Heavy rain poured from the clouded night sky onto the earth below. The man trudged forward, his boots were caked with mud. He could barely see the faint glow of the cabin ahead, the hood of his cloak did little to stop the torrent of rain from obscuring his vision as droplets settled onto his eyelashes and soaked his black hair. He gripped his rucksack tighter. He knew he needed to press on, but there was worry in the back of his mind; was he already too late? 

His muscles ached as the journey took its toll on his body, but the thought of what was happening in that cabin gave him the strength he needed to take those final steps towards the porch. He lightened his footsteps, moving quietly into the small cover the awning provided. It was a fleeting relief to be out of the rain, but he had the knowledge that the hard part had only just begun.

A small window was situated to his right, the curtain leaving a small gap in which he could peek through. His eyes widened in distress as he saw what was waiting for him. Even if it was expected, it was still difficult to see his nightmare become a reality. Candles filled the room, flickering distorted shadows against the walls. The cloaked figures crowded around a symbol drawn onto the hardwood floors in something dark red. Further inspection showed a goat’s body slumped on a table, its throat slashed. 

He was familiar enough with what was happening, the statue in the center of the symbol depicted the God Mezithios, one which his family had worshiped for centuries. Mezithios was a cruel God, hungry for power and content to take it by whatever means, his followers were no different. He demanded sacrifices, and these sacrifices had been upheld by his family for as long as he could remember, but this one was different. He had heard the news of his sister’s death while he had been traveling a month before, knowing she had only recently given birth, he knew what this would mean for the infant. His sister would have never wanted such a fate for her child. 

One of the cloaked individuals raised a small bundle above the bloodied symbol and began to chant in a language long forgotten. His breath caught in his throat. He had a plan, but they were further along with the ritual than he’d expected. He quickly realised he didn’t have time to cover his bases, he had to act now.

He whispered the words that had helped him escape danger countless times, the invisibility spell washing over him and providing him with a sense of calm. He had planned to ensure all the windows and doors were unlocked, and then using a spell, he would throw everything open at once with a powerful gust of wind. He had been hoping this would cause enough chaos that he would be able to slip in unnoticed, but assessing the situation as it was, he wouldn’t have time before they’d finished. 

He would have to pray.

He held out his hand towards the door and cast the spell he needed. His prayers were answered as the door burst open, windows throughout the house slammed as they too were forcibly opened. A boom of thunder rang out overhead and rain continued to pour, some making its way through the open windows. A voice rang out, cursing, and he had to remind himself that he was still under his invisibility spell as they all looked around in confusion. He slipped in as the door swayed on its hinges, knowing he did not have much time to execute his plan. 

Light on his feet, he pressed forward towards the individual holding the little infant wrapped in a navy blue blanket. As his hands gripped the bundle and pulled, he felt his spell begin to slip away. Anxiety gripped him as eyes began to land on his figure in the middle of the ritual circle. Realisation dawned on them, as he locked eyes with his brother.

“Silas…” his brother snarled. Hand flying to the sheath at his hip. Angered voices surrounded him as everyone realised what was transpiring.

“Iago-“ before he could continue, the dagger that Iago had unsheathed whizzed past his cheek, leaving a deep cut. Silas hissed, realising that this was not a situation he would be able to talk his way out of.

Other members of his family began to unsheathe their weapons. He knew he only had a moment. He held the infant close to his chest, curling forward. His voice boomed as a sound wave shot out in every direction, knocking everyone off their feet and slamming them into the walls and furniture around the cabin. One of his younger cousins landed face first in the bloodied remains of the goat, letting out a disgusted cry.

He knew he needed to take this moment to flee, but it was difficult not to glance at his brother's face as his hood was forced off of his head. His horns curled back around his ears, his plum skin that used to be vibrant was now ashen and dull. His eyes were as he had never seen them before: dark, and so full of hatred.

Silas ran before anyone could get their bearings, and he continued to run as he heard them begin to pursue him. 

The full moon gleamed overhead, guiding him to the hideout he had scoped out earlier that month. Adrenaline carried him for miles, his arms locked tight around the bundled child. He stumbled his way over rocks and tree roots in the dark as the foliage grew thicker, with less space between the trees. Only when he made it to a small gap in a rock face, squeezing through, did he finally collapse. His lungs heaved, sweat dripped down his forehead, mixing with the rain. He maneuvered his rucksack off his shoulders while he held the sleeping baby. If he was lucky, the rain would help to cover any tracks his pursuers might be able to find in the morning light. He reached out through the gap and pulled the tapestry of leaves and vines he had woven earlier to cover the opening.

Only now that he wasn't running for both of their lives did he finally get a chance to really look at the sleeping baby in his arms. Soft, plum-toned skin held an abundance of white freckles scattered across its shoulders and down its arms, reminiscent of the sky above them. Two tiny horns waved back over its head as a tiny tuft of black hair sprouted between them. A small yawn escaped it as two bright eyes blinked open. The relief he felt was short-lived as he gazed into its eyes, one a regular slate grey, and the other, completely white with black sclera. Either one was fine, if they were both like that, but one humanoid and one not? He didn't know if it was cause for concern, never having seen anything like it before. It could mean nothing, and yet that ritual had proceeded further than he'd ever intended it to.

"I'm so sorry, little one." He whispered, barely audible over the rain, as he was still conscious of the band of tieflings that were currently hunting them.

They stayed in their hideout for two days, living off of the rations he had stashed away days earlier, as well as what little he had in his rucksack. He had scouted the previous morning and found traces of the tieflings in the area, so he decided hunkering down for another night was better than risking being seen on the road. At this point, everything was a gamble.

And yet... she didn't cry, not once.

He didn't know what it all meant. The eye, the concerning lack of baby-like behaviour. He felt severely under-qualified to handle this situation, but he couldn't afford to think about that now. He had a new charge that he needed to not only care for, but get somewhere safe as he knew his family would be relentless in the pursuit of their stolen sacrifice.

He again surveyed the area surrounding his hideout with an invisibility spell shielding his person, just in case.

Once his well-earned paranoia had been placated by his scouting, he picked up the baby and his remaining rations and began his trek. Forelone city was their destination, he had heard tales of the massive protective walls surrounding the premises. It would be perfect, and most importantly it was far away from his family's dwelling. If he was lucky, they would both be able to blend in well enough to not rouse attention. Only time would tell.

----------------------------------------

“Lux!” Silas called out for the fifth time that morning. He had merchandise to sell and he couldn’t leave her on her own. He also noticed that having a six-year-old on his hip garnered him a more trustworthy reputation amongst those he sold to, he gained more scrutiny when on his own, Lux was a good distraction. 

