When Hades arrived at the castle, he went straight to his chamber, Lilith crumpled in his arms. The hallways were silent, everyone fast asleep in their rooms. Entering his chamber, he gently laid her down on the bed. Her eyes fluttered open, staring up at him, tired and hollow.
"You have to get rid of the bloodied dress," Hades said quietly, nodding toward the bathroom, where a hot bath had already been prepared.
Lilith murmured a barely audible, "Alright." She was too weak to protest, and the feel of the dried blood clinging to her skin made her stomach churn.
Hades helped her to her feet, supporting her as they walked to the bathroom. His fingers moved with care as he unfastened the buttons of her dress, letting it slide from her shoulders and fall in a soft heap at her feet. Her undergarments followed, each movement unhurried and respectful.
