The day had begun like the others—quiet, almost domestic. Lilith spent the morning reviewing estate records in the study, while Rafael coordinated with the outer families from the study. Their paths crossed briefly over lunch, a shared glance and a few words exchanged over tea. It was the kind of rhythm Lilith had once thought impossible.
But by late afternoon, a new variable appeared.
She noticed it first in Rafael's posture. When he returned from the northern wing, his shoulders were tense, his jaw set in that way she hadn't seen in weeks. He didn't speak much, just nodded at her and disappeared into his quarters.
Lilith let it go—for a while. This would be a normal occurrence for the head of the Alaric household after all. Those reminiscent peaceful times were merely for a moment. But by evening, the lack of action had turned nearly unbearable.
She found him in the library, seated at the long table, a single sheet of parchment folded beside him. He didn't notice her at first as his eyes were fixed on the fire, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm against the wood.
"You're doing it again," she emerged from the door.
Rafael looked up, startled. "Doing what?" His face looked like someone guilty.
"Three taps," she said, pointing at his unconscious behaviour. "What are you thinking about?" He could only offer a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just old habit."
Lilith stepped closer, her gaze dropping to the parchment. "What's that?" She knew those familiar notes' material so well, how could she not—when she would always be the recipient?
Rafael hesitated. "Nothing urgent." Then he drew the parchment close to him—having no intention to reveal its contents.
Lilith noticed this and frowned. "You're lying