voice. What gave her away?

And more importantly, did the Emperor know this? If so, Lilith was finished. She'd confessed too much in her songs.

"No, Lilith. I know WHO you are."

At least the boy had been compassionate enough to talk to her about it alone. That, or he's as cruel as the Emperor, and will make this a false sense of security. 

"And what are you going to do about it, brat?"

Was it a good idea to insult someone who knew her biggest secret? No. But when had Lilith claimed to have good ideas? If she had, Eda wouldn't be cursed in the first place.

"Asking for your autograph, Covenbitch!"

Lilith rubbed her temples, already feeling a headache.

That's why she didn't like teenagers. They caused too much trouble.

Not that she can complain at this point. It suits her.

"Oh." She couldn't help but smile. "So you weren't looking for blackmail material, you're just a fan."

That the Golden Guard, of all people, happened to be her fan (and clearly a die-hard one at that), wasn't what she had in mind for this year, but wasn't it fun?

The brat had even blushed in embarrassment. He hardly looked like her biggest headache like that.

It was almost...adorable.

"If you don't give me an autograph, I'll rat you out."

Oh, this son of a-

Lilith took a deep breath, repeating to herself over and over again, 'It's a child, it's a child.'

"I'm sure you don't just want that from me."

"No." He smiled contentedly. "I want you to let me be there while you record, and to keep Kikimora from going on missions with me."

You can't kill a child, Lilith. You can't.

But Titan. How was Lilith going to survive spending almost the entire day with this brat? It wasn't even her job to take care of him. He was already too old for that, he was twelve years old!

Ugh.

"Fine." Lilith took a deep breath. "But if your presence makes Amity uncomfortable, you're out." 

"The Mini Blight?" 

"I don't think you're the one to call her small." For his age, the jerk had always been quite small. He must have been barely two centimeters taller than Amity, maybe. "But yes. As you know, she's my apprentice, so if you're going to...give me your fine presence, you're going to help me train her."

Hunter smiled, running to her side.

"Lead the way, mom!"

Oh no no.

"What did you just say?

"Old hag!"

Lilith resisted the urge to rub her temples again.

She didn't want this thing to be her child.

But with him knowing her secret, it's not like she has a choice.

"Be more respectful to your elders, kid." 

"It's Hunter."

"Huh?"

"My name. Is Hunter."

Why is he freely giving her his secret? Wasn't this just some kind of blackmail? A deal he could exploit?

Ugh, whatever.

"Then call me Lilith, Hunter."

Is Hunter trying to forcefully adopt himself as her son? Because if so, it's working.

What a sneaky little shit.

Chapter Text

The duel between his daughters was a disaster.

Eda, his poor little girl, had been cursed, and no one knew by whom or when. All they knew was that if she became too stressed, she could transform into a mindless, sentient owl beast.

Even worse, Lilith and Eda had privately argued right after about the duel (or lack thereof), and whatever was said in that, it was enough to make Eda not want to see her sister.

Gwen had tried to intervene, but neither of them wanted to talk about it. Eda preferred to spend all her free time with her friend Raine, or with him, and Lilith...

Lilith was her own problem. Dell wasn't sure what had happened, what he hadn't heard about, but Lilith...she was quieter, as if she'd forgotten they were there, and was surprised when one of them spoke.

She didn't talk to him or Gwen either. Whereas before she'd talk excitedly about her grades or what she'd done that day, now she'd disappear into her room, or try to talk to Eda, without any results.

Even Bump was worried. He had summoned them both to talk about Lilith's sudden drop in grades, and how she seemed to be having trouble remembering the material the teachers had been teaching the last few weeks.

Dell was restless. There were a lot of worrying signs, and he didn't know what to do.

Should he try to talk to Lilith again? Leave her alone? Wait for her to talk to him?

It's very difficult to say. His daughter's sudden change of outfit to a long, covered one only makes him more anxious.

What if Lilith is hurt? Or being bullied by a classmate? Or...or the alternative he didn't even want to think about?

Eda worries him too, but she seems to be doing better than Lilith. Hanging out with Raine is good for her, he supposes, which is the only reason Gwen hasn't completely quarantined her.

Even though she wishes she could. If it weren't for the fact that Lilith and Eda's presence in the same room right now meant an argument, she probably would.

After all, none of them are sure if the curse is gone, still there, or permanent, and even though Dell wants to motivate her with fireworks, if the curse is still there, that's a bad idea.

So he remains silent for a few weeks, giving space to his two daughters, who still hate each other, and hopes for the best.

The best turns out to be the worst, and Dell doesn't find out until he gets home from work, and Lilith is on the floor, with a huge cut all over her face, and blood soaking it.

She doesn't even react when the door opens, staring at the ceiling completely still.

Eda is nowhere to be seen, but he can hear sobbing from above.

He already has an idea of what happened.

"Daughter!" 

Dell falls to his knees in front of her, clutching her face in his hands. The cut looks even worse up close, and-

And shit.

"No."

Dell wants to throw up.

Lilith's eye...is gone. Now there's only an empty space where it once was.

She would never be able to see completely again, and Titan, he wishes that were him. His daughter is too young for a wound like that. What will become of her future? Of her dreams?

She was supposed to enter the Emperor's Coven in a few months. She was just a child.

"...dad?"

"Little one, oh Titan." He hugs her briefly, but then remembers how urgent it is to get her to the healers. If the wound becomes infected, Lilith could lose her other eye. "We need to go."

"what?"

Dell lifts her into his arms, and sets off on his palisman toward the nearest healer.

Lilith's slurred voice trying to tell him no, to go back, that she can't leave Eda alone, is barely registered.

All he can think about now is making sure one of his daughters is okay. Then he'll make sure they're both okay.

Hopefully, Gwen will be home soon, and she'll be able to take care of Edalyn while they're gone.

Right now, Dell doesn't want her to be alone.

This day could certainly be considered the second worst of Gwen's life, and she doesn't even know what happened yet.

But the brown stain on the floor, and the muffled sobs from upstairs, are enough to send shivers down her spine.

Dell is not here, she notices. He should, but he isn't, and when she checks, there is no message on her scroll.

All there is is a metallic smell, and a cold that has nothing to do with open windows.

If it were anyone else, Gwen might burst into tears, or desperately search for her husband. Or she might freeze.

But she's Gwendolyn Clawthorne, a member of the Beast Coven, and she never backs down.

So, taking a deep breath, she climbs each step, her heart racing and her palisman clutched in her hand, and walks toward the sobs.

They're Edalyn's. Not Lilith's, as she first thought.

Titan, Gwen doesn't have a good feeling.

Her husband is nowhere to be seen, and Edalyn is crying? Something terrible has happened.

Something that undoubtedly has to do with the owl beast.

"Edalyn? Dear? I'm going in."

There were things Gwendolyn would never forget.

When she met Dell, the birth of her daughters, their first steps, the day Edalyn got the curse, and now, the image of Eda crying, covered in blood, in her bed, hugging her knees to her chest.

"Oh baby..."

Why did this have to happen to her baby? Why couldn't it be someone else? Edalyn had a bright and happy future ahead of her. 

Gwen really wants to kill whoever cursed her daughter, and ruined her life. Especially since it's not the only life ruined by the curse, the blood... it's certainly Dell's or Lilith's.

She hopes it belongs to her husband. Lilith is very mature and intelligent, but she's not as strong or as capable of defending herself as he is.

The idea of it being the other way around...was too terrible to think about. But whoever the victim was today, Edalyn would never forgive herself.

And as a mother, Gwendolyn cannot allow that.

With slow steps, she approaches her daughter and sits beside her, gently hugging her. Eda barely complained, holding her as she sobbed even louder.

"Don't cry anymore, mommy is here." She runs her fingers through her hair, tidying and cleaning it. 

Usually, even as a baby, Eda would calm down, but that only makes her cry harder. 

Gwen doesn't want to admit it, but her oldest daughter would have much more success comforting her than she would. She hasn't done it for years.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. I promise I didn't mean to." 

"What didn't you mean to do, daughter?"

"Hurt- Hurt Lily." 

Bile rose in her throat. 

This was exactly the thing she didn't want it to be.

There had been quite a bit of blood on the floor. Whatever had happened to his little flea, it was serious.

Was she...even alive?

No. Her husband was with her. She was sure of that. He would never stop trying to save her.

