The storm outside had barely settled when Lilith was summoned to the master's study. The air inside the manor felt thick with anticipation, every creak of the floorboards beneath her feet echoing as she made her way through the winding halls. She knew what waited beyond the doors.
Lord Blackthorn.
She had felt his gaze on her since her first night at the manor, but tonight was different. Tonight, there was something in the air — an undeniable tension that neither of them could ignore any longer.
She knocked softly. No response.
Lilith pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit room. The faint smell of tobacco mixed with the dust of old books. Lord Blackthorn stood by the window, his back to her, his broad frame bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. He didn't turn when she entered.
"You called for me, my lord?" Lilith's voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. She could feel the pull of something dark, something dangerous stirring between them.
"You're quite late," came the low, gravelly voice from behind.
She didn't answer, but her lips curled into the faintest of smiles. She knew what he wanted. She knew what they both wanted.
He turned then, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, neither spoke. It was as if time itself had frozen, the only sound the heavy beat of their hearts.
"You've been testing me," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "I know who you are, Lilith. You are not here by chance."
Lilith took a step forward, eyes never leaving his. "Do you fear me?" she asked, her words dripping with challenge.
A shadow passed over his face, but it quickly disappeared, replaced by a smirk that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Fear?" he repeated, his voice dangerously low. "No. I'm not afraid of you."
Without another word, he moved closer, his presence overwhelming. She stood her ground, but she could feel the heat radiating from him, the danger wrapped up in every inch of his form.
His hand reached out, brushing a lock of wet hair from her face, his fingers lingering just a moment too long on her skin. "I think you enjoy being dangerous."
"I think you enjoy me being dangerous," Lilith replied.
The tension between them thickened, a combustible mixture of lust, power, and something far darker. Lilith knew she was playing with fire, but she was no stranger to the burn.
In that moment, both of them were aware of the unspoken bond that had formed — a twisted, forbidden connection neither of them could deny.