The small tiefling rounded the corner at a full sprint and almost ran horns-first into his thigh. 

“Slow down!” He laughed, stopping her by the shoulder. “Where’s the fire?”

She, of course, took this as an invitation to start conjuring small bursts of flames from her tiny hands. She was already showing great promise at such a young age, no control, though. He would have to teach her that in time. 

“You cheeky little…” He stopped himself before he instilled his bad habits onto her, ruffling her hair as she laughed and swatted at his arm. 

“Daylight’s wasting!” She beamed at him, imitating his usual words. 

“That’s right, lots of stock to get through today. Are you ready?” 

She nodded enthusiastically, running to the front door and tugging on her shoes in response. 

They left their small home at the edge of town, and headed down the cobblestone alleyway towards the glamoured sewer grate. Only those in their guild were able to see them, to stop anyone unsuspecting from entering their base of operations.

They descended into the underground facility, the majority of the lighting coming from lanterns and a few candles scattered on table tops. A small tunnel led into a larger room piled high with crates that were filled with all sorts of stolen goods. A large table sat in the middle with a schematic laid out on top, this had some information about the regular merchants in town, and intel that had been gathered on what merchants had traveled into town that month. 

Kaelin, another tiefling, stood at the table leaning over the schematic, discussing details with Torvak who seemed to agree with what she was saying. The orc looked up, noting their approach, his gruff expression changing into a smile as he opened his arms for Lux as she ran to him. 

“Hi Tor!” She said as he pulled her up effortlessly into his arms, giving her a tight squeeze before holding her on his hip. 

“Little sorcerer, you are still too light! You need to eat more.” He pinched her small bicep to emphasise his point and she responded by throwing light punches into his chest.

“I’m strong! I beat the other kids at tag too, because I’m so fast.” She bragged.

“Oh? You think you can beat me, tiny mouse?” Torvak let her slip from his hold as he leaned his elbow on the table, Lux followed suit before gripping his hand.

Torvak made a show of struggling against her, almost pushing her hand into the table before he let her overpower him and push his hand down in defeat. 

“Silas.” Kaelin greeted him as they both watched Lux cheer for her victory while Tor demanded a rematch. 

“Kaelin, what’s got you looking so serious?” Silas asked, eyes drifting back to her face. There was a tension in her jaw that he’d learned to notice over the years.

“Grimshaw is back.” She said simply.

“Hm.” He hummed as he contemplated, they both knew what this meant for them. 

They had made a critical error about a year ago, stealing merchandise from one of the traveling merchants that came into town, his stock somehow got mixed up in the wrong batch and Silas unknowingly had tried to sell his own stock back to him. It almost blew their entire operation out of the water when the merchant, Grimshaw, ultimately recognised his own things being sold to him. 

It was something they’d had to go to great lengths to fix, making a deal that none of them particularly wanted to make. 

Grimshaw had decided that for his silence, he wanted a cut of the profits every time he visited town. 

The local merchants were not happy with this. They knew about their guild of course, but turned a blind eye as the operation benefited them greatly. They would buy rare stock that was bought over from other regions and then sell them to the locals at an up-scaled price. They weren’t too happy to hear that Grimshaw was planning to rat them out, but he was quite an intimidating man, most of the merchants in town were a lot older, a lot frailer. This was the best compromise that they could come to, despite it causing a profit loss for them, their hands were tied. 

A few of Silas’ guild-mates filtered through the room, continuing on down extending halls that lead to different rooms and exits. It was quite like a maze down here, but he knew it like the back of his hand. 

“I got a good look at him, there’s something off about him this time around.” Kaelin’s brow furrowed as she lowered her voice to avoid Lux from hearing.

“How so?” He murmured.

“He’s scarred, claw marks down his arm and across his face, like he’s been attacked. I don’t know how he managed to survive something that made him look like that.” She put a hand on her hip and looked at him as if seeking his input.

“Maybe he got lucky, maybe he was able to afford an excellent healer with all his extra income.” He said bitterly. 

Kaelin exhaled deeply, “Maybe. I’d pay extra for whatever it was to finish the job.” 

He huffed a laugh, before turning back to the crates. 

“What am I moving today?” He asked.

“Just things from this room, we’ll wait till Grimshaw’s gone before we move anything of more value.” 

The items that were worth more were kept further in the guild’s lair, anything less notable was dumped in the first rooms near each exit.

“On it, Boss.” Silas gave a two-finger salute before pulling his rucksack off his back and dumping it onto the table.

“Is it time to pick out stuff?” Lux asked excitedly as she headed towards the crates to pick out some things she wanted to try and sell. 

“Yep, but nothing that looks too shiny, okay?” He pointed at her with a lighthearted seriousness. 

“Okay!” She copied his salute with much more gusto. 

Torvak approached his side as Kaelin moved to help Lux pick out items that would actually garner a profit. 

“How is she?” He asked, crossing his large arms. 

Silas ran a hand through his hair, thinking of how to answer such a question. 

“She’s okay, for now,” He paused, “But every now and then… she freezes, like she's going into some sort of trance. When I ask her about it, she just says ‘the man is talking to her’. What does that mean?” He murmured, slowly becoming more antsy as his eyes flicked from Tor to Lux and back. 

Tor shook his head, his dreaded hair swinging lightly, “It was some dark magic being thrown that kid’s way,” He paused, noticing how Silas winced at his words, “You can’t blame yourself Silas, it’s not your fault your family is crazy. You did what you could.”

“If I’d been earlier…” 

“Anything could have been different if you had gotten there sooner, they might have found you before you’d even made it to the door. You can stress about the ‘what ifs’ all you want, but she’s here now, dealing with whatever this is. That’s more important, don’t you think?” Tor’s hazel eyes were intense.

Silas sighed and nodded, conceding that Torvak had a valid point. 

“So, what do I do about it?” 

“What can you do?”

“I don’t know, see if anyone has seen anything like it before?” His eyes were distant, contemplating how he would go about this. 

“Then that’s what you’ll do,” He felt a heavy hand clap down on his shoulder, his eyes snapping up to Torvak’s. “I’ll see if I can find anything out for you. We’re with you Silas, you’re family.” 

Silas gave him an appreciative smile before turning back to Lux. 

“Is the mighty dragon ready to go?” He asked her, his tone brightening.

She heaved Silas’ rucksack over her shoulder, staggering slightly.

“Yeah, can we visit Dulcie first?” Silas plucked the rucksack from her shoulders when she approached him, her eyes wide and wondering. 

“Of course.” He agreed.

