Samael could not help but frown as he struck a T pose. He was currently being fitted for his suit. Unfortunately, as much as he declined, Icarius thought otherwise. It's not like he can do anything against the man.

"Please move your arm a little higher," the helpers said as they proceeded to measure Samael's proportions.

The only thing keeping Samael from completely getting pissed was the fact that Ajax also had to undergo the same procedures. Let's just say his process took a lot longer since he was keen on not removing his helmet.

In the end, they were only able to measure him due to the fact that they had a spare mask.

"And... we're finished!" The man taking Samael's measurements said, prompting him to sigh in relief.

"Do you have any specific requests for your suit?" The man asked.

"N—" Samael halted his words as he fell into contemplation.

"Can you make the suit itself black paired with a purple necktie?" Samael asked.

"Small thing," the man said as he went to his office along with Dominic. The reason was that Dominic was the one in charge of picking the cloth, the designs, and everything else that matters.

Now, Samael has to wait again.

Currently, there are two days before the ball. All the clothing brands were currently busy with all the nobles ordering their own dresses and suits. The streets were lively as anctipation brewed in the air.

Rising to his feet, Samael approached one of the glass cabinets containing masks of all kinds.

Some were white in color with jewelry embedded on their surface, while others had a simpler design.

Opening the case, Samael took one of the black porcelain masks and wore it before looking at the mirror.

"I'm guessing you're planning on getting that?" Ajax asked, startling Samael.

"Yes," Samael answered.

"You?" he asked in return.

Taking out a blue mask, Ajax showed it to Samael.

"I thought you'd go for something darker," Samael said.

Looking at his reflection one last time, Samael returned the mask to its case.

***

"Is that the mask you're going to use, miss?" A maid asked as she stood idly by Lilith's side.

Lilith's crimson gaze landed on the white porcelain mask with flowers embroidered in its visage.

"Perhaps," she answered absent-mindedly.

Noticing this, Aphemis, who was conversing with the designers, excused herself.

"Are you okay, Lilith?" She asked as she held the girl's hand.

"Yes," she answered without even sparing a glance.

"Are you sure you're not feeling unwell?" Aphemis asked.

"You've been out of it recently," she worriedly stated, her brows furrowed.

Seeing the fear in her grandmother's eyes, Lilith released a sigh as she squeezed the woman's hand.

"I'm okay, grandmother. Please, I'm just a little tired from all the preparations," she reassured as she gave out a light smile.

Seeing the will of the kid, Aphemis had no choice but to drop the topic as she went back to finish their business.

After the events of her years ago, Aphemis has been strict about her safety. Even the smallest things worries her a lot.

While waiting for her grandmother to finish, Lilith took a look at her reflection. Yet her gaze was lost and far. It was as though he was looking at what's beyond.

She's been recently feeling a lot more... lonely.

She doesn't know why or when it started to happen, but there is no denying it. She could feel herself longing.

Memories of what her grandmother said kept echoing in her mind, bringing about a new wave of questions that disturbed her heart.

What if Samael really never comes back? What if he has already found a place to settle?

After all, humans have short lifespans. Perhaps she was clinging to false hopes?

Feeling the sharp pain growing in her chest, Lilith took deep breaths. Her hand gently caressed the necklace around her neck as she soothed herself.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

She has believed in the same thing for years now, that Samael will one day appear before her. Giving up now when it's already been that long is foolish. She must remain faithful to their promise.

But until when? Until when must she hope?

There are currently many who are aiming for her heart, and she knows it. As a demon with succubi blood, she can feel their desire for her.

They were rich and powerful, and they had a bright future ahead of them. They were charismatic and natural-born leaders meant to take over their families legacies.

However, Lilith knew it was simply not the same.

No matter how much she tries to see and appreciate their efforts, she can also feel that their desire for her is different.

When Lilith met Samael, he was a person who looked at her and saw her for the being that she was.

A demon.

A species frowned upon by many, for they are associated with evil and malice. A species not accepted and welcomed.

But to Samael, that did not matter. For he never judged her for what she was but rather who she was.

The day Lilith fell into the hands of her kidnappers, she was brokenhearted as she heard how the humans looked at them with scorn and contempt.

That day, Aphemis heeded her granddaughter's wish to make friends with humans. So, against her will, she arranged a meeting with the other kids and Lilith.

But like everyone else's reaction, it was one filled with fear and disgust. The moment they laid eyes on her, they cursed her.

That very scene, their very rageful eyes were etched in her memories. Shattering her to pieces.

For a kid with no friends or companions, Lilith finally saw hope for the first time, only for it to shatter her in an instant.

Enraged, Aphemis wanted them dead, but this only solidified the people's beliefs that they were in fact no different from monsters.

Lilith snuck in that night and convinced her grandmother she was okay. But she was not.

