Sure, I said, my voice coming out more casual than I felt. Why not?
I was already bracing myself for the worst. But maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be a complete disaster this time. Or maybe I was lying to myself.
Either way, there was no backing out now.
Lilith shifted her weight slightly, as if the path beneath her boots had turned to thin ice. She opened her mouth, closed it again, then forced her shoulders back—an echo of the regal posture she used to command effortlessly. Her eyes flicked to Father, searching for reassurance. He gave her the smallest nod, a silent promise that she could do this, that I would let her try.
She took a careful step toward me. "Thank you for agreeing to speak with me," she began, her voice soft but clearer than I'd expected. There was none of the distant, brittle pride she used to wear like armor. This was Lilith stripped raw—nervous, hopeful, deeply human in a way I'd never quite seen before.
