Wanted by my sworn enemy

Hidden Burdens

Gael and Lilorith noticed a palpable change in the atmosphere within the pack. As they entered the pack dining halls, they couldn't help but sense the energy shift.

Whispers and sidelong glances followed their every move, and the pack members seemed to go out of their way to avoid any direct interaction with them.

Gael frowned, feeling a mixture of frustration and confusion. He had expected some resistance, considering the history between their factions, but this level of avoidance was unexpected. He glanced at Lilorith, who mirrored his concern, her expression a mix of disappointment and resignation.

"It seems our newfound alliance hasn't been well-received," Gael muttered under his breath.

Lilorith sighed softly, her eyes scanning the room. "It appears that deep-rooted resentments and prejudices are difficult to overcome, Gael. Changing centuries-old perceptions won't happen overnight."

Gael nodded, realizing the truth in her words. Old wounds ran deep, and the scars of past conflicts were still fresh in the minds of many pack members.

They had hoped that the trials for the new king would be a catalyst for unity, but it seemed that the animosity between their factions was proving harder to overcome than they had anticipated.

As they approached an empty table in the corner of the room, Gael couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations from nearby pack members.

Words like "traitor" and "unholy alliance" reached his ears, causing a flicker of anger to ignite within him. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to confront them directly.

Lilorith sighed, "We can't let their words affect us, Gael. We should place our focus elsewhere."

Gael took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. She was right. They couldn't let the disapproval of others hinder their determination.

They needed to stay focused and prove that their alliance was not only necessary but also beneficial to the pack as a whole.

Gael's thoughts were interrupted when a familiar voice called out his name. He turned to see his respected uncle, Maddox, approaching him with a serious expression on his face.

"Gael, may I have a word with you in private?" Maddox said, his tone firm yet measured.

Curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension stirred within Gael, but he nodded and followed his uncle to a quieter corner of the dining hall. Once they were alone, Maddox spoke in a hushed tone, his words carrying weight.

"This alliance with Lilorith, while it may have caused some unrest within the pack, presents an opportunity for us," Maddox began, his eyes fixed on Gael.

Gael raised an eyebrow, curious to hear his uncle's perspective on the matter. "What do you mean, Uncle? How can this situation benefit us?"

Maddox took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "You see, Gael, the trials for the new king are not just about showcasing individual strengths. They are also a chance to demonstrate one's ability to unite even the most disparate factions. The mighty angels overseeing the trials value unity and cooperation among the factions."

Gael nodded, starting to understand the angle Maddox was approaching. It was the same idea he had. "So, you're saying that by showing our ability to bring enemies together, we can prove ourselves to the angels?"

Maddox's eyes gleamed with a shrewd light. "Precisely, Gael. We may despise demons, but if we can use this alliance to our advantage and show that you, as a potential future king, are capable of forging alliances and finding common ground, it will be a testament to your leadership skills."

Gael mulled over his uncle's words, a mix of determination and uncertainty swirling within him. It went against his instincts to work closely with Lilorith's faction, but if it could serve a higher purpose and help secure a better future for their pack, he was willing to consider it.

"Thank you, Uncle Maddox," Gael said, his voice resolute. "I understand what needs to be done. We will use this situation to our advantage and show the angels that we are capable of uniting even the most unlikely allies."

Maddox nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "I knew you would see the bigger picture, Gael. Remember, the trials are not just about personal success but about leading the Supernatural World Order towards a stronger future."

As they concluded their conversation, Gael felt a newfound determination burning within him. He would face the challenges ahead with a strategic mindset, focusing not only on his own abilities but also on the power of unity.

Meanwhile, Lilorith found herself being pulled aside by her mother, Agatha, a figure she both loathed and feared. Agatha had been a constant source of torment throughout Lilorith's childhood, blaming her for her father's departure and subjecting her to endless suffering. Lilorith's heart sank as her mother's cold gaze fell upon her.

"Lilorith," Agatha hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "The Great Elder of Trepidation has given me a task—a task that will showcase our loyalty and ambition."

Lilorith's eyes widened with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Her mother rarely involved her directly in the affairs of their demonic faction, and the mention of her grandfather's involvement only intensified her unease.

"What task?" Lilorith asked through clenched teeth, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agatha's lips curled into a sinister smile as she produced a small vial containing a dark liquid. "The will of the Great Elder demands that Gael's be extinguished. I will not say too much, as you know how sharp their ears can be," she nodded towards the dining hall in the distance.

A chill ran down Lilorith's spine as her mother's words sank in. The magnitude of the situation was immense, and the weight of her family's expectations bore down upon her.

Her evil grandfather had never cared for the lust demons, focusing instead on the other factions of Anger, Greed, Violence, and Fear. This opportunity allowed her mother to rise to prominence, as Lilorith was the last born of her father, while her uncles ruled over the other factions.

Lilorith's hands trembled as she stared at the poison, her mind spinning with conflicting emotions. The fear of her mother and the memories of past torment clashed with her own desires for freedom and a chance at redemption.

She knew deep down that her mother's intentions were driven by power and selfish ambition. But as the weight of her family's expectations bore down on her, Lilorith realized that she needed to make a choice—a choice that would define her path and potentially alter the course of her life.

Agatha shoved the vial into the space between her breasts. "For safekeeping," her mother muttered and left.

Lilorith didn't know how long she had stood there when Gael came strolling down the corridor with a large muffin in hand. He handed it to her, "Breakfast is over. The pack members have gone to their daily duties."

She stared at the muffin in absolute disgust, as though forgetting her previous encounter. Gael's frown deepened as he noticed her facial expression.

"Gael, I told you before," Lilorith began, her voice tinged with regret that she'd have to actually explain this to him. "That's not sustenance. Until our connection is confirmed in the demon way," she averted her gaze, "Through-through copulation. Until then I'll suffer withdrawal symptoms like vomiting. And it hurts, my body aches all the time."

Gael's eyes widened, his initial confusion replaced with a mix of surprise and understanding. He had heard tales of the unique nature of succubi and their feeding habits, but to hear it directly from Lilorith made the reality sink in.

"You mean... you can't eat regular food until then?" Gael asked, his voice laced with concern.

Lilorith nodded, her expression pained. "Yes, that's correct. Consuming regular food can result in withdrawal symptoms, and right now, my body is reacting to the absence of what it needs."

Gael's heart sank as he realized the magnitude of the situation. He felt a surge of anger rising within him, directed not at Lilorith but at the circumstances that had brought them to this point. He couldn't fathom the agony she must be enduring, both physically and emotionally.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Gael asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Lilorith looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want you to see me as weak, Gael. I don't like the idea of dependency."

Gael's anger softened, replaced by a profound sense of empathy. He stepped closer to Lilorith and gently placed his hand on her arm, drawing her attention back to him.

"You're not weak, Lilorith," Gael said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want to understand. How can I help you ease the burden?"

Lilorith's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at Gael. At that moment, she felt a surge of gratitude for his understanding and support.

"We have to, you know. We'd have to-" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"You mean you've never?"

"No, I haven't," she looked away in shame. This side of her had never come out. There had never been a need to.

When she was just Brielle she was in the books and focused on getting her art degree, never paying any mind to the things around her. But now that she was Lilorith, things would be challenging.