They should be with the healers right now. He'll let she know how Lilith is doing when he has time.

Gwen needs to be patient and deal with the situation with Eda. Then she can see if Lilith is okay.

"Could you tell me exactly what happened, honey?"

"Lily tried to talk to me, and- and I got mad, and I don't know, everything suddenly went black, and when I came to, Lily was on the floor and there was blood, so much blood."

Gwen tightened her grip on her, feeling her daughter shudder in her arms.

"Is... is Lily okay?"

"She is." If she wasn't, Gwen didn't know what to do. But this wasn't about her.

"You promise?"

"I promise." Eda buried her face in her chest.

"Lily must hate me, mom."

"Love, you know that Lilith could never hate you." Even if the two of them had fought, they both loved each other too much to let anything come between them. "I bet she's begging Dell to let her go with you."

"I guess..." Eda was silent. "Mom, what if Lily thinks I'm a monster? What if she's afraid of me?"

"The only person who is a monster is the one who put the curse on you." Eda didn't look at her, biting her lip. "And even if she's afraid of you, she won't let it affect her. You'll always be her baby sister."

"I'm- I'm scared."

Gwen took a deep breath.

How was Lilith? How hurt was she?

She should be scared too.

"I know, but mom and Dad will always be here for you, darling."

Chapter Text

All these years, Eda had assumed Lily had her wings tucked away, hidden under a corset or something similar. Something extremely uncomfortable, but useful for fighting and pretending to be more than a Clawthorne.

She could never have imagined something like this.

"Lily?"

Titan, she sounded like a kid.

But how could she not?

Wings were what set a Clawthorne apart from the rest. They were their symbol and their greatest pride, their strength.

Since she was little, Eda had been taught to care for her owl wings, to remove damaged feathers and to clean them periodically.

Her parents had also taught Lilith the same thing.

So why...?

"Eda?" 

Lily turned around, looking at her face, but it was too late.

Eda had already seen them.

"What happened to your wings?"

"Eda, I-"

Lilith didn't look at her, snapping her fingers. She was looking for an excuse, and Eda couldn't allow it.

"Lilith, what happened to your wings?"

Wings were the most important thing to a Clawthorne. The reason why taking away a Clawthorne's wings was one of the cruelest acts that could be committed, was because they were so intimately connected to their bodies, that they would feel the loss of their limbs for the rest of their lives. And that's if they were still alive afterward.

Dad had always insisted that no one except her own family can touch their wings. Mom had always promised that if anyone did anything to them, they would pay.

But clearly no one had paid to tear off Lilith's wings. And oh, how much fun they had doing it. All the skin where the wings had once been was a long, pale scar from the years. There was no trace of the wings, no trace of her 'abnormality'.

Her own wings moved behind her, twisting. It must have hurt Lilith a lot. They had torn away her bones, her skin, maybe even her feathers if they had been thorough, all to leave her anchored to the earth, unable to escape.

"Eda, can we not talk about this?"

"Lilith, please."

Eda needed to know. She needed to know who had been cruel enough to take away from her sister the one thing that had always assured her she belonged to the family. The only thing that made her happy.

Ravens, by nature, were agile creatures in the air. Creatures that played by swooping and grabbing things as they flew. Not being able to do that...

The very thought made the Owl Beast squawk sadly in her mind, despite the constant resentment it has towards Lily.

"It was Kikimora's fault." Lilith didn't look at her, hugging herself. "I messed up a very important mission, and..."

"And she tore off your wings."

"No. I mean, Kikimora could do something like that, I have no doubt. But what happened was our enemies kidnapped me and- and well, they had a lot of fun."

Lilith's frequent back pain, difficulty walking, and ever-present migraine were all a consequence of this, weren't they?

The nerves in her back were damaged beyond repair, but Eda was sure she could still feel her wings, even if they were gone. Even if they would never be there again.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

This wasn't a small thing. If the same thing had ever happened to Eda, she would have had to tell her entire family. Warn them about the danger outside.

Hiding it was a bad idea for many reasons.

"Dad and Mother would never be near of them. There was no need to warn them of a danger they wouldn't face. Not after I...had to kill them with the help of the Golden Guard." 

The kid?

Why, of all people, he have to found Lily in that state? He was an unpleasant brat, but he was a child. The image Lily painted, not even Eda could forget.

"And me? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why would I do that? I don't want to make you feel sorry for me, or feel any kind of unjustified guilt. I already owe you so much for not hating me, telling you this would be taking advantage."

Damn, why did everyone in this family have some kind of martyr complex? At this point, Luz was just continuing the family tradition.

"So you expected to keep this a secret from me forever?"

Lilith clenched her fists, taking a deep breath.

"I didn't see the need to talk about something I no longer have, sister."

"That's the problem, Lily. You don't have your wings anymore! And now, you're just as cursed as I am. You mean to tell me the Raven Beast isn't trying to make you fly? To guide you to the highest places?"

"...The Raven Beast is too busy grieving over the loss of my wings to try anything like that."

Eda rubbed her temples.

"Titan." She wasn't prepared for this. No Clawthorne was. "Lily, be honest with me, all the problems you've had, the stumbles, the headaches, your difficulty standing, is it all the fault of this?"

"...Yes."

Damn, Eda wanted to cry.

The Owl Beast was no better, recognizing that a wingless bird was as good as a dead bird.

How has Lilith gotten so far? How had she lasted so long? 

Eda couldn't understand it. If she lost her wings, if she were unable to do the one thing that had kept her alive and standing when she was alone and without anyone else, she might die.

Now she had the kids. Without her magic, she was already weak. But without her wings too? Eda would be useless. She couldn't take care of them.

How could Lilith stay so strong? So- so serious?

Eda can't understand it. 

"Lilith..."

She doesn't know what to say. What do you say in these cases? A sorry isn't enough.

Nothing is enough.

"Come here, Edalyn." Lily spread her arms, looking at her with shining eyes and- and Eda is supposed to comfort her, support her, but-

But as always, it's Lily who knows what to do. Who knows how to stand firm when Eda is the one who gets lost in her emotions.

"Lily, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Eda squeezes her waist tightly, burying her face in her neck like a little girl. She feels like one. "I should have been there for you."

"Shh, Eda. I'm fine." Her hands stroked her hair. "I lost my wings, not my life."

To a normal person, that might make a difference. But to the Clawthornes, those words meant nothing.

Eda, however, would like to believe her.

But they both knew that was a lie.

Eda, after all, had ripped off one of her father's wings. She knows very well how terrible that is, even though she can barely remember it.

She can hardly imagine how painful it was for Lilith. How slow and bloody it was. 

Now it makes sense why she always flinches when someone's behind her. Eda had thought it was the reflexes of being a soldier for so long, but now she knows better.

"I'll make you go talk to Dad and Mom about this."

"Edalyn-"

"No. You need to tell them, you know. It's our obligation."

Lilith rubbed her temples.

"Eda, it's been six years since that. It's no longer necessary."

"I don't care. They're our parents, Lilith, they deserve to know what happened to you!"

"Do they?"

"...Lilith, what do you mean?"

"I haven't spoken to any of them in twenty years, Eda. Mother probably forgot about me the first day I went to the Coven. Now I don't even have wings to prove I'm her daughter, that I'm family. Why should she care about me?"

So while her mom visited her day and night without rest, she had completely forgotten about Lily?

Eda would love to say she's surprised, but she's not.

And what does it say about her mother that she isn't?

"Dad will always be on our side, Lily."

Even if Eda hasn't seen him in a long time. 

"I guess." Lilith sighed, releasing her from the hug. Her shoulders were tense. "We'd better talk to them today. Because if not, I never will."

"I'm going to tell the kids to get ready to go out then."

Lilith nodded.

"I'm... going to think about what I'm going to tell them."

Of course Lily had a problem telling the truth. When didn't she?

"Tell them the truth. All of it. As easy as that."

"Unless you want to hear a lot of types of torture being applied, Edalyn, that's not a good idea."

Right.

Damn, this family needs therapy.

"I'm going to need an explanation for that, you know?"

"I do. But we'll talk about it when none of the kids are home. I don't want to traumatize them any more than I already have."

Well, she had a good point.

"I'll hold you to that."

Now, where the hell was her elixir? If she's going to see her mom today, she'll need it.

Chapter Text

She sighed, covering her eyes with her arm. What time was it?