She cried herself to sleep as she felt as though the world was truly against her.

Unable to think anymore, she escaped.

Lilith, who explored the manor countless times, knew the way around its traps and defenses.

Not only that, but she even went as far as to disarm the barrier protecting her as she used the necklace given to her by her parents as a way to diffuse it.

When she stepped outside for once, she truly felt free. It was as though she finally saw what the world could offer.

But she was wrong.

Before she could make it far, she was abducted by slavers and taken far into the woods.

Realizing this grave event, Aphemis led her entire army to search for the girl, but her presence was simply undetectable as she was currently sealed due to her violent powers.

Desperate, Aphemis herself traveled far and wide without stopping. Lilith was the only family left. Losing her was losing everything she lived for.

Lilith was starved for days as the belief that demons were different prevailed in her captors.

They did not give her water or proper clothes, not even so much as light her cage.

At that moment, Lilith felt fear, guilt, and anger toward herself.

Why did she escape? Why did she disobey her grandmother? Why was she a demon? If only she wasn't one, then maybe she would have lived a normal life.

She hated herself. She hated her horns, her wings, and her tail.

She hated everything about herself. Everything.

But before she lost every bit of hope, he came and shed light on her dark world.

He looked at her without any desires or wants, only... concern.

Samael saw Lilith for who she was. A girl who needs a friend. A lonely person in need of someone's help.

So he helped.

Lilith had never seen anyone aside from her grandmother offer their life for her. And to do so without any other agenda.

Unfortunately, the damage done was already finished. Lilith was too scared to trust anyone. She just wanted to go home.

And Samael offered that.

Even though he was weaker, much more frail, and hurt, he discarded his well-being just for her.

Samael was someone who has suffered more than her but was stronger than anyone else she's seen.

Day and night, Samael made her feel safe. He made sure she was fed and properly clothed.

Lilith experienced warmth no other people had given her. A kind of warmth she wished would stay forever.

Samael was always there to listen patiently, without saying a word. But his silence was enough to make her feel like everything would be alright.

Day by day, she found herself changing. She learned to laugh, to smile, and to be thankful for the little things in life. Things she never paid attention to.

Samael taught her that she never needs to trust him but to put her trust in herself.

Samael taught her to be strong. To never buckle under the pressure of this cold, harsh world. To face any challenges head-on.

Day by day, she found herself learning things she never thought she would.

Slowly, the wall she built around herself crumbled, and before she knew it, Samael was already a part of her life she will never forget.

Perhaps it was her greed, or perhaps it was because she was a demon. But she soon found herself wanting more.

She wanted to be close to him. To learn more about him and know him. And they had all the time they needed.

But she also feared the end of their journey. Yes, she wanted to go home. Yes, she wanted to see her grandmother again. But if that meant losing him, Then, was it the right choice?

He was her only friend. He was the only person to understand her pain. The only one to truly listen to her.

And when what she feared happened, she felt true anger and despair.

All her pent-up rage and emotions burst. Seeing Samael slowly die and not be able to do anything to help him when all he ever did was help her. It hurt.

So Lilith wanted to hurt them back. Every single pain she would pay back tenfold.

She felt the urge to destroy, to cause havoc, and to end this cruel world. So she allowed herself to drown in the rage, but even then, he helped her.

Remembering every single moment they spent together was enough to break her out of her rage. What came after the storm were tears of pain.

Samael was gone.

She was alone again.

She felt at fault. After all, they came for her. Why did Samael have to die for her? For some prophecies, they don't even know if true.

Lilith felt lifeless. She wanted to give up. But when she almost did, he was there again to bring her up from the depths.

A letter, a promise, and a hairpin. Three things that meant the world to her.

He was alive, and he promised to return one day. That was all she needed to know.

If Samael survived and was out there, fighting for a future where they can do as they please, what right did she have to stay idle and wallow in desperation?

Because of him, her perspective on this cruel world changed. Now, after years of hard work, she is where she is because of her determination that he built in her.

Samael was simply... different.

A kind of different no one else possessed.

"Miss?" A maid spoke, breaking Lilith from her stupor.

"Your clothes are ready. You may now pick which one you prefer the most," the maid said.

Giving a brief nod, Lilith approached the rows of dresses, inspecting them carefully until she halted her advance in front of a white dress.

It wasn't as extravagant as the rest. It wasn't as large or even as decorated. But it's simplicity was its beauty.

"I like this," Lilith said.

Hearing this, the staff swiftly went to work.

The preparations for the ball were starting to come to an come to an end. As the fated day comes closer, Lilith cannot help but feel nervous. It's an odd emotion, as she's already attended such events countless times.

She cannot help but feel like this year's Serenity Ball was different.

And as it nears, she can't help but look forward to it.