Dulcie was Lux’s favourite merchant, specialising in produce. She didn’t have any reason to want any of their wares, but she loved Lux, always giving her something to eat when they’d visit. 

They bid farewell to Kaelin and Torvak, making sure the coast was clear before exiting from the sewer grate. They entered the main square, Lux leading the way, heading towards Dulcie’s storefront. As they were a few paces away from the entry, a shadow appeared at Silas’ side. His steps slowed as he took in the figure to his right. 

Eyes filled with malice leered at him behind a friendly smile. “Working today, Silas?” 

He now understood what Kaelin had been talking about. 

Deep scars ran across Grimshaw’s face in the pattern of an animal’s claws; they must have been given to him by something large. He had matching scars running jaggedly down his arms. It wasn’t just the bodily changes, there was something in his expression that looked almost manic.

Lux had noticed Silas stop but seeing Grimshaw had caused her to keep her distance as she watched them, he just hoped Grimshaw wouldn’t notice her. He deliberately kept his attention on Grimshaw's face, not letting his eyes flick away even once. 

“I am, so I can’t stay and chat.” 

“Ah Kaelin won’t mind, after all, we’re old pals.” He flashed his canines as his smile widened again. 

“What is there to talk about? I don’t think we have anything in common.” He knew better than to poke the bear, but sometimes his mouth moved before his brain could catch up. 

His smile dropped only by a fraction, but Silas still noticed. 

“Oh, I think you’ll find we have plenty in common.” His voice lowered, bringing his face a little closer. 

Lux had clearly decided that Grimshaw was no match for her as she walked over, her nose up as she judged him.

“Excuse me Sir, we have to go to work now.” She tugged on Silas’ sleeve.

Grimshaw paused, turning before looking down his nose at her. “Now, who do we have here?” He crouched, meeting Lux at eye level. 

“This is my uncle.” Lux replied, crossing her arms as she became antsy under his stare.

“You didn’t tell me you had any family, Silas.” Grimshaw cast a grin up at him and Silas found himself silently seething. 

“It’s like she said, we have to go now.” He didn’t wait for a reply, he simply pulled Lux by the arm and began walking them over to Dulcie’s. 

He waited until the door closed behind them before holding Lux by the shoulders as he kneeled down in front of her.

“What were you thinking? Talking to him like that?” He scolded.

She avoided his gaze, shrugging.

“He’s dangerous, Lux. Stay away from him.” He moved his head in such a way that she had to meet his eyes.

“Okay, fine. I’m sorry, Silas.” He could tell she understood how serious he was, so he eased back from her. 

A throat cleared and his head snapped over to see Dulcie watching them. 

“We’re not open for another few minutes, but make yourselves at home loves.” She said in greeting. 

“Hi, Dulcie.” Lux said dispassionately, making her way to the counter with her eyes downcast.

“Heya sweetie,” She said before addressing Silas. “Who was the oaf?” 

Silas shook his head, “Don’t worry yourself, Dulcie. He’s a minor bump in the road.”

She gave him a disbelieving look before turning to Lux, lifting her spirits by offering her some fresh berries. 

They spent the day meeting with different merchants, selling stock to them. A different group would take over during the night, seeing what they could swipe from those passing through. He kept his eye on Lux throughout the day, noting how many times her mismatched eyes became distant. He needed to figure out what was happening to her, before it got any worse. 

— 

Lux found herself at fourteen years old halfway through a cellar window a few hours before dawn, her black cloak and hood obscured her from any stray eyes that might be watching.

“Hello? Are you here to help me?” A small voice asked, startling Lux into losing her balance and thumping to the ground on her back, knocking the wind out of her. Well, not everyone’s eyes it seemed.

Lux took a few shallow breaths, noting only a small amount of pain in her back before she focused on what was in front of her. The first thing she saw were green eyes, somehow bright with only the light of the moon filtering through. The eyes were puffy and red, as if they had been in the middle of crying, now only filled with curiosity and a little apprehension.

“Um,” Lux began, she wasn’t expecting to run into anyone down here, “Why are you crying?”

“I’m scared. It’s dark down here.”

“Why are you down here?”

“I’m in trouble, this is my punishment for being ungrateful.” The girl said it like the words weren’t hers, like she was reciting something she’d heard before.

Lux sat up, grunting at the pain she felt in her back, and curled her legs towards herself as she prepared to stand.

“You’re hurt?” The stranger moved as if to put her hands on her, and Lux scuttled backwards as she stood. The girl paused, not moving any closer.

Now that Lux was standing, she could see that the girl was only slightly shorter than her, a skinny frame with strawberry blonde hair down to her shoulders, her green eyes wide and searching and her eyebrows creased with worry.

“I’m fine, you just surprised me.” Lux dusted herself off as she started to think about how she could possibly get out of this, she knew she wouldn’t be able to steal anything now that she had an unexpected audience.

“So, you’re not here to help me?” The girl frowned and crossed her arms, looking as if she had been slightly betrayed.

Lux fought the urge to roll her eyes, “What do you need help with? You look fine to me.” A little dirty, a little malnourished, but nothing that wouldn’t be seen on half of the population this side of the city.

“I told you, I’m scared. I’ve been down here all night by myself. It’s dark and cold and,” The girl paused as her eyes became teary again and she looked down, arms crossing tighter over her chest, “I just don’t like being alone.”

Lux sighed, thinking to herself, she had one more stop after this one, but she’d never had company there before. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to bring someone with her to a place that was usually private for her, but as she looked back at the girl she couldn't help but feel pity.

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“Do you want to come with me?” Lux tilted her head in question, noting how the girl’s eyes snapped up to hers, all signs of sadness gone as she smiled brightly.

“Where are we going? I don’t get to go out late at night, mother says the only women out at night are criminals or whores,” The girl gasped, looking at Lux apologetically, “Sorry, I didn’t think…”

“Well, I’m certainly not a whore.” A smile pulled at the corner of Lux’s mouth as she approached the window she came through, pushing a crate underneath.

The girl stifled a laugh, conscious of the silence around them, not wanting to be too loud. “Is that why you’re here then? Are you a criminal?”

Lux balanced on the crate, hoisting herself back up through the small window she came through. She turned and reached a hand through as the blonde wobbled her way onto the crate to follow Lux through the window.

“You still want to come with me?” Lux’s hand hovered for a moment as the girl watched, another smile eventually coming to her face.

“Sure, you’re a pretty bad criminal anyways. You didn’t even take anything.”

She wrapped a small hand around Lux’s wrist and Lux helped to hoist her out the window.

“Well, maybe I didn’t take anything,” Lux gave her a sidelong look at the girl, and she giggled.