Ugh, it had only been a few hours since she had opened her first bottle of Apple Blood, how come it was already the middle of the afternoon?

She hasn't even spoken to Raine today. What kind of girlfriend does that?

A shitty one. 

"Where is my scroll?" She doesn't remember the last time she saw it. Maybe it was on the floor, under all the bottles?

She should move and check it out, but...she didn't feel like it.

She didn't feel like doing anything lately. 

She just didn't see the point. What was the point of cleaning up her mess if she was just going to do it again anyway? What was the point of taking her medication if she was still going to transform into the Owl Beast?

Not that anyone was here to scold her. Mom must still be traveling in search of another cure, her dad is at her childhood home, and Lily...

Lily is out there, living her life to the fullest and forgetting about her, because why think about her cursed sister, when she has the Emperor's full attention on her?

What a good older sister she was. So loving, right?

Even when she saw her, Lily always tried to catch her. To treat her like a common criminal. 

She couldn't even look her in the eyes, for Titan's sake! Did Eda really embarrass her that much?

Was Eda just that disappointing?

Only Raine seemed to look at her as if she were a normal witch, but she knew that wasn't going to last. Eda was going to do something bad, she was going to screw up somehow, and Raine was going to leave, just like everyone else.

Eda grabbed another bottle.

Perhaps it would be best if Raine let her. That way, they could focus entirely on their work at the coven, and stop having to come up with excuses when they wanted to see her.

After all, someone was going to find out sooner or later. Maybe it would simply be better to...not give them anything to discover.

To run away. Again.

Even so...

She is selfish.

So, with a half-empty bottle in hand, she moves and crouches down in front of her mess, searching for her scroll.

When she opens it, there are several unseen messages from Rainestorm.

She definitely doesn't deserve them, does she?

Ugh, she can't do this right now. It's too much.

She needs- she needs a distraction. Her own head is no longer her own, and it's not a safe place to be.

She wish school had destroyed her brain. Maybe then she wouldn't have so many problems.

But that didn't happen, so she have to go to the next best thing: Penstagram. A place where her few brain cells will die, or so she hopes, because of the amount of garbage there.

She drops the bottle in her hand and grabs another, taking a deep sip as she moves forward. 

Everything is boring and stupid. There is nothing that catches her attention.

Until her.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Singing with a mask on?" 

Out of curiosity, she clicks on the video. 

I lost myself that night.

I threw it all away.

Those are the things I've hated

Then I went and caved in.

The bottle fell from her hand, Apple blood leaving a dusty mess on the floor.

"Lily?"

No, there was no way. Her sister had never been good at singing, and even if she were, she wouldn't publish it. She was almost as bad as Raine at public speaking!

But...she was wearing a mask.

Maybe-

I'm a mess right now.

My heart is in two places.

Half is back at home.

The other's off and racing.

No, that was definitely Lily. Eda would recognize that way of speaking anywhere. She was her older sister, for the Titan's sake. It would be weirder if she didn't recognize her.

I've been running and running and running away.

I know they'll catch me.

So it was a familiar thing to run away, huh?

Who would have thought that someone as perfect as Prissy Lily would want to run away too? 

She didn't show it.

...Recall my mother's words.

Eda gave a dry laugh.

"Certainly not any good ones." 

But it was far too late.

I feel the burden now.

It's weighing down my soul.

And I can't catch my breath.

'Cause these demons follow.

Eda paused the video, passing her hand over her face.

In hindsight, perhaps it had been foolish of her to assume that Lily was living her best life. 

How could she have forgotten that Lily would never let her see behind the perfect, self-sufficient older sister mask?

The alcohol was really doing her wrong. If Lily knew how low she was, she'd probably start being an owl mother to her again.

Huh.

She looked towards the door.

That... wouldn't be so bad.

At least when they'd gotten along, nothing had hurt as much. Maybe Eda could try?

If they were both going to feel like shit, at least they could feel like shit together, right? That's what siblings are for.

She just...needs to get up and get out of the dump that is her house. That'll be enough, right?

Lilith will be there to catch her. 

Chapter Text

Look, Lily might have been close to catching her this time, but that didn't mean Eda was sick. She was just... distracted or something.

No, no, she was playing with Lily. Making her believe she had her right where she wanted her. A deception worthy of The Owl Lady.

"You look more terrible than usual, sister."

Not that Lily, her stupid older sister, noticed anything. She hadn't known her that well for years.

Nobody has.

"At least I don't look like I have a stick up my ass like you."

She smiled, holding Owlbert tighter than necessary. Her knees felt weak, and she was perhaps wobbly a little, but she was perfectly fine.

Either way, watching Lily's face turn red with anger was worth it.

"That's very childish language on your part, but I guess I shouldn't expect any more."

"Yeah, well, you always lacked a sense of humor." 

A pang stabbed at her brain. Fuck. Had the potion already worn off? She knew she shouldn't trust that night market vendor, but she had no other choice.

Hopefully, Lilith would give up soon. Don't she have to tutor a brat? She probably needs to leave soon.

At least, Eda hopes so. All she wants to do is go home, grab King, and lie down in her nest and sleep until the end of the Isles.

"The same way you've always lacked a sense of responsibility." Lily drew a spell circle, sending blue flames toward her.

Normally, it wouldn't be a problem. That's a very basic spell, and Eda is one of the most powerful witches in the Isles.

But today it seems like nothing can go right, so she can only watch as the flames come towards her.

She tries to draw a spell circle, and summon water or a wall, anything, to protect herself, but her beloved curse refuses to let her save her skin. 

"Damned suicidal owl beast." She murmurs, raising her arms to protect her face. 

This is going to be a nightmare to heal from. She can feel the flames licking at her skin, and it already hurts.

She close her eyes, because everything is easier if she chooses to ignore it, and she waited.

But the flames never arrive.

Instead, when she opens her eyes, Lily is walking toward her, her brow furrowed with concern like she hasn't seen in years, and-

And Eda should leave. Disappear from this shameful scene, because she's a grown woman and a strong witch, but she can't move. 

Part of her, a big part, longs for Lily to care for her, to look after her, just like when they were little kids. 

So when Lily grabs her face, examining it, she lets her, melting into the touch.

She always knew she missed Lily, but now that she's sick, it seems like she miss her more. 

Maybe it's because Lily was the one who took care of her when she was a child and got sick, or simply because Lily is her older sister. 

"How dare you leave the house when you're so sick, Edalyn? Something could have happened to you!"

"Ugh, don't scold me. Not all of us have as much money as you."

Lily frowned, but sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I'm going to take you home, Edalyn. And you're going to stay there, understood?"

"Don't talk to me like I'm a little girl."

"No, but you certainly act like one." Shamelessly, Lilith pushed her to sit on Mike Socks. Damn, this would be awkward to remember. "Why didn't you tell me? I could have hurt you badly."

Eda buried her face in Lily's back, wrapping her arms around her. Not that she needed to, but if she was going to humiliate herself, she might as well enjoy it a little.

Plus, she missed cuddling her older sister. She could be a strict jerk who never left her alone, but she still loved her. 

Even if she would never say it out loud.

"It's not like it's the first time you've done it."

Things like that were much easier to admit.

"I-" Lilith looked ahead, flying towards The Owl House. "No, you're right. But still, you're my little sister. I'm supposed to take care of you when you're bad."

"Well, you haven't done that in many years, so why would I expect you to do it now?"

"...I guess you have a good point." Lilith took a deep breath. "But I promise to do it from now on."

She... couldn't be serious, could she?

There was no way this was real. Maybe it was a hallucination from the fever? That made more sense.

But damn, she wanted to believe it. 

"Why?"

"If I hadn't been the one fighting you today, Edalyn, you could have been seriously injured. I don't want that to happen. So if you get sick, please talk to me."

She was going to get her older sister back.

Hmm. 

Right.

"Only if you promise to buy King a gift every time you come over."

"Your pet?"

"My kid."

"...Am I an aunt?"

Lily's dress was very soft. Could Eda take a little nap here?

"Edalyn, I'm an aunt!?"

Chapter Text

Lilith Clawthorne is destined to die.

That's why she's a raven, she's a bad omen. 

A bad luck charm.

She's not good. She's not powerful, nor is she smart.

She just tries hard to pretend she is. 

Because she has to be good at something. She has to excel at something.

