CHAPTER 158: BITTER MEMORIES

A few hours had passed, and Lilith stood at the center of the chamber in her childhood home though calling it that felt wrong. It no longer belonged to her, not in the way it once had. Still, the air carried a familiar scent, one that stirred memories both tender and bitter.

A maid fussed over Lilith’s gown, smoothing out invisible creases and adjusting the layers of peach coloured silk that swept down to the floor. The dress hugged her waist before flaring out elegantly, its hem embroidered with delicate patterns of tiny black leaves. Her long hair was pinned up into a refined twist, with a few curled strands left loose to frame her face.

"You look very beautiful, Miss Lilith," the maid said with a gentle smile. "Will you be needing a shawl? The night air is quite cold."

"Yes, thank you," Lilith replied with a small nod, then stepped in front of the mirror. She hadn’t seen this maid before, she must be new. No wonder her eyes still held warmth and kindness for Lilith.

The door creaked open, and Charlotte appeared behind her in the mirror. She wore a lavender gown adorned with scattered pearls and a golden necklace resting elegantly at her collarbone. Her hair cascaded over her shoulder in soft waves.

Lilith turned with a smile. "You look dashing as always."

Charlotte chuckled, lifting her skirt slightly to twirl. "Thank you. Though, I must admit, you look stunning yourself. I should have worn a peach coloured dress too, so we’d match."

"Oh, that would have been lovely."

Before Charlotte could reply, there was a gentle knock at the door. The maid answered it, revealing Mordred, who stepped in after a brief exchange.

"Lilith," he said with a respectful bow, then offered another to Charlotte. "Apologies for the interruption, ladies." His gaze shifted to Charlotte. "I came to inform Lady Charlotte that her chambers have been fully prepared."

Charlotte nodded with a polite smile. "Thank you."

"And," Mordred continued, turning his attention back to Lilith, "Your stepfather has requested your presence in the dining hall. Dinner will be served shortly, and he wishes for you both to join him and your sisters at the table."

Lilith blinked slowly, the words falling like weights in her chest. That man, her stepfather wanted to dine as though they were a family. As though his cruelty hadn’t torn that illusion apart long ago. Her fingers curled unconsciously at her sides.

"Very well," she said, voice calm and composed. "We’ll be down shortly."

Mordred bowed again. "I will inform him. If you require anything, simply ring the bell by your bed."

With that, Mordred turned and vanished into the hallway while the maid gently closed the door behind him.

Charlotte exhaled, brushing her hands over her skirt. "So... we’re finally going to meet your family."

Lilith gave a dry laugh. "Indeed, you will. I must warn you, my stepsisters are quite loose with their tongues. They were spoiled rotten."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "How lovely. Sounds like I’m about to have a lot of fun with them. I can be a perfect match for their loose tongues."

Lilith smiled. "I trust you will, but try to keep it... moderate."

"I’ll try."

The two women exchanged a look, part amusement, part understanding. Then Lilith turned back to the mirror and reached for the shawl the maid had laid neatly over the chair. It was peach, the same color as her dress, and she wrapped it delicately around her shoulders.

"Aren’t you going to use a shawl? It’s a chilly night," Lilith asked, glancing at Charlotte, who was adjusting her hair.

"Not at all. I do enjoy a little cold," Charlotte replied with a small shake of her head.

The maid reappeared and offered both women a final glance. "Shall I lead you to the dining room?"

"No need," Lilith replied. "I still remember the way."

With Charlotte by her side, Lilith stepped out into the hallway. Viktor emerged almost immediately, fixing the sleeves of his black coat.

"Are you ready, ladies?" he asked.

"As ready as we can be," Lilith replied.

"I’m quite famished," Charlotte added, gently patting her stomach. "I plan to eat to my heart’s content."

"Then we shouldn’t waste any more time," Viktor said, resting his hands at his sides.

The corridor stretched long and dim, lit by flickering wall sconces. The sound of their heels clicking against the polished wooden floor echoed softly around them.

As they descended the curved staircase, the scent of roasted meats, herbs, and freshly baked bread met them halfway. The pleasant aroma filled the air, stirring both appetite and memory.

At the bottom of the staircase stood a young maid, likely new to the household. She gave a hurried curtsy before pushing open the heavy wooden doors to the dining hall.

The room beyond was grand, lit by a magnificent chandelier whose crystals caught and scattered the candlelight. The long table was dressed in pristine white linens, adorned with gold-trimmed plates, shining goblets, and a centerpiece of dried roses that appeared to have been sitting there for a long time.

At the head of the table sat her stepfather.

He looked much the same as Lilith remembered, though his hair was shorter now. His features were sharp and cold, his lips pressed into a thin line. His eyes roamed over her from head to toe before returning to her face, unreadable. He wore a deep blue coat, and one hand rested flatly on the table near a half-filled glass of what she assumed was wine.

Lilith swallowed hard, drawing in a steadying breath as she approached. Her heart pounded in her chest fast and loud. For a moment, the urge to turn and flee threatened to overpower her.

To his left sat her stepsisters.

Prudence wore a calculating smile. Her dark curls were piled high atop her head, and she was dressed in a sapphire gown that cinched too tightly at the waist. Beside her sat Penelope, her expression one of bored disinterest. She looked as though she’d rather be anywhere else. Taller than Lilith remembered, Penelope now had her father’s light brown hair and sharply defined cheekbones.

All three turned as the doors opened.