“You’re more like a borrower then, since I will be back before the sun comes up.” The girl seemed to sombre up a bit after reminding herself of this. That a dark cellar was waiting for her upon her return.

Lux couldn’t help but feel a twisting of sympathy in her chest, she knew all too well what it was like to be living in the dark, the cold, the feeling of despair and misery that can cling to the walls of places like that. She decided that she was going to try and make this outing something the girl could enjoy, so that even when she did have to go back, she could have something to remember. Lux thought back to some of her darker times and knew that happy memories were sometimes all she had, hiding in her mind when things all became too much. Though, this was not the reprieve for her that it was for most people.

A cold shiver ran down the back of her neck as if to say hello, to remind her that her mind isn’t truly her own, never completely safe.

“Where are we going?” The girl beside her interrupted her thoughts, looking at her curiously.

“Somewhere I go when I want to be alone, to feel like I’m the only person in the world.”

“Oh… you don’t mind that I’m coming with you then?”

Lux turned to her as they walked in tandem, she noticed the goosebumps on her arms and the small shiver that she was trying to suppress. Lux pulled her hood down, untying the drawstring at the front and removing it from her shoulders. The chill hit her, but she at least had some durable clothes underneath, unlike the girl who was only in a dress and slip on shoes. Lux held out the cloak without a word, watching her step as the road became more uneven as they approached the entrance to the woods on the outskirts of town. It took a few seconds before she realised the cloak wasn't being taken, and she turned to the girl to find her staring.

“You looked cold.” Lux stated, feeling somewhat scrutinized under her gaze.

She reached for the cloak, still staring, and Lux began to frown. She didn’t like feeling so exposed, unable to tell what this girl was thinking.

“Sorry,” The girl started, wrapping the cloak around her shoulders and tying the drawstring tightly, she kept the hood down though as she continued to look at Lux, “You look different than the other tieflings I’ve met.”

Lux rubbed the back of her neck uncomfortably, not sure what she meant by that.

“Not in a bad way!” The girl started, “You’re just…different.”

“Different.” Lux turned the word over on her tongue, it tasted slightly bitter.

“You’re pretty.” The girl supplied, she seemed to realise that Lux was pulling away, unhappy with her choice of words.

“Oh.” Lux felt her plum-coloured skin warm further. She ducked her head, glad that they were finally reaching the thicker part of the forest and they both had to focus on where they were walking, or they'd run face first into a tree branch.

“Not far now.” Lux supplied before the silence became suffocating.

“I’m Valissa, by the way, but everyone calls me Liss.” The girl sounded slightly out of breath as she pushed through the trees.

“Liss,” Lux liked how that word tasted; sweet, like honey, “I’m Lux.”

“Lux, nice to meet you Lux.” Lux wondered how her name felt on someone else’s tongue, if they could taste how corrupted it was.

Her thoughts were interrupted as they both pushed through the tree line into a small clearing. Smatterings of wildflowers littered the grass at their feet, and a few paces ahead was a small lake. The water was as still and silent as the night around them, stars reflecting on the surface.

Lux turned to Liss, seeing the look of pure wonder on her face as she took in the sight, a warm feeling blooming in her chest. As quickly as it came, it was replaced with cold tendrils that created knots in her stomach and a faint voice called from behind her.

Kill her.

A sudden and violent image lit up in Lux’s mind: Liss’ face under the surface of the lake, green eyes looking up desperately as she clawed at Lux’s arms. Lux realised that it was her hands wrapped around Liss’ neck, holding her under as she fought for breath. Lux felt her grip tighten, could feel Liss’ speeding pulse in her jugular as she squeezed harder. She watched like a spectator, like it wasn't her hands around the girl’s neck feeling her pulse slow as her last breath escaped her, only to be replaced by water when her instincts eventually kicked in, forcing her to take a breath. Her eyes dulled, and Lux suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. She gasped, coming back to the present as if she herself had been underwater. She turned, seeking out green eyes that were very much alive and concerned.

“Lux?” She tilted her head in questioning, holding Lux’s gaze. “Are you okay?”

Lux turned around to where the cold command came from earlier, but she already knew nothing would be there, knew that the voice came from inside her own mind.

“I’m okay, just tired.”

Liss looked at her skeptically but didn't probe any further. “It’s beautiful here,” She said instead, looking up to where the canopy parted and the moon’s light filtered down to meet their skin, “like a fairy tale.”

“Just don’t trust any little old ladies.” Lux attempted to lighten the mood and it seemed to work. Liss laughed, coming to sit next to Lux at the edge of the lake. She wished it were a warmer night, she wouldn’t mind dipping her feet in at least.

Lux lay back, the grass pillowing her head, her horns always dug into the soil somewhat if she moved her head to the side, so she tried not to. But eventually Liss lay back too and Lux couldn’t help but glance over.

Pretty. 

The word mulled itself over in her mind, not something she’d ever associated with herself, but Liss? She was pretty. Little freckled nose, cheeks pink from the cold air, her hair sprawled around her on the grass, brighter than ever in the moonlight. Lux looked away quickly, a frown forming on her face. She would never be pretty the way Liss was pretty. Liss could fit right in here in the woods, like a forest elf, something beautiful. Lux was a creature from The Hells. That was her ancestry, and it could be seen in her skin, in her horns, in her sharp teeth. There was nothing pretty about her.

Lux felt something brush the back of her hand and looked over to see Liss studying her face.

“You look so far away. What’s on your mind?” Her voice was light, inviting, and Lux felt like she could spill all her secrets tonight.

She sighed and closed her eyes. I’m not like you, she thought. I’m not pretty. What do you see that makes you think that? There is nothing pretty about me, I just met you and I have already thought about hurting you, killing you. Kill her.

Lux shook her head.

“My back hurts.” She eventually stated.

Liss laughed, “You fell pretty far.” Lux didn’t see the look in Liss’ eyes, the way she saw right through her. Knew something was wrong but didn’t want to push too hard. This was new, their friendship.

Lux turned to Liss with questions of her own. “Why were you in a cellar?”

Liss looked at her with an unreadable expression, “If I tell you why I was in a cellar, will you tell me the truth? About what you were thinking about.”

Lux paused, knowing there was no way she would be telling Liss the entire truth, but maybe she could part with a little bit of it. That seemed fair.

“Okay.” Lux agreed, “You first.”

Liss snorted, looking back up to the sky. “Today Mother introduced me to the boy she wants me to marry.” She whispered it like she was embarrassed, “I’ve never even kissed a boy.”

Lux stared, “How old are you?”

“I’m turning fourteen in a few months.”