Whatever it is.

She's not Eda. She's not naturally smart and cunning.

She's not her mother. She has no gift with beasts, nor genius strength.

She is not her father either, who can understand animals like no one else, and transform his ideas into beautiful living beings.

She is Lilith, the nerd.

That's all.

She has friends, of course. Darius, most of all, and Alador. Maybe Raine, too.

But sometimes that's not enough.

Sometimes everything seems so little, so weak.

Like her.

And she hides. Like now.

Because she's going to die.

And there's no way to stop it.

She is only seventeen years old.

She should grow up to be as old as her mother, even older.

Instead, she won't even reach adulthood.

It's a little sad. 

But Lilith doesn't know how to go any further either. What it's like is wanting to breathe, wanting to move forward.

She only knows what it's like to be slowly sucked into the ground.

So when she finds out she's going to die, she does the only thing she can think of, the only thing a child will always think of in the face of danger: go to their parents.

She takes a forced vacation from the Coven, and she comes home, even if she hasn't seen it like that in years.

She doesn't tell anyone. She just shows up at the door and hopes—no, prays—that her mother will welcome her home. That she still belongs to it, even if she's been away for almost two years.

She does, surprisingly.

And so, Lilith returns home. Without glory, without honor, but with borrowed time, and goals in the hand.

Lord Belos awaits her, there in the castle, with her final mission written in a bloody folder that patiently waits for her to return.

She feigns ignorance. She pretends she doesn't remember, that if she doesn't see it, it's not real, not yet.

Instead, she makes the most of what's left. The time Belos has kindly given her, and she hugs her parents, Eda, tightly, afraid to let them go.

It's not that they're the ones who will leave, but Lilith no longer cares about being rational.

Each of them responds differently.

Dad hugs her, laughing like when she was still a little girl, and ruffles her hair, asking her to tell him how she's been doing.

Eda blushes, embarrassed like any teenager that her older sister is being too affectionate, and only allows her a few seconds before breaking away with a grimace and hitting her arm. She insists she's not a little girl anymore, but Lilith will always see her that way. After all, she'll never see her grow any bigger than that.

Mother is the strangest. Before leaving for the coven, Mother never hugged her for more than a few seconds, talking about Eda almost the moment she saw her.

But now...no. She's surprised, but she holds her tightly, as if she knows she's going to lose her, and she doesn't let go until Lilith herself asks for it.

Lilith knows she's worrying them, that she's creating sign after sign, but she doesn't care.

This is her life, what's left of it, and she's going to make the most of it.

So she convinces Alador to hang out again, and tells him about this series of books called Azura that her roommate can't stop reading, and they both ramble on about technology, like old times.

She then goes out with Darius, who has a less strict schedule as he is from the Abomination Coven, and tells him about the strange creatures known as wolves, and how they work with the ravens. He lets her talk, and then they both dye their hair, put on face masks, and paint their nails.

It's so perfect it hurts.

But it's a good pain.

So Lilith goes ahead and goes with Raine. They've never been best friends, but they get along. Lilith gives them her approval, and lots of advice, and listens to them talk and stumble over words about how much they love Eda.

It's adorable. It makes her wish she was still here when one of them finally works up the courage to make a confession. But those are silly fantasies.

Eda is significantly more difficult. Not because she's hard to talk to, but because she's so easy to talk to that she has a hard time stopping herself from spilling her guts. 

Will there be a world where both of them can belong to the Coven? Or one where the final duel was between the two of them?

A world where Belos didn't choose her in advance, and ensured that everyone would pave her way to him?

Lilith wishes it were so. That there was a world where she had a choice.

Whatever it is, as long as Eda is safe and happy, she doesn't care.

Although she'd like to see her grow up. See her become a young adult, settle down with Raine, and maybe give her some nieces and nephews.

But that's much further into the future, at least ten or fifteen years, and Lilith doesn't have that much time.

So she talks to Eda about everything she can think of: the Titan hunters she met, the ships helping the coven, and even the crazy wizard who tried to trick her.

On her last night home, she's almost relieved when Eda agrees to a sleepover like old times, and the two of them snuggle up as they talk about their desired future.

Or Lilith lies about one.

The next morning, Lilith accompanies her dad and carves alongside him all morning, and for lunch, she enjoys the last of her mother's meals she will ever taste.

She says goodbye to them with a smile, grabs her things, and heads off to the Castle.

Despite all the signs, all the indications, no one stops her, and Lilith, who is satisfied with everything she has done, does not stop either.

She arrives at the Castle, and goes to the Throne Room, and there, Belos awaits her, with his head resting on his hand, and with no one else around him.

"You're back."

"Of course, my Lord." Lilith kneels before him, closing her eyes.

The things she had brought with her were gone. She sold them to a street vendor and went on her way. She doesn't need them anymore.

"Take this map and go to the time wells. It's time you found the Collector, my child."

The Collector, child of the stars. A lost legend.

That is Lilith's last, and only, important mission.

"So I will, Emperor." She stands up, brushing the dust off her dress, and grabs the map.

She's not the first person to do this. She might not be the last, either.

Even though she can't see them, she knows there's a pile of bodies behind this suicide mission. And she knows she is the next.

Not that anyone except the next victim can know. The hunt for the Collector is a closely guarded secret. 

The only reason Lilith knows this is because the Titan chose her to be next.

For everyone else, if Lilith dies here, it's probably because a mission went wrong, or she committed suicide. Simple, concise.

Something as crazy as this... It will certainly never be released to the public.

"Don't let me down."

She nodded, taking a deep breath.

"I won't." 

The Titan had chosen her, and it was her turn to try, like many before her. She couldn't let him down. Not when the Emperor saw something in her that made him move heaven and earth to keep her by his side. 

Chapter Text

The wedding Odalia had invited her to...was their wedding?

Like, Odalia and her?

Titan. Lilith wanted to tear her hair out. She hadn't agreed to any of this! Their 'relationship' was supposed to last a few months, not a lifetime, which was why Lilith had accepted it in the first place.

How was she supposed to pretend to be in love with Odalia for the rest of her life? She didn't even know what that felt like. 

And...fuck, Odalia's parents will want them to have children, won't they? Lilith isn't ready to be a mother. She doesn't want to be one. She's only nineteen! And even if she wasn't, she still wouldn't want to. She doesn't want to be Gwendolyn Part 2. She just wanted to be the cool aunt to whatever kids Eda had, not this.

It's not as if she could refuse, not in front of all the high-ranking people invited to this wedding. Her reputation would be damaged, and she can't allow that. She has to cure her little sister, and for that, she needs to rank up quickly.

So, feeling underdressed, but with nothing she can do about it, she takes a deep breath, trying to look anywhere except at Odalia and her wedding dress.

She didn't even come in anything other than her recruit uniform, thinking it was a normal marriage and not her own. 

Fuck, her hands are sweating a lot, and being under so many people's gaze is making her nauseous. And she's supposed to kiss Odalia? 

This day is terrible. Her parents aren't even here, and a part of her wishes they were. Maybe if her mom thinks she's normal, she'll be proud of her, and all this nightmare will have been worth it.

But there's no one she loves here, and Lilith has no idea what excuse she'll come up with for not inviting them. What can she say? What will make a marriage with Odalia, of all people, seem like a good thing?

Lilith can't think of anything. Is it just because the insistent beat of her heart echoing in her ears, her sweaty palms, or the satisfied smile Odalia gives her?

"And may kiss your partner."

Lilith can only watch, frozen in place, as Odalia approaches her. She's well made up and smells good, but she scares her more than any murder attempt she's ever faced. 

It's shameful. How can she be such a coward? She's saved people. She's killed people. She's seen horrors, and...and yet, she can't stop this.

Odalia's lips rest on hers, they are as soft as they look, but that doesn't take away the feeling of disgust that invades her. It's too humid, too weird, it makes the hairs on her neck stand up.

Lilith doesn't even close her eyes as Odalia melts into her, grabbing her by the hips and making a disgusting display of herself; as if Lilith were a trophy she finally won.

She did it, didn't she? Her last name, though renowned, isn't nearly as well-known as Clawthorne. And now Odalia is that. A Clawthorne.

Even thinking about it feels wrong.

"Don't stay so still," Odalia says in her ear, her breath hot against her, and she can't help but shudder.

