Lilith rose from her throne with fluid grace, her small form somehow filling the vast chamber with presence that made the air itself feel heavier.
She descended the dais steps slowly, each footfall deliberate, theatrical, drawing out the moment.
Her white hair swayed with movement and tail swished behind her in patterns that suggested barely contained excitement.
Thaddeus shifted position immediately, moving as much as the chains allowed to place himself between Lilith and Serana. His eyes blazed with defiance despite their helpless situation, despite the blood covering him, despite everything.
She won't touch her. Whatever happens to me... she won't.
Lilith stopped perhaps five feet away, her head tilting as she studied him.
Those crimson eyes with their vertical slit pupils tracked every detail, the protective stance, the desperate determination, the way his body was already breaking down from accumulated injuries.
Then her gaze shifted past Thaddeus. Found Serana.