Lux didn’t know what to say, she was barely a year older than this girl. She had never even thought about marriage. Never even thought about boys.

“What’s the rush?” Lux eventually asked.

“He has money. My family…” She paused, her voice becoming thick, “My family doesn’t. We have some land, but no money to do anything with it. My father… he had a brilliant idea. If I marry into this family, we won’t have to sell our land for a measly amount of coin, instead we will be a part of something more.” Once again, Liss was saying things that sounded more like recited phrases.

“What do you want?”

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters.” Lux snapped, not meaning to feel such anger for Liss, but it came out anyway.

Liss turned to her, her eyes distant and filled with a sadness Lux didn’t expect her to have. “Your turn.”

“My problems feel silly now.”

Liss gave her a small smile, “I’d like to hear about a problem smaller than mine.”

“I was just thinking about what you said, about me being pretty,” Lux said quietly, shyly. “I was a bit mad, because it felt like a lie. Someone who looks like you doesn’t say that sort of thing to someone who looks like me.”

“Someone who looks like me?” Liss furrowed her brow, rolling onto her side to face Lux.

“You look like a princess, I look like I was summoned from The Hells.” Lux can’t help the bitterness that comes through her voice.

Liss reached over slowly, her hand wrapping around Lux’s wrist. Her hand felt cold, but Lux still found comfort in it.

“You look like no one I’ve ever seen, and I mean that in the best way possible.” Liss’ eyes were filled with an emotion that Lux couldn’t name, but it brought a heat to her cheeks and she couldn’t help the smile that formed. Liss followed suit, smiling at her.

“It doesn’t really matter, with your situation… you have more important things to think about than me not feeling pretty.” Lux scoffed at the absurdity of even comparing the two.

“I’d like to keep thinking about you, if that’s alright.” Lux’s eyes widened at the words, unsure what they really meant, unfamiliar with the feeling they evoked. She looked away from her, and it was then that she noticed the hue in the sky, she needed to get Liss back before daybreak.

“We should go.”

“Okay.” Liss sounded almost sad.

They stood then, taking one last glance back to the peace of the lake before they moved to trek back through the trees. Their walk back was silent, but not awkward. Lux’s mind was filled with conflicting emotions and feelings, she was not even really paying attention to the girl walking beside her. They reached the window Lux first came through, and she finally turned to find Liss with a look on her face that made her think she wasn’t the only one completely in her head on their walk back.

“Do you-”

“Will you visit again?” Liss interrupted Lux’s question with a quick one of her own, her voice making it sound like she was debating whether or not to ask.

“When?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Yes.” She said, without any hesitation. Completely forgetting she would have to make up for not having taken anything worth selling tonight.

“I’ll be here.” Liss said, sounding like she was trying to hide her excitement before she crouched near the cellar window and pushed it open.

Lux debated on whether or not to help her back down but before she could, Liss was already disappearing from view. It was only when she was halfway back to her and Silas’ lodging did she realise she’d left her cloak with Liss, but instead of annoyance, she found herself liking the idea of the girl having something to keep her warm. It really was cold in that cellar.

----------------------------------------

Lux and Liss found themselves meeting almost every night from that point on. It had been just over three years since their first meeting, and they had become an inseparable duo.  They were exhausted throughout the day, Silas giving her curious looks every time she returned home early in the morning, not questioning her when she would collapse onto her bed for a few hours. 

Lux found herself that morning with the sun high in the sky, heat beating down harshly onto her shoulders. The town square was bustling with people and traders on a Saturday, both the regulars and those that traveled in to sell their wares. The noise was perfect, distracting, each trader focused on reeling in their next customer.

Lux was in position, sitting casually on a rock a few feet away from the merchant they were targeting. She could see Liss's strawberry blonde hair amongst the crowd as she waited for an opportune moment to push through and begin talking to the man, her big green eyes able to capture anyone's attention.

As Lux waited, she calculated how to best approach the stand with the least visibility from the crowd. They chose this one as it was closer to the corner of the square, no one behind them to spot her. Invisibility spells were out of the question, casting one in an alley and then trying to get through the throng of people was not as simple as it seemed, as they'd discovered. Reappearing from the spell in the middle of the square also usually roused more suspicion than it was worth, not to mention casting one in the open. No, Lux was quiet, sneaky. She felt confident that no matter the outcome she would be fine, she was also aware that she was young enough to get away with a slap on the wrist. Dealing with a stern talking to from Silas about getting caught was a small price to pay in comparison to the adults that got caught. She huffed at the memories, Mrs. Rothsberg was usually an easy target due to her failing vision, but Lux hadn't expected the trap on the chest.

Pulling her out of her musing was the sound of Liss' bright voice reaching her pointed ears as she greeted the merchant. He looked at her skeptically, wondering what a sixteen year old could possibly have to offer for his wares. But she soon began to spin a tale about her ailing mother, who was much too sick to come to the square herself.

"Oh, wouldn't it just be such a nice surprise for her, if I came back with a beautiful gift?" She cooed.

As Lux approached, she could see Liss with her low-cut dress and entrancing smile, the merchant unabashedly staring. She was quite a vision after all.

Lux never felt bad stealing from these sorts of people, she didn't know why she hated them so, but she held a secret satisfaction in her heart when she and Liss reconvened and she dropped the charming young girl act, they would snicker with each-other, poking fun at the older men who fell for their ploy.

"You have some very beautiful things here, you must really know what a woman likes." Liss batted her eyelashes as the merchant leered, casting a big smile her way. His muscular frame and scarred skin let Lux know that this guy was probably not one to mess with, she needed to be quick. Dashing in behind the stall and quickly locating his wares chest to his right. Lux waited for the opportune moment.

"Oh, that one is just beautiful don't you think? Could I try it on?" Liss pointed to a silver-banded ring with a small moonstone in the middle.

As the trader began to unlock the box, Lux began to lock-pick the chest. She could feel the gears slipping into place, an easy success. Almost over, then they could hold the wares till the trader left town and sell it themselves.

As the chest opened, a scalding ring of fire surrounded it, singeing Lux's palms as she cried out. She felt hands wrap around her horns as she was yanked off of her feet and suddenly found herself face to face with the seething eyes of the merchant.

She smiled sheepishly, "Hi there, just testing your security, it seems you have everything under control so I'll just be on my way-"

"You thieving little-" Before the man could finish, Lux wrapped her already burnt hands around the man's wrists as he gripped her horns and cast a fire spell to burn his skin too.

He cried out in rage, releasing his hold reflexively. Lux scrambled back across the stall bench, falling to the ground with a thud and knocking his glass cases to the ground where they shattered.