But Lilith is a soldier, she is good at obeying, so clumsily, she tries to move her lips next to Odalia's. At least enough to make this seem like a normal, happy marriage and not something she was forced into.

When the kiss ends, and applause fills the room, Lilith can still feel Odalia's lips against her, and the weight of her purple lipstick on her lips.

She wants to run, flee to the nearest bathroom and wash her face and mouth until it bleeds and bursts, but her feet remain glued to the floor. 

So she fakes a smile when Odalia runs a hand down her hip, pinching her, and the moment they're both free to go, she bolts out the door. 

She needs fresh air. To run and scream. Maybe to cry. But all that awaits her is a bed in a newly made mansion, a gift from Odalia's parents.

A bed she has to share with Odalia. A bed where they have to do...that. 

Bile rises in her throat, mixing with the grape flavor of Odalia's lipstick.

Her hands tremble against her sides. Her gloves feel heavy against her skin, her uniform too tight, and her boots too big, but everything fits her. 

She is the mistake. 

She should be happy. Marriage is supposed to be. Odalia isn't even a bitch to her anymore, and there must be something she's gaining from this. Maybe books, or a whole library full of them, and money, lots of money.

But none of it's worth it. None of it makes her feel any less dirty. 

Why can't she be happy? Rejoice that someone finally chose her and prioritized her? Not even her mother has done it, but Odalia has.

And—and now Lilith has the chance to return home whenever she wants. The Coven grants that concession about marriage. She'll be able to see and take care of Eda more often, isn't that great?

Yes, all of this is...perfect. It has to be. It's something positive, something useful. There's nothing wrong with it. It's not like Lilith wants to scratch her skin to shreds just to stop feeling Odalia's hands on her, not at all. 

Oh, who is she kidding? This is perhaps the second worst thing that's happened to her after cursing her sister, and it's just getting started.

How many years will Lilith have to endure this? Odalia's lips and hands on her? Her parents demanding stares? Her mother's pride over something she doesn't even want? 

Eda is going to be so angry when she finds out what Lilith did. How is Lilith going to be able to look her in the face and tell her she wanted this?

She can't even tell herself. 

"It's time to celebrate our union, Lilith."

No, no, no.

She's not ready for that. She doesn't want to do it. Can't they just not do it? 

"Odalia, I don't want-"

"Lilith."

Her voice fades away.

She...doesn't have a choice, does she?

She never had it.

"...right."

This is the worst moment and day of Lilith's life.

And it won't be the last.

Chapter Text

'I'm alive', is her first thought when she regains consciousness.

Because that's the only surprise.

The flowers caught in her throat, the stems digging into her skin, the blood in her mouth, all of that is normal, as is the slight wheezing when she breathes.

She's alive, not well, because she hasn't been well since she was eight, and realized her own parents didn't love her, and she hates every second of it.

Because now they know. 

They know how disappointing she is. How horrible she's been. So unloved she's sick with heartbreak.

All she can do is cover her face with her hands and sigh.

This is going to be an embarrassing conversation on all fronts, she can sense it. 

Why couldn't the disease be merciful, and end her life after exposing her? Everything would be easier if that were the case. Lilith hadn't updated her will or arranged her funeral arrangements for nothing. She was supposed to use them soon.

But not soon enough, apparently.

"This is your fault!"

"My fault? I didn't know my little flea was sick. Especially with Hanahaki."

"Hanahaki? Like the fairytale illness?" 

You have to be kidding her.

Mother was still here? And she was talking to Edalyn?

"Ugh." She whispered under her breath, sitting up and clutching her head. She could already feel the flowers rising in her throat, wanting to escape.

And what did it say about her and her mother's relationship that just hearing her voice was enough to make her want to cough?

It was certainly poetic that the person closest to ending her life was the one who gave it to her. Not Belos, not the coven. Her mother.

Titan, Lilith was a mess.

"Yes. I thought it was fake for a long time, but now I see it's not. Do you have any idea who Lilith is in love with, darling?"

Lilith frowned.

"In love?"

Twenty years of no contact had done wonders to make her forget how little her mother knew about her. How little she cared about her.

She must still have thought it was a phase, right? Maybe she was even relieved that Lilith had 'found someone' who made her feel normal.

But Lilith was already normal. She didn't need to fall in love to be that.

"'In love with'?" Lilith could almost imagine Edalyn's frown. "Mom, Lily isn't in love with anyone. She's not like that."

"Edalyn, I understand that you don't know much, but this disease is about unrequited love. My little flea has to be in love with someone. Maybe someone from the coven? Do you think it could be the Emperor? Or the Golden Guard? She always appeared with them in the Crystal Ball. Or maybe even that friend of hers. What was his name? Daryl?"

In love with Belos? 

Or- or the-?

Titan.

Lilith barely had time to grab the bucket full of flowers in front of her, and vomit into it.

Belos was her boss, and a asshole. And Hunter—fuck, Hunter was a kid. How could her mother suggest something so horrible and vile?

Lilith had cared for that kid since he couldn't even speak properly. Not even Belos would dream of suggesting something so despicable. Lilith basically raised him, for Titan's sake. How could her mother be so disconnected from the world?

"Mom, Lilith would never fall in love with anyone, much less that idiot Belos! And isn't The Golden Guard a young adult or something? That's VERY younger than her, even if she liked people like that."

Right. People thought the Golden Guard was an adult, not a child. 

Even so...

Lilith vomited again into the bucket, shivers all over her body.

The idea was repugnant.

"So what do you suggest, Edalyn? One of my daughters is dying, and I don't know whose fault it is!"

Lilith wiped the sweat from her forehead, trying to ignore how the room was spinning.

The flowers. Flowers she doesn't remember coughing up, but knows came from her, float in the bucket, covered in blood. 

They are the most detailed and lifelike flowers she has ever seen. 

How much time- how much time does she have left, then?

"You said the illness is caused by unrequited love, right? Lily only started coughing when you arrived."

"You don't mean..."

"That's exactly what I mean. You must be the one responsible."

"But that doesn't make sense, honey. I would have noticed. This disease is too advanced to be recent."

Her mother sounded...worried? 

That was weird.

"When was the last time you saw Lily before today, Mom?"

"Why do you ask?"

"When was it?"

"...Twenty years ago, I think."

"Titan." Eda let out a dry laugh. "No wonder Lily almost died instantly. She's been sick for twenty years because of you."

This...was taking a path that Lilith definitely doesn't like.

Her mother had certainly been to blame for most of her illness, but she hadn't been the only one. It wasn't fair to blame her for everything.

Still, hearing Eda protect her, even though it shouldn't be because she's the youngest, is...like a weight off her shoulders. Almost like she can breathe easier.

"That- that can't be." 

Lilith finally poked her head out of the bucket, looking toward the door. The way her mom had said those words...was she crying?

"Mom..."

"My little flea can't be sick because of me. She can't die because of me. She was supposed to be the healthier one between you two, the less worrisome."

Oh.

So her mother does care about her?

Heavily, Lilith stood up on shaky legs, wiping the blood and dried vomit from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand.

She could barely stand. Her head throbbed, and it was stabbed again and again for even standing, but she still moved toward the door.

"Well, apparently not."

Leaning one hand on the wall to walk, and with the other clutching her shirt, right where her heart was, Lilith opened the door.

"Mother."

Now that she'd arrived here, she didn't know what to say. Wasn't that embarrassing?

"Lilyflea! Oh my Titan."

Lilith blinked slowly, her arms tense against her sides, as her mother launched herself at her, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe.

The revelation was startling: her mother was hugging her. Her. Lilith, not Eda.

Was Lilith really alive? Was this a hallucination from blood loss or something?

Because it was one thing for her mother to care about her, and another for her to show it.

"Lily."

"Uh, hi, Edalyn." 

Should she move? Should she ask to be released? She hasn't received a hug in years. She no longer knows the proper etiquette.

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I wanted to heal you first before doing it."

Or, more accurately, she wanted to make sure Edalyn could live well before she gave up and let herself die.

"You are an absolute idiot. First you hide from me that you cursed me, and now you're hiding a deadly illness from me? What's next?"

"Nothing." 

"I will never forgive you if you are lying to me."

"I'm not."

"Good."

And before Lilith could blink, Edalyn had caught her in a hug as well.

Eda, her younger sister who since she was fifteen refused to be affectionate with her because it was childish.

Damn.

