Page 14 of Sin of the Saints

“Would you like to feel that way again… with me?” he asks, his eyes like that of a wounded puppy. The glass halts before I drink from it, and again he lets out a disappointed moan.

Looking at him this way is unfair. A conflict of wills awakens within me, the desire to shield him and also render him into ash.

“You speak of feeling free, Ashmedai. A feeling I can’t have while I’m locked up in my room like a prisoner. And with this thing on top of that…” I indicate the collar around my neck.

“You force me to take necessary measures.” The vein in his neck swells, and his jaw muscles tighten.

“You don’t trust me,” I purr, straightening my right leg. His pupils widen and shrink as his gaze fixates on my exposed leg.

“I can’t afford to make mistakes, Lilith. Not with you.”

“I wonder…” I reach for the collar and tap the bell with my elongated talon.

Ring.

I twitch in place and notice Libretto responding the same way.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what? This?” I tap the bell again and we both gasp in pain.

“Lilith…” His voice carries a warning tone, and I chuckle in contempt.

“Why did you put it on me if you yourself can’t bear it? It wasn’t there in the past.”

“Back then you didn’t have such a stubborn girl at your side.” His voice turns hard, displeased.

“Ahh, yes.” I smile darkly. “Those previous times they were lovestruck girls, so enchanted by you until you betrayed them. Betrayed us.”

“They were all so charmed. You were charmed by me as well, don’t forget.”Yes… but not for the reason you think.

“Tell me, Ashmedai, what do you want from me? Even you can’t control yourself when you taste my blood. Our end is predetermined. You’ll tear me apart before you can put yourplan into motion. Again and again and again.” I caress the rim of the glass in circular motions.

“Not this time, Lilith. This time, with your new abilities, your body can withstand it.”

“I actually think the blessing isHis, it’s not just the Devil who expects me to banish you,” I answer, bringing the glass to my lips again. His eyes follow my movements and his body tenses up with anticipation.

He chuckles when I again pause before taking a sip. “And since when do you do what the Beast expects of you? After everything he did to you? After he betrayed you so? I would never betray you that way.” I shrug and it annoys him, even infuriates him. “Shall I remind you that you refused to give him, to give both of them, your heart?”

“Just as I refuse you now.” And forever.

“And don’t forget what happened the last time you did that!” His fists tighten with rage and the veins in his hands swell up.

I let out a laughing snort. “That’s the inclination towards vengeance speaking with your throat. You’re no different from them in that respect.”

“They don’t deserve your love! I do!” His face is pleading, and for some reason that surprises me.

“You don’t know what love is.”

In response he takes quick strides towards me. The strength of his fury pins me to the chair, and I choke back a whine as my wings are crushed against the back of the chair.

“I love you, Lilith. When, when will you understand that and give yourself over to me? You refuse to realize your only purpose, the one you insisted on receiving, and now you renounce it! But if we realize it together, the power will be ours. If it’s love you seek, if you believe it will redeem you, I offer it to you!” His eyes flare and his nostrils expand.

“A heart as empty as yours wouldn’t recognize love even if it struck you across the face. You seek only power, and it blinds you. And my stubbornness, my pride, is what destroyed me!”

He approaches me and presses his face to mine. “And what does that say about your heart, Lilith, if you have always refused to offer it, as you claim?” My mouth opens to reply, but a heavy lump blocks my throat.He’s right…My face falls and he laughs thunderously. “Just as I thought, you’re no better than me. Don’t presume to lecture me. You incarnate into this world just for me. For my love. You’re mine, Lilith, you always were and always shall be.” His brow rises in his arrogance.

“No, Libretto, it’s you who belongs to me. Blood of my blood, and so I have no choice but to free you from your curse.”

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