"I'm gonna kill you, kid!" He roared as he jumped over his stall bench.

Lux suddenly felt two small hands reach under her arms from behind, lifting her, and she wasted no time before turning and bolting. Liss was to her right with a vice grip on her wrist as they sprinted out of the square and down the alley to a familiar sewer grate. They both were able to push it aside, adrenaline allowing Lux the use of her hands before the pain really hit. She ushered Liss in first before climbing in after and dragging the cover back over the entrance.

Once they hit the bottom of the ladder, they sat, breathing heavily as they processed what just happened. They looked at each other, both with equal expressions of shock on their faces before bursting into giggles.

"Lux, I told you to double check for traps!" Liss said as she took Lux's hands in her own, observing her palms.

Lux waved her away, "It's nothing, Silas will know what to do."

"You can't tell Silas! I'll fix you up."

"Why not?"

"He already thinks I'm a bad influence." Liss pouted, her grip tightening on Lux's hands causing her to wince, but she didn't remove them from her hold.

"This was my idea as much as it was yours, okay?" Lux implored, forcing Liss to meet her gaze. Lux could see the doubt in Liss' eyes, she didn't like it. "Besides," She continued, "It was worth it."

"How?" Liss said glumly. Lux took one of her hands, ignoring the pain and reached into her pocket, removing the moonstone ring Liss had been admiring. She held it to her and watched as Liss' eyes lit up.

"Oh, Lux," Liss whispered in awe as she held out her hand. Lux slid it onto her finger, noting the perfect fit, "It's beautiful, thank you." Liss pulled her into a crushing hug that she slowly returned, her cheeks burning.

"It was the least I could do, for not double checking for traps."

Liss laughed, the sound music to Lux's ears.

"You'll be more careful from now on? Please." She pleaded.

"Of course, Liss." Lux promised.

As quickly as their adrenaline had settled, they heard the telltale sound of the grate above them sliding across the stone ground. Their heads snapped up as light from the world above shone down on them and they squinted, before a shadow eclipsed the light and the angry face of the merchant leered down at them.

“Gotcha, you thievin’ shits.” The man spat as he bared his yellowed teeth.

Lux scrambled to stand, ready to flee, but as she made it to her feet she noticed Liss had yet to move. She was frozen, her usually rosy cheeks pale, fear in her eyes as she stared at the man scaling the ladder at an alarming pace. 

“Liss!” Lux hissed, trying to snap her out of her trance. Lux began to pull on her elbow, attempting to hoist her up herself, “Come on!”

The haze seemed to clear from her eyes as Liss was pulled back to the present by Lux’s insistence. She held onto the hand Lux used to pull on her elbow as they turned tail and ran. 

Lux’s heart pounded as they approached a tunnel dimly lit by lanterns, they took a sharp left. She could feel the man gaining on them, his harsh breaths becoming louder as they tried to outrun him, his footsteps heavy on the stone beneath them. She felt Liss’ hand slip from her grasp, she was falling behind. Lux risked throwing a glance behind her and she saw the panicked look on Liss’ face right before she was tackled to the ground. Lux’s feet stumbled to a halt of their own accord, immediately calling out to her. The man flipped Liss onto her back like it was nothing, his calloused hands grabbing for the ring and snatching it off. Liss cried out as he yanked her wrist at an unnatural angle. 

“Don’t worry lass, I’ll make a good example outta you.” His expression became predatory, his hands reaching for Liss’ blouse and Lux saw red. Heat raced through her arms, shooting out of her palms toward the man in a burning flame. She couldn’t control it, all the rage she felt poured out of her through her magic. She could hear his screams as his flesh melted, but it wasn’t enough. He needed to pay for hurting Liss. The more the flames seared him, the more right everything felt. This was wonderful, this was what she was made for. 

As her mind whispered sweet nothings to her, the voice became more pronounced, until she realised it was no longer her own. A deeper voice spoke to her, one she couldn’t quite place. 

“My sacrifice.” 

She began to come back to herself, the manifestation of this voice giving her pause. 

“You offer more souls to me, but you cannot escape your fate.”  Lux’s vision swam and she squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head. 

“You cannot outrun me, I am with you as you spill your first blood, and your last will be your own. I will know its taste.” Lux listened, her brow furrowed, gaze distant. The voice was familiar. She was brought back to the night she met Liss, the voice telling her to kill. One she had heard multiple times throughout her childhood, but it never threatened her like this. 

The sound of a whimper drew her back to the present, and it took a moment for Lux to process what was in front of her. The charred body of the man lay stiff in the center of the hall, the flickering shadows that the lanterns cast emphasised his sunken eye sockets. With her back pressed against the wall, breaths shaky and quick, was Liss. She clutched at her arm and Lux moved to her. It was only when she kneeled in front of her did she realise that the injury on her arm wasn’t from their assailant. Singed flesh marked Liss’ shoulder and upper arm. 

Lux froze. This was her doing. The man may have scared Liss but Lux hurt her. 

“Liss, I-” Lux began, but Liss interrupted her. 

“It’s okay. It’s okay.” She repeated, Lux couldn’t tell if she was talking to herself or not. Her breathing was still quick, tears streamed silently down her cheeks. 

“I’m sorry, Liss. I’m so sorry.” Lux’s hands hovered around her, never landing. It felt like Liss was made of glass, that she might break under her touch. 

Liss’ eyes finally met hers through the haze of her shock, and it was as if the illusion of composure she was trying to create shattered, her expression crumpled and it was her who broke the barrier Lux felt between them, reaching for her. 

Something heavy in Lux’s chest lifted, she was forgiven. It was a selfish thought, but in that moment the relief was too great to ignore. She pulled Liss to her chest, cradling her head in the crook of her neck. Liss had her singed arm turned away from Lux as she cried, leaving wet tear tracks on her skin. Lux murmured apologies into her soft hair, savouring the feeling of having her so close. 

Liss pulled away to look up at her, green eyes shimmering. Her face was a mess of tears and Lux could feel herself staring, noting the smallest flecks of brown in her irises that she had never noticed before. Lux brought a hand up slowly, as if Liss was a frightened rabbit she didn't want to scare. She wiped her tears and Liss closed her eyes, leaning into her hand and inhaling a deep breath. Lux couldn’t help the somersault her heart did at the sight of her finding comfort in her touch.  Liss took another shuddering inhale, and Lux felt like she was coming out of a trance, one that only Liss could put her in. 

She was in pain, and Lux was too caught up in Liss’ closeness, her touch.

Selfish. She berated herself. 

“We need to go to Silas.” Liss began to protest but Lux interrupted her before she could form a sentence. “He’ll know what to do, how to fix this.” 