"Oh, my little flea, don't cry."

This was too much.

It turns out her mother cares about her? And that Eda still wants her in her life, despite everything?

"I'm not- I'm not crying."

"Yes you are."

"Shut up, Edalyn." Lilith buried her face in Eda's hair, ignoring her complaints.

This was so embarrassing, but so so good.

Was this what it felt like to be loved?

"You better not be messing up my hair."

Lilith did not respond.

For once, she couldn't speak, and it wasn't because of the flowers.

The flowers?

Shit, she could barely feel them anymore.

"Don't even think about almost dying again."

"Please, little flea, promise us you'll tell us if you get any sicker."

"I- I swear."

And this time, it was for real.

Chapter Text

Eda doesn't need her anymore, and if she doesn't, neither do Mom and Dad.

Although that's perhaps unfair. Lilith knows that her parents love her, that her sister loves her. She knows it.

But knowing it doesn't mean she feels it.

Not now that Eda has her own friends. Not now that Eda can do her chores on her own, and refuses hugs because she's too big for them.

Not now that her parents won't even look at her to ask her to take care of Eda. To be a great example for her. What good would that do? Eda's already good enough on her own. She doesn't need a stupid older sister who can never seem to do anything exceptional.

No. If anything, Eda is the perfect example. A successful witch, very popular, and always winning over others. How can Lilith compete with that?

She can't.

She never could, and although she always hated it, at least it wasn't as painful as it is now, because it was her, stupid Lilith, who Eda went to when she felt bad or needed help. 

Not anymore. Because now Lilith isn't even good enough to be a good older sister, the only thing she thought she was competent at.

The one thing her mother always assumed the best of. 

And- And Lilith has tried to find her place. She's tried to make friends, she's tried to be as skilled at magic as Eda, she's tried-

She's tried many things. But whether they work is a very different thing.

Because the answer is no. It always is.

No matter how hard she tries, Eda refuses to accept any more of her help. And mother Mother refuses to talk to her about anything other than her grades or Eda, as if Lilith didn't matter outside of that.

And Dad... He tries, but he's always so busy, that Lilith is afraid to bother him beyond her mere existence.

She tried to tell herself that she was loved. But every time those words left her mouth, they felt less true.

Because they aren't.

Dad loved his oldest daughter. Eda loved her older sister. And Mom loved Eda's free babysitter.

No one loved only Lilith. How would they do it? They'd never met her. Her parents only knew what they saw with the naked eye, and Eda... It would be a peaceful day in Hexside before Lilith burdened her with her problems.

It was no surprise that Lilith couldn't make friends. That she couldn't talk to other people, or find love. She was born wrong; only that would explain her mother's indifference toward her.

Because if not even the person who had brought her into the world loved her, how would anyone else?

Lilith had always thought that, but she hadn't admitted it until now. It was easier to deny it and continue lying to herself than to accept the truth.

But she was tired of the lies, and since Lilith Clawthorne was a walking lie, she was also tired of herself. Not even her favorite books could cheer her up anymore; she could barely read a few sentences before giving up, and hating herself for it.

Because how could she be so useless that she wasn't even good for that anymore? It was literally the only hobby she had, and now it was...gone.

Gone, like her dreams of entering the Emperor's Coven, because Eda will win, and that won't surprise anyone. Gone, like she'll be after Eda wins and leaves home, and her mother tries to get her to go too.

Because an Edalyn without Lily is still someone powerful, and a Lilith without Eda is nothing but a waste. Garbage that should be disposed of as soon as possible.

No one even notices when she starts eating even less. She never ate much, always trapped in books and unaware of the passing of time, but now she's somewhat aware. She simply no longer has the hunger or energy to do it.

At least her parents don't notice. Eda does, but she's very busy with Raine most days. Still, she manages to force her to go out to eat some days. Eda is that good. That noble.

That's why she'll never know that any of that food stayed in her stomach, and instead, went down the toilet.

It's not something a little sister should know.

Even if Eda grows older and more independent every day, and Lilith dreads the moment when she'll be gone, and she won't see her again.

If Eda sees her now, worries about her now, it's because it's her obligation. They live together, they were best friends when they were little. When she enters the Coven, Eda won't even think about Lilith. She'll be too busy to focus on something as forgettable as Lilith, just like her mother.

And she knows it's cruel to think like that. That Eda doesn't deserve it, that her mother doesn't deserve it. She tries to avoid it by scratching her arm, trying to ground herself.

But all she ends up achieving in the end is a bunch of scratches, and blood under her nails.

And yet, she can't stop doing it. From scratching her skin until it's raw, from pulling her hair until she has several strands tangled in her hand.

Lilith has never been anything more than an invisible weight holding everyone back. It's no surprise that includes her as well.

And sometimes there are good days. There are days when Lilith doesn't have to force a smile and resist the instinct to harm herself. Days when she can eat normally and talk to her parents without wanting to run away.

But they are becoming less common, while the days when her thoughts are clouded and guilt-ridden only increase.

The once excellent student Lilith Clawthorne is no longer an excellent student. She's not even that good anymore. She struggles to study, she struggles to read, and she struggles to think. She doesn't even remember what she did yesterday, and much less last week.

Her grades don't drop that much, which is the only thing she's grateful for, because the difference is so minimal that her parents, not even Eda, notice it. 

However, she knows that Principal Bump is worried about her. That instead of bringing Eda closer to Lilith so she can control her urge to bring chaos, he brings her closer so that Lilith stops looking like a walking corpse, and is encouraged to do something.

She feels bad for worrying him. The poor man already has enough with Eda being Eda, he doesn't need Lilith's problems added to the mix, and yet... yet she is selfishly happy, because at least someone notices.

He tries to rat her out to her parents, obviously, but if there's one thing Gwendolyn Clawthorne is better at than her job, it's splendidly ignoring Lilith no matter what. 

Within a week, her parents conclude that she's fine, and that Bump must be going senile because of Eda, and everything goes back to normal, so it's not a big deal.

At least until the days before the Emperor's Exam.

Because Lilith, the wonderfully good sister and daughter Lilith, thought of cursing her sister.

Also known as the person she loves the most and the only one that motivates her to get out of bed every morning.

That sister.

And what was her incredible reason for doing it? She wanted to win, join the Emperor's Coven, and make her parents proud for once in her life.

As if that would work. Edalyn was her mother's beloved baby, if Lilith did anything to her, her mother would only give her even more attention than she already does. 

She wouldn't look at Lilith. She never has in her seventeen years of life. So why would she be proud of her for ruining the dreams of the daughter she loves and adores?

Mother and Dad would probably focus more on comforting Edalyn than congratulating Lilith, if they did at all. Cursing her sister isn't worth it.

Because if she did, and something went wrong, Lilith would have to live with the guilt, trying to fix a stupid mistake.

She can't do that. She's already tried everyone's patience by going this far; she won't do it again.

No. She's already been bad enough, poisonous enough, that keeping her alive would be cruel to everyone. If she could think of hurting Eda, there's nothing to tell her she won't.

And she doesn't want to. That's the last thing she wants.

So Lilith waits. She tidies up her things and puts them in boxes, cleans her room, and returns the books she had to the library.

No one will notice. Eda never comes to her room, and her parents prefer to talk to her in the dining room rather than here.

So no one notices when her room stops being her room, and starts looking like a room full of stuff that no one cares about.

Luckily, she doesn't feel guilty about it. She's pretty sure her mother will sell it or throw it all away. Titan, she might not even realize her eldest daughter is gone. 

Maybe she doesn't even remember she has an older daughter. That there's someone else here besides Edalyn and Dell.

Not by much, though.

Just a few more minutes.

She took advantage of the fact that Eda went out with Raine today, and that their parents weren't home, to go to the beach.

Are there deaths less painful than boiling water? Yes. Many. 

However, none of these guarantees that they will never find her. That they will be unable to cure her.

So Lilith came here, with nothing but her clothes. Mike Socks is safe in her sister's bed, and she's already moved all the boxes out of the room to make the heavy lifting easier for her parents.

So it's time. She takes a deep breath, and dives in. 

The world is burning. It's spinning, and it's blurry. A scream tries to escape her mouth, but all it manages to do is force water into it, and although she doesn't see it, she knows her skin is red.

Her throat itches, and every cut and scar hurts as much as the moment she got them. 

It's terrible. So much so, that it's perfect.

