???'s Pov

Once upon a time, there was a little girl born into an ordinary world. There was no magic in this world—no gods, demons, angels, or monsters, nothing at all. In fact, all these things were thought to be the stuff of myths and legends, but that little girl believed that they were once real. She would let her fantasies run wild with thoughts of dragons and magical creatures galore. She was often called "The Dreamer" by those around her; however, this did not stop her from fantasizing, and she carried on dreaming. Her father, the only person who understood her, loved her more than life itself, and she felt the same. They would read and imagine a world of their own where they could escape and truly be themselves.

They were happy together until tragedy struck. Her father's life had been taken by some lowlife criminals while he was protecting her from them. His last words were, "Never let anyone drag you down, and never let your beautiful dreams die." He left his daughter alone in this cruel world, and something changed in her. No, it was more like a monster hidden in the depths of her heart was finally unleashed, free to roam and tear down the world. That little girl became ruthless, cruel, and uncaring; she had grown up.

Her dreams died, and she faced the reality of the world. Nothing made her happy; only spite and hatred were present in her heart. Hurt by the world, she wanted to hurt it as well—an eye for an eye, a wrong for a wrong. She lived like this for years until she met her untimely end in a massive fire. Ironic that her cold heart was ended by a blazing heat.

The fire charred her skin and boiled her blood; however, she did not feel sad, as she would soon join her father. As her last bits of life flashed before her eyes, she suddenly felt nothing; she felt as though she were air gently flowing in the sky. She had died; however, she woke up in a field of strange flowers. They were black with tips of red in their petals. She had never seen such flowers in her life. She picked one and held it to her face, then she heard a voice.

"My, my, aren't you a tragic soul? The cruelty of that world has tainted your beautiful heart, hasn't it? Do you like those flowers? They're called Death Lilies; I created them specifically for you, you know?" The mysterious voice echoed throughout the field.

"Who are you? And where the hell am I?" the girl roared angrily at the voice.

"Oh, come now, is that any way to treat your elders?" the voice said, as if she were talking to a misbehaving child.

"I don't care who you are; just answer the question!" she roared again toward the voice.

"That temper of yours is quite bothersome; however, it will be useful for in this world. I can't let someone weak of mind in here," the voice continued talking, ignoring the girl's question.

"Hey, don't ign—" the girl was cut off by the voice.

"Do you want to make a deal?" the voice asked.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"What kind of deal? You better not be trying to steal my soul or something," the girl replied. The voice laughed at this.

"Now, why would I want your soul? No, my deal is far more complex," the voice explained further. "All I want from you is your help. I want you to protect the world I'm sending you to; in exchange, I'll give you anything you want."

The girl thought about it for a while. "Can you bring back my dad?" she asked.

"Sure, I can. I can do almost anything," the voice replied. "But only if you fulfill your role as a protector of this world. So, do we have a deal?"

"Fine, deal." The field around the girl slowly disappeared, revealing a massive glowing orb. The flower she had been holding this whole time sank into the skin of her left arm, creating a red and black tattoo of the flower.

"This Death Lily is the proof of our deal. The mark will be removed once you have finished your end of the deal. Now, from this day forth, you shall be the Executor: Lilith—The Dreamer of Death," the orb said, and the world around the girl completely went black.

Lilith awoke in a lush green field; she was in a different world, and her previous life was now officially over. She was now Lilith.

Lilith's POV

It has been a few years since I was reborn into this world. I was actually reborn at a perfect time; the world had just entered a new era since the PBE (Primordial Blood Era). I myself did not experience it; however, it did make it easier to gain power and influence, as there were no rulers and everyone was extremely desperate. So, I took charge of the people and appointed others to do most of the work for me. I even saved and befriended a young spirit named Alistair, and he kept insisting on serving me, so I just let him do what he wants. Although I always wanted a little brother, he definitely fills that spot. It's like I'm building my own little family in this world. Sometimes I do wonder what that voice was talking about. I mean, yeah, this world just ended a war, but what exactly does it need protecting from? Whatever, I'll just do my job so that I can finally have my dad back.

"My lady, is something on your mind?" Alistair interrupted my train of thought. He was holding a tray of food and wine.

"Oh, it's nothing, dear. Don't mind me, just remembering the past, that's all," I replied as he put down the tray on the table beside me.

"Alistair, wouldn't you like to join me for lunch? I'm quite bored as it is, so having you here would be wonderful."

He looked at me in shock and shook his head rapidly. "I cannot do such a thing, my lady. I am your servant, after all."

I sighed; I'm really tired of the servant thing. "Well, I see you as more of a little brother than a servant, so sit down and let's talk for a while."

He looked at me confused and then bowed. "I am truly honored that you view me as such, my lady, and if it is what will please you, I shall join you for lunch."

He sat down across from me, and we started to chat. We mostly talked about my previous life and such. We were actually having a great time until the subject changed to his love life, and I may or may not have teased him about liking some of the maids, to which he ran away embarrassed. He'll just have to get used to it eventually. This world is changing, and so am I. I used to be hateful, but the chance of seeing my dad again has given me hope and softened my heart. Okay, maybe the friends I made helped as well. I don't know what my future holds, but at least I'll have the people I care about with me.

...Right?

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Lilith- The Dreamer of Death

In twilight's hush, where shadows play,

A Death Lily bloomed, with heart astray,

It dreamed of fantasies, vibrant and bright,

Of laughter, love, and warm, golden light.

But sorrow crept, like winter's chill,

And stole away, its loved one still,

The Lily's heart, once full of light,

Now withered, lost in endless night.

Its dreams turned dark, its petals cold,

It conjured visions, of death to unfold,

A world in ruin, lost and grey,

Where sorrow reigned, night and day.

But then, one day, a gentle breeze,

Brought strangers near, with friendly ease,

They tended wounds, and soothed its pain,

And helped the Lily dream again.

New friendships blossomed, like the sun,

And happier visions, had just begun,

The Lily's heart, once more aglow,

Dared dream of joy, and life to know.

Yet, though its heart now beats with light,

A fierce protectiveness takes flight,

For those it cares for, it will not stray,

And harm will come, to those who slay.

Beware, for though its beauty shines,

The Death Lily's sting, is deadly fine,

It will defend, with venom true,

Those who have healed, its heart anew.

Its dreams, no longer, dark and cold,

Now shimmer bright, with love to hold,

But cross its path, with harmful intent,

And face the wrath, of its lament.