Liss looked at her with all the trust Lux felt she didn’t deserve, before she nodded. Lux helped her to her feet, before she knelt next to the corpse. She tried not to retch as she forced his stiff fingers back, one snapping off in the process. She retrieved the moonstone ring, pocketing it and together they made their way further into the winding maze, leaving the charred body of the man behind.

They breached the surface of the city in the alleyway nearer to Lux and Silas’ house. Lux was impressed by Liss. Her skin looked… painful, to say the least, and the most she did was sniffle as she trailed behind. Lux knew Liss hated to be treated as if she was fragile, but sometimes Lux couldn’t help herself. She was like a statue of a deity that the world kept trying to topple. But Lux was her most devoted disciple, she would never allow her to fall. 

Silas was not happy when he saw the state they were in. He took in Lux’s blistering palms and Liss’ distorted skin that was not in any better shape. He was merciful though, immediately tending to their wounds before berating them.

“Have I taught you nothing?” He snapped. “What on earth would possess you to steal in broad daylight?”

Lux looked down at her boots in shame, knowing no answer she could give would satisfy Silas. It seemed to dawn on Silas that both girls had injuries and yet were still in one piece. 

“Who did this to you? Did they recognise you?” His tone shifted, going from stern to slightly panicked. 

Lux flinched, knowing she would have to admit what she had done. 

“He didn’t see us Silas, we got burned by a trap before we ran, we didn’t even take anything.” Liss looked Silas in the eye as she lied to him, her expression stony and unwavering.

Silas let out a deep sigh, sinking into a chair at their kitchen table. He ran his hands through his hair, elbows on his knees. He looked so tired, Lux noted, his hair longer and more unkempt than he usually allowed it to be. His grey eyes lifted back to the two of them after a moment. 

“Don’t ever do this again, you understand me?” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

They both nodded, itching to be free of this conversation. He eyed them for a moment longer, and seemed to find what he was looking for in their remorseful gazes as he dismissed them with a wave of his hand. 

—

It was late and Lux found herself getting ready to head out to see Liss, she wanted to make sure she was doing okay after everything that had happened. She knew Silas would be asleep around this hour, so it came as a surprise to her when she tiptoed out of her room and saw a light on down the hall. 

Curiosity got the better of her; she pushed her back against the wall, keeping to the shadows as she slowly made her way towards the murmured conversation. As she reached the end of the hall, she peered around slowly, getting a brief glimpse of Silas and Kaelin seated at the table, she pulled her head back quickly as she noticed Kaelin facing her. 

“Where did you hear about this, Silas?” Kaelin whispered, sounding insistent.

“Her father…” Silas’ voice trailed off as he became lost in thought. 

“I thought your family were cultists of Mezithios? Why would he go against them like that?” 

“They are, he is. He said he was repaying an old debt.” 

“You mean… Lux?” Kaelin sounded disbelieving. Lux’s brow furrowed, she felt as if she was gathering pieces of a puzzle, with no idea how to put it all together. 

“What else could he mean?” Silas sounded bewildered, as if he was just as confused as Lux was.

“If what he’s saying is true, things are only going to get worse.” Lux’s eyes gazed ahead at the wooden grain of the wall, not really seeing it. She was so focused on taking in what was being said. It related to her somehow. Her… father? Her gaze dropped to the floor and her heart sank at the thought of him, the man she never got to meet. 

“Maybe I should tell her.” Silas didn’t sound like he agreed with what he was saying.

“She might stand a better chance if you do.” Kaelin’s voice was soft and encouraging, very unlike her usual deadpan. 

Silas sounded resigned when he finally replied, sighing, “You’re probably right.”

“It’s the right thing to do Silas, I know you want to protect her but she deserves to know, she won’t survive if you try to keep her in the dark forever.” 

This made Lux’s brain stall. Wouldn’t survive? Just what was going on here? Lux was brought out of her thoughts as she heard a chair scraping against the floor.

“I have to get back, you know this operation doesn’t run without me.” Kaelin sounded like she was trying to be lighthearted, but it didn’t quite reach. 

“See you tomorrow, Kaelin.”

“Bye, Silas.” 

Lux watched her head for the door. She paused, turning to Silas as if wanting to say more before deciding against it, the door closing softly behind her. 

Lux felt frozen, her head spinning trying to make sense of their conversation. Her spiral was interrupted by Silas’ deep voice, reaching around to her hiding spot and making her feel like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. 

“Come; sit.” Was all he said, he hadn’t moved from his place at the table.

Lux moved slowly, coming around to the seat Kaelin had just vacated across from Silas. He didn’t meet her eyes as she sat, instead his gaze was towards his lap, distant. They sat for a moment, neither of them breaking the tension. Lux could tell whatever conversation Silas had talked himself into having, he didn’t really want to. He was too stubborn to start it himself, so Lux began by asking what had been at the forefront of her mind since she tiptoed down that hallway and began eavesdropping. 

“My father was here?” 

Silas’ eyebrows knit and he somehow looked even more downcast.

“I thought he was dead. You told me he was dead.” Lux found her voice becoming more of a hiss with each statement, and Silas’ gaze became more distraught, like he was a man about to be sentenced. 

“I thought it would be easier… better than telling you the truth.” He eventually said, his voice no more than a whisper. 

“The truth?” Lux matched his tone, her anger ebbing as she saw Silas in a state she had never seen before. His eyes finally sought hers and he looked so heartbroken it completely took the wind out of her sails.

“The truth of what he did- would have done to you.” 

Lux let the statement hang, hoping Silas would continue, and he did. 

“I thought I was doing what was best for you, so you could grow up somewhat normal,” Silas’ elbows came to rest on the table, his head hanging as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, bumping into his small pointy horns. “This sort of thing, it's not something a child should have to know, to deal with. It wouldn’t have been fair.” 

Lux found herself staring. Silas was like the centre-point of her universe, an unwavering strength that she relied on. She had always thought that as long as Silas was there she would be alright. But he was crumbling, like the sun itself was about to implode, a star dying in front of her. 

Lux reached for him across the table, a hand out in offering. He was her strength, and she knew it must be difficult to constantly live up to that image, he needed someone to be strong for him too. 

He clasped her hand, giving her a small shaky smile before it dropped as he continued. “He was here, yes. I wish he’d never shown his face again. Though I guess if he’s telling the truth, he has done us a favour.” Silas watched her as he slowly spoke, trying to assess if it was too much for her to handle. 

“What did he do?” Lux asked, voice small.

“He gave us a warning.” Silas replied.

“What kind of warning?” 