Poetic, even.

After a lifetime spent drowning and sinking under responsibilities, this was almost like coming home.

Although it's a shame not to be able to see Edalyn grow up.

Chapter Text

Everything starts like this.

Lilith, tiny and just two years older than six-year-old Eda, is in charge of her care. And Eda is a very playful and joker kid.

Above all, Eda is a little girl with powerful puppy dog eyes and adorably chubby cheeks, and when she asks if they can joke around, Lilith is unable to say no.

Just like when her mother asks her to take care of Eda and abandon any plans for her, she just nods and accepts. Because that's what a good daughter and sister does, isn't it?

And then Lilith grows up, starts getting better grades and becoming an academic prodigy, and the bullies are quick to arrive. Children who try to push and hit her are quickly stopped by Eda, but children who insult her and demand that she do their homework?

She greets them staring at the floor, without a word, because it's exhausting, but at least someone needs her, you know?

So she takes every homework, and does it without question.

Then she grows a little bit more. She grabs her things, puts them in a bag, and heads off to the Coven, a knot of vipers of which she is now a part.

It's not much different from Hexside. People keep asking her to do things she doesn't want to do, but they're her superiors now, so she goes along with it because what else can she do?

She's not a little girl, she doesn't have mom and dad to protect her anymore, and even if she did, they were never there for her before.

No. She decides to take each thing, and think of it as a way to impress, to assert herself, when all the other recruits seem to be better than her.

It works well. She rises quickly. Despite never being better than Edalyn, she's better than any other recruit, and the bosses she'd pleased seem happy to keep asking her for things, treating her like an errand girl, just with some reputation behind her.

Then, she meets the Emperor. The leader of the islands, the messenger of the Titan, the man she has admired since she was a baby and couldn't speak.

The only man who can cure her sister of the curse she has placed on her.

And when he asks her if she wants to be his right-hand woman, she accepts before listening to his requirements.

Because the shameful, festering, terrible truth is that Lilith Clawthorne is so desperate to please, to be of value to someone, that she will accept any price to be that.

Although, in retrospect, she never had much of a choice.

The Emperor was not a man to take no for an answer, as she discovered the one time she tried to use that word.

However, it wasn't the last. It seemed that in the heat of the moment, when her voice was hoarse from screaming and her body ached from him, that was all she could say.

A short word. Powerful, perhaps, for other people, but not for her, because no one is more powerful than the Emperor, much less something as small as a no.

Anyway, no matter how much she refuses, she always does what he asks. She dyes her hair blue, so as not to look like a wild witch, and takes off her glasses, because they're a weakness. 

She doesn't do anything when he starts calling her Eve. When the threatening touches and the out-of-sight touches blur and lose their distinction. 

She also doesn't say anything when his shoulders are tense, his eyes blazing, and his teeth grinding with fury. Lilith is smart; she's learned that refusing will only make him angrier.

So she takes what he gives her, and lies through her teeth about how grateful she is for this favoritism that she wishes didn't exist.

Anyway, a part of her must want this. Belos insists she enjoys it, and she's starting to believe him, because how could she not? He's been alive longer than she has, and is the Titan's messenger. He knows best.

He must knows best, because if not...because if not, all of this has been a bad thing. 

And Lilith is used to feeling like it is wrong. To hating every second he looks at her and touches her, to shuddering at his voice and his breath, but feeling wrong and being wrong are two different things.

And if it turns out they're both the same thing, Lilith doesn't know what she'll do. Can she even do anything? Belos isn't just her boss. He's the Emperor of all the isles. She's just a child. No one would believe her.

Hell, maybe no one would care. If her mom never cared about her before, why would she now? 

No, Lilith should be happy. Grateful. No one else has ever received such...affection from the Emperor, not even his Golden Guards. She's his left hand, the third most powerful person in all the Isles. Even if she feels like a flea in comparison, she is getting benefits from this.

However, no matter how many times she repeats it, she can't believe it. All she wants is her dad, her mom. 

She's thought about running away, but she can't. She has to cure Eda, and she'll only achieve that if she keeps Belos happy and pleased. And besides, her parents haven't even spoken to her this past year. They might not even let her into the house if she showed up there.

No, she has to—she has to be strong. Be a good girl, and behave the way Belos wants. It'll be worth it, it has to be worth it.

Lilith asked for this.

Chapter Text

"Wow, auntie Lily, there are a ton of letters for you in the mail."

Lilith stopped the fork millimeters from her mouth.

"...What?"

Eda, who had gotten up to take a look, whistled.

"Wow kid, you weren't lying. That's a lot of letters. Do you have fans or something, Lily?"

The fork fell from her hand and hit the plate with a thud.

"No way." Pushing her chair back roughly, Lilith walked over to where Luz, King, and Eda were. There, in Luz's hands, were six letters. "No."

"Are you going to open them?" King's tail wagged with excitement.

Open...?

"Luz, give me that NOW." Her heart racing, Lilith snatched the cards from her hands. 

All the letters had the same handwriting.

"No, no, no."

"Lily?" Eda frowned "What's wrong?"

In the distance, Lilith's abandoned Scroll began to sound.

Nobody had her number, nobody except...

Her knees buckled. Luckily, she only collapsed against the wall, her hands gripping the cards so tightly they were now bent.

Why did this have to happen again? She thought it stopped. She wasn't even the Covenhead anymore! So why?

"Aunt Lily?"

The children. Right. They were here. And-

And he knew where they were.

"Shit. Edalyn, don't let the kids out."

"Lily, you're worrying me. What's wrong?"

"He found me." The call on her Scroll stopped, but started again. If she had had any doubts, she no longer had them.

"Belos?"

"No, him My- my stalker." 

"Your what!?"

Lilith pushed her hair back. Some strands were already clinging to her sweaty forehead.

"I know you're capable of protecting yourself, and so am I, but King and Luz aren't. They need to stay close to Hootcifer."

"Lily, are you telling me that you have someone who follows you everywhere?"

"Yes." Lilith opened one of the envelopes. Several photos fell out. Some had been taken yesterday. "I didn't even notice this."

"He were very close." Luz took a photo. "How did we not see him?"

"He knows how to use illusions very well."

"So, he's been following you for a while?"

"Uh." Lilith squeezed her elbow. "Yes. A few... years, I think."

"Years!?"

Lilith rubbed her face.

"Look, it wasn't exactly...a priority. He's not planning on killing me, just...seeing me and, I don't know? Trying to win my heart or something?"

Luz frowned. 

"That sounds obsessive."

"It is." Lilith crumpled the letter. "And I need you and King to be very careful. I can't let him hurt you."

"And you don't know who he is? I think the Owl Beast would be happy to eat him."

"No, I don't know. Honestly, I've never had the time to find out. Although now that it threatens you, I will."

"I think it's time the Clawthorne family taught him a lesson."

"Yeah."

Chapter Text

"Lily! I know you're here!"

How-?

How did Eda manage to find her?

Lilith hasn't left the forest in days, wandering from place to place with nothing else to do. The only one who knows she's here is...

"Of course." 

Of course her palisman also had to have preference over her sister.

At this point, the question was who didn't.

"Eda."

Eda's shoes clattered against the grass as she jumped off Owlbert.

"Lily! Damn, I finally found you. Do you know how many days I've been looking for you with Rainestorm?"

"No." 

"Well, the answer is many!" Eda hit her arm. "What possessed you to run away from home while I'm gone? Dad and Mom have been worried sick about you these past few days." 

They...hadn't forgotten?

They had never noticed her presence or absence when she stayed at home, why now?

"Really?"

"Yeah. Mom almost had a fit when you didn't come back that night, or the next. She's been going to all her friends looking for you."

That sounded too good to be true.

It just...couldn't be possible.

It was illogical for her mother to worry about her now, when she had behaved badly, and not when she was a good daughter.

What was different now compared to before?

"And dad?"

"He's also been doing some search flights, and he still waits in the living room at night for you to come back."

"Oh."

Her heart sank. She wasn't supposed to cause her parents so much trouble. She was the oldest, the responsible one. She was supposed to be the problem solver, not the problem maker.

Still-

Eda took her wrist, pulling her towards Owlbert.

"Let's go home. Mom's starting to scare me with how obsessed she's becoming. You've really driven her crazy."

Lilith stopped abruptly, almost making Eda stumble.

