Lilith walked downstairs as the maids cleaned the table. She approached one of them, gently stroking Seiichi's hair. He opened his right eye briefly to look at the maid before closing it again.
"Where did the Queen go?" Lilith asked.
The maid bowed her head, eyes cast down. "Her Majesty retired to her bedroom, saying she would rest for a few hours."
"I see. I'll leave the Young Master in your care for a moment, then," Lilith said.
"It would be an honor," the maid replied, her gaze still lowered.
She carefully took Seiichi from Lilith's arms. Lilith gave a curt nod and walked back upstairs.
The maid looked down at Seiichi. His eyes were closed, his breathing gentle and calm. Her expression shifted from submissive to one of pure annoyance.
"What does that witch think she's doing," the maid, Lily, sneered under her breath, "telling me to care for a child who doesn't have a single bit of mana?"
She stroked his hair roughly, not caring if she disturbed him. "I just need to get my hands on some gold, then I'm leaving this place."
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Her submissive persona snapped back into place, and her hand gentled instantly.
"Oh, Iris! What are you doing here?" Lily asked, cradling Seiichi carefully.
"I was just on my way to wash the clothes. And you, Lily?" Iris noticed the bundle in her arms. "What are you doing with the Young Master? Isn't he just an adorable thing?" She gently squeezed his cheek with a finger.
"It's nothing. The Head Maid asked me to watch him while she tends to something," Lily explained.
Iris gently pinched Seiichi's nose. "You're so lucky. I wish I could hold him, but I'll get my chance one day." With a smile, Iris walked out of the castle.
The moment she was gone, Lily's face soured again. She walked through the castle halls, stopping in front of Seraphina's bedroom.
"I know the Queen keeps gold in her room, but I can't find a way in. I never have the right opportunity," Lily murmured to herself. Her eyes fell to Seiichi.
His eyes were open. He looked directly at her, his face flat and devoid of any emotion.
An uneasy feeling settled in Lily's chest, and a trickle of sweat traced a path from her temple to her jaw.
The door to Seraphina's room opened. Lily's heart hammered against her ribs. The Queen stood before her, her expression soft with sleep.
Seraphina rubbed her eyes. "What are you doing here, Lily?" she asked. Then she noticed Seiichi. "Oh, I see. You brought Seiichi to me. Thank you. I was having trouble resting without my dear angel beside me."
She gently scooped Seiichi from Lily's arms. Lily's eyes widened.
"Oh, by the way, could you come inside and help me with something? I won't keep you long if you're busy with your duties," Seraphina said.
A smile spread across Lily's face. This is it. The perfect chance to steal some gold. I can't pass this up.
She cleared her throat, her submissive mask firmly back on. "Of course, My Queen. How could I refuse a request from you?"
Seraphina smiled gently. "I'm glad. Thank you."
"So, what is it you need help with, My Lady?"
Seraphina walked inside, and Lily followed, her eyes widening at the sheer size of the room. It was larger than the entire maids' quarters. She was mesmerized by the beautiful portraits and the room's elegant warmth.
Lily's gaze snapped to a drawer holding a plate of fruit. But it wasn't the food that caught her attention—it was the knife beside it.
She slowly moved toward the drawer and extended her hand.
Before her fingers could close around the handle, Seraphina turned. "What are you doing?" she asked.
Lily panicked. "Nothing! I was doing nothing!" she frantically flailed her hands.
Seraphina's eyes drifted to the drawer. "If you wanted some fruit, you may have it. There's no need to panic." She smiled gently and walked toward a large closet made of dark wood, its doors adorned with mirrors and gem-encrusted handles.
Seeing her opening, Lily quickly snatched the knife. She began to slowly, silently, advance toward Seraphina's back.
In his mother's arms, Seiichi slowly opened his eyes. They glowed a hellish, piercing red.
---
Lily stopped dead in her tracks. The world went black.
She found herself in a dark, endless void. "Where am I?" she whispered, walking backward. Terror, panic, and confusion were etched on her face.
Suddenly, blood began to stream from her nose, eyes, and ears. "AAAAHHHHH!!!!" she screamed. "What is this?" She collapsed to the ground.
Water erupted from the floor, rising so swiftly that Lily was submerged in seconds. Before she could react, her throat slit open, and blood clouded the water around her.
She was in pure agony. She tried to scream, but no sound came out. She tried to run, but dark-red, blood-slicked hands erupted from the ground, grabbing her legs and tearing them apart.
Lily's eyes widened in pure terror as a giant black sword materialized and shot toward her. It pierced straight through her heart. The light in her eyes flickered and died. Her arms flailed weakly before falling still.
The dark-red hands emerged once more, reaching for her motionless body. They plunged inside her chest, ripped out her beating heart, and crushed it.
---
"Listen, do you think—" Seraphina began, but her words died as her eyes widened in shock.
Lily was on the floor, motionless. Her eyes were vacant, devoid of any life.
Seraphina laid Seiichi on the bed and rushed to Lily's side, shaking her. "Lily! What happened to you? Answer me!"
There was no response. Seraphina placed her hands on the motionless body. A bright, holy light emanated from her palms.
Several moments passed, but nothing happened. "Why... why can't I resurrect her?" Seraphina muttered, her voice trembling. "LILITH!" she shouted.
The door burst open. "Is everything alright, My Lady?" Lilith entered, her eyes widening at the scene. "What happened? Is she alright?" She rushed to Lily's side.
"I don't know! I used my healing and resurrection powers, but nothing worked!" Seraphina explained, her voice frantic.
Lilith crouched, her eyes glowing a piercing light blue. They widened further in disbelief. "She doesn't have a soul."
"What do you mean, she doesn't have a soul?" Seraphina asked, her voice tight with worry.
"It seems her soul was forcefully ripped from her body," Lilith confirmed.
"But even then, I should be able to create a new one... but I couldn't," Seraphina said, her confusion mounting.
Suddenly, Seiichi started to cry. Seraphina rushed over and picked him up. "Is everything alright, dear?" she cooed, though panic still strained her face.
Her breath hitched. There was blood on his hands. Seiichi's tiny hands were suddenly covered in fresh, crimson blood.