Silas’ expression crumpled slightly, and she couldn’t help the feeling that she was the one causing his sadness. Every time his eyes caught hers he looked at her like he was seeing into the future, a tragedy waiting to happen. It made her antsy, she wished he would just be straightforward for once.

“Please, Silas. I can’t take this, just tell me.” Lux would beg if she had to, the not knowing was slowly driving her insane.

“You wouldn’t remember, you were only a baby when it happened.” He began, she didn’t interrupt, her eyes imploring him to continue. “Our family are followers, more like cultists,” he spat the words like they disgusted him, “of the God Mezithios.” 

“Mezithios?” The name rolled off her tongue, meaning nothing to her. She had never heard of such a God. 

“He’s a very old God, not commonly worshiped anymore, mostly because of how outdated his… practices are.” Silas’ gaze was distant, as if he were watching memories behind his eyes.

“Practices?”

Her voice brought him back and he took in her expression again as he stated, “Sacrifices.” 

She tried not to flinch, she had the feeling that if she showed any indication that this was too much for her to take in, he would stop and she would never get her answers. 

“You were one of them, Lux.” 

Her brow furrowed, confused. “A cultist?” 

“A sacrifice.” 

It was as if she was back in the tunnel as the voice whispered in her mind. 

My sacrifice. 

She was meant to be a sacrifice? Then how was she here? She looked back to Silas, who was watching her as she processed his words. 

“They made it halfway through the ritual before I got there. I’m sorry Lux, I came as fast as I could. I tried to stop it, all of it.” He said it like he was confessing his sins to her, like he thought he couldn’t be forgiven.

“Our… family… was going to sacrifice me?” Her mind felt like it was wading through quicksand, everything she had ever thought about her family was a sad lie, hiding something much worse.

“My mother-” Lux started, but Silas interrupted her, a fire in his eyes she hadn’t seen in a long time. 

“She would have never gone along with what they wanted, she would have saved you the same way I tried to.” 

“So she is…?” She trailed off, unable to bring herself to finish that sentence. 

“My sister, your mother, she loved you, Lux. There wasn’t anything she wouldn't have done to keep you safe from them.”

“Is that why she’s gone?” Her voice trailed off. She felt far away from the present, like nothing that was happening was quite real. 

“It’s not your fault she died, Lux. Don’t ever think that.” She could feel Silas’ gaze boring into her skin but she couldn’t meet his eyes. 

“Why did he give us a warning? Is something going to happen?” Lux ignored him, pushing forward with more questions.

“There are rumours spreading in The Hells. There is talk that the Lord of the eighth layer, Mephistopheles, is looking to extend his rule to the rest of The Hells. He is rallying allies. Your… father… said Mezithios is on his list. Mephistopheles hasn’t tried to make contact yet, but when he does, you might be at risk.” 

“Why?” She asked, head spinning.

Silas gave her a sideways glance. “You’re smart, Lux, surely you can see where this is headed. Mezithios is no different to any other God, his pride is entirely too big, and he doesn’t take kindly to something he considers his being swiped from under his nose.” Silas said, continuing to watch for Lux’s reaction.

“He thinks I am his?” Lux snapped, sounding indignant. At this display of anger on her own behalf, Silas smiled a genuine smile.

“I don’t think he has any idea how stubborn you can be.” Lux smiled at his words and he continued. “Getting you to do anything I ask is like trying to move a brick wall.” Lux’s smile dropped and she swatted at his hand she had been holding. 

He laughed, and she couldn’t help but let out a huff of a laugh with him. “What do we do now?” She asked. Yet another question, she felt like she’d never run out. 

“From how your father spoke, it sounded like this is all still early days. But keep your guard up, and if you see any tieflings that look like us, run the other way. I’ll keep digging for information.” 

She couldn’t help but notice that this was the first time Silas had really talked to her like she was an adult. She thought this would be something she wanted, to be treated like a grown up, but now that it was happening, and under such circumstances, she found herself wishing for her ignorance back. Silas gave her a crushing hug before ushering her back to her room. She slipped under her covers and so much filled her mind that she was unable to focus on anything in particular, it all just swirled and writhed in her head like some sort of deformed monstrous creature. She spent as much time as she could possibly handle trying to fall asleep before she gave into her impulses and threw her covers back, slipping her coat and shoes on before heading for her window. 

It took her no time at all to slip in through Liss’ window. It had been quite a while since she had found her in the cellar, her parents must have been happy with her lately. 

She was already asleep, Lux noticed, her breathing relaxed. She didn’t want to disturb her, all she wanted was to slip in unnoticed and try to match her breathing. Liss’ presence alone was enough to help calm her. She tried her best to lie next to her, not bothering with the blankets. She curled up on her side behind her and pressed her forehead to Liss’ shoulder blades, inhaling. The faint smell of vanilla filled her lungs and she felt a tension release from her muscles. 

Ever the light sleeper, Liss stirred. “Lux?” She slurred, still half asleep.

“Mhm.” Was all she could bring herself to say. 

Liss rolled onto her back, the moon allowing some light as she took in Lux’s demeanor.  “What’s wrong?” 

Lux didn’t know where to begin, opening her mouth before closing it again. Liss observed her silently, before making Lux move to lift the covers and let her in. 

“Shoes off.” Liss ordered quietly. The normalcy of it all made Lux smile.

“Yes ma’am.” 

Kicking off her shoes, she curled up on top of the offered shoulder. Liss’ arm cushioned her comfortably, ready to go numb in a matter of minutes. Lux stared absentmindedly at one of Liss’ paintings across the room, the bright spring scenery appearing gloomy in the dark. 

Liss didn’t push her for answers, but Lux could feel her getting impatient with her constant shuffling.

Lux sighed, “Do you ever stop moving?” 

Liss balked at such a notion. “You’re welcome to leave.” She pouted, but her grip squeezed her tighter for a second in contradiction. 

A smile curved on Lux’s lips, she had made the right decision to come here, she felt better already. 

Liss’ voice grew softer as she asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

She didn’t really want to, but she also knew that if there was one person she would want to talk about this with, it was her. She figured she might as well do it now. She explained everything to her as best she could, and by the time she was done she could feel the tension that had formed in Liss’ body. 

“Sorry.” Lux couldn’t help but whisper an apology, feeling like she had ruined her night. 

Liss wrapped a hand over Lux’s mouth, “Save your apologies for when you need them. I’m sure you will at some point.” 

Lux was happy to be told to be quiet, she needed to sleep, to stop thinking for even a few hours. It took a while, but her eyelids eventually drifted shut, giving her a small moment of reprieve before it would all come rushing back when she awoke.