"Go home?"

"Well, yeah? Where else are you going to go? Forgive me for saying it like this, Lily, but you stink, and not in the killjoy sense."

"I'm not going home, Eda."

"What? Why? Mom and Dad are worried sick. They'll probably forgive you for whatever you've done. After all, you've always been the well-behaved one between the two of us."

"...They didn't tell you why I left, did they?"

"They just told me you had a meltdown from being overly stressed and that Mom just made it worse." Eda frowned, squeezing her wrist. "That wasn't all, was it?"

"Of course it wasn't." Lilith pushed back her greasy hair. 

"So what was it really about?"

"It was about how mother treats me." Her free hand tapped against her thigh. "But she refused to answer me, so I ran away."

That was an extremely watered-down version of things, but Lilith didn't want to worry Eda any further.

"Oh." Her hand tightened on her wrist. "Still, you should go home, Lily. Mom will probably apologize to you."

"Apologize? As if she were capable of doing that." Lilith shook her head with a small smile. She only stopped when she noticed Eda's surprised look. "Either way, I'm not going back home. I'm almost an adult now. Leaving home a little earlier doesn't change things."

"Lilith, you can't be serious," Eda rubbed her face. "You don't even have food or water with you. I bet you haven't eaten all week. You need to go home."

"I don't." Sometimes her stomach growled with hunger, but Lilith had always been a bad eater. It wasn't an unfamiliar experience. 

"Lilith, come on, you NEED to come back, you smell bad, you're pale, and you haven't eaten in a long time. So stop being a jerk, and get on Owlbert."

"I said NO." Lilith broke free from Eda's grip, stepping back. "This has to stop now. Just listen to me, Edalyn."

"Oh yeah? What do you want me to hear, then? Because I really need a good explanation that justifies leaving you here starving to death."

"Edalyn, listen. I've wasted my whole life waiting, I can't keep doing it." Lilith spread her hands. "Every time I wanted to go, you held me back and kept me there. And I've done the best I could, but that was not enough."

"Lilith, what the hell are you talking about?"

"I'm not you, Eda. I've never got the chances you were given. Mom and Dad never treated us the same, can't you see? I can't keep living there. Pretending not to exist." Lilith tugged at her hair, trying to ignore the burning in her eyes. "I want to be myself too. I want—I want to know what that's like. What it's like to not have to worry about Mother ignoring me again, or about how Dad is too busy to spend time with me, or about how you'll do something amazing with your life, while I'm left behind."

"Lily, I-" Eda didn't even know what to say. It was the first time Lilith had been so honest with her. "I'm not gonna leave you alone."

"But you will. You're going to enter the Emperor's Coven, and be great at it."

"No, I'm not. I've thought about it a lot, but I don't think it's in my best interest, of all people."

"But- but you would be the best there."

"You would be too." Eda took a deep breath. "But clearly neither of us are ready to enter a Coven."

"Edalyn, what are you implying here?"

"Let's be wild witches. Both of us."

"You're crazy."

"That just makes me funnier." She shrugged. "So, is that a yes or no?"

"A yes." 

"Perfect, now let's go home. Mom and Dad aren't here, so you can take a shower and pack your things, and then, in the middle of the night, we'll sneak out again!"

"You sound too excited for this."

"Let's just say Rainestorm and I found a house while exploring this forest, and it's awesome! It even has a security system."

"Security system?"

"Yup. You'll meet it soon enough, now hop on Owlbert. We have a lot of things to do!"

Chapter Text

As sand seeped into the space between her toes (a sensation similar to stepping on broken glass), and her gaze never left the boiling water, someone called her.

It wasn't Edalyn, not her mother or father. It wasn't a voice she recognized.

"Lilith?"

She turned her head, her feet firmly on the ground, and saw her. A girl barely younger than her sister, with curly hair and dark eyes.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Luz, Luz Noceda." 

Noceda?

She had never heard that last name. Could 'Luz' be someone from the far reaches of the Titan? But if so, what was she doing here? And how did she know her name?

And...why were her ears round?

"You are a human."

"Yeah." The girl approached her. "And I came to find you."

"Why?"

Had Eda befriended a human? No, she would have told her. Right?

"My mentor, Eda, misses you."

Mentor...Eda?

Those words couldn't be together in the same sentence.

"Eda is barely older than you." A small, older and more worn owl flew from the girl's hair toward her. It was... "Owlbert?"

The palismen chirped. He didn't look hurt or scared, and if the girl had him...

"Can you use it? Owlbert, I mean?"

"Yeah? Eda lends him to me sometimes. He's super cool."

Lilith resisted the urge to rub her temple.

Of course. Of course her sister had somehow adopted a time-traveling human child. Principal Bump would have an ulcer.

If Edalyn hadn't already killed him from cardiac arrest, that's it.

"You're from the future, and you came here for me." Her gaze shifted to the boiling sea. So, in Luz future, she had made it. "I'm dead, aren't I?"

"Uh." Luz didn't look at her, wriggling in place. It was okay, she didn't want to see the pity in her eyes. "Yes, you are."

A wave hit the shore, small corpses left behind by the force of the sea. 

Lilith, at some point, would be part of them. A pair of bones with clothes and little else. 

It should scare her, it should relieve her, give her something. Anything. But there's nothing. 

It's been a while since there was one. Feelings, that is. Everything has been...numb. She can't even remember the last time she smiled or cried. 

Although, what can she remember? Her memory hasn't been so good lately. Every day feels the same, it's hard to know what happened on one day and what happened on the next. Her brain simply doesn't work anymore. She has trouble concentrating, she can't read, and every thought she has is scattered. Alien. As if someone else had thought it, not her. 

"And Eda? How is Eda?"

If this girl had managed to find a way to travel back in time just to see her aunt?, Edalyn was far from as well as Lilith thought she would be.

Her breathing was slow and measured, her voice firm. All to hide the fact that she was a shitty older sister. This girl, her niece, didn't need to carry that burden. 

Just like Eda should never have had to bear the burden of Lilith. With her mistakes and stupidities. 

Everything was supposed to be better if she died, that everything would be fine. Lilith was naive to think everything would be so easy. 

"She misses you. She... never forgot you, you know? She has pictures of you stuck next to ours, and she always celebrates your birthday."

Oh, her sweet little sister. How could Lilith hurt her so much? The only thing she was supposed to be good at was being a big sister, and she wasn't even good at that anymore. Her mother would be even more disappointed in her than she already is. 

"And Raine? Are they still with her?" 

Had her sister at least been able to continue being happy with them, or had she ruined that for her too? 

"Of course! They're the cutest couple I've ever seen, and they're married."

"My sister is...married?" Eda had gotten married, had had the most important moment of her life, and Lilith wasn't there because she chose not to be. It was a bitter pill to swallow. "I'm happy for her." 

Raine would make her happy. They already did. 

That doesn't take away from the fact that Lilith wishes she had been there. 

"And how has Dad been? Mother?" 

Now that they had finally fulfilled their dream of having a unique, exceptional, and powerful daughter, they should be happy. Eda, despite everything, had done very well in the future. Married and with children... Lilith still couldn't believe it. 

"Uh." The girl laughed nervously. "Not very well. Eda... She doesn't get along with them at all. Especially Grandma Gwen."

"Why?"

"She blames them for your, eh..."

"Death?"

"Yes."

"But how do they act?" Were they happy? Angry? 

"No one talks much. I mean, Grandpa Dell tells a lot of stories about you and Eda, but... I don't know, it doesn't feel right. And Gwen... She always seems distracted. Dissociative?"

So they cared. 

They cared about Lilith. 

Lilith only needed to die first to find out. What fun. 

"So you came to avoid it?" 

"Yeah. I thought Eda would be very happy if she had her sister back."

Yes. She would be, and wasn't that more important than anything else? 

"Hm." Hearing it like that, from a stranger, makes it feel like a lie, but it's the truth. Lilith has to remind herself. "Thanks. If...no, when I meet you, I will thank you."

"Heh, don't worry, future Aunt Lily! Although if you teach me some cool spells, I won't complain."

"I will, niece."

She had a lot of things to do now. Several goals. 

She still feels empty, but... Now she has something to look forward to, and something to avoid. 

It's time for her to go home and retrieve Mike Socks from her sister's room. It's time for her to talk to her. 

It's time for... Many things, all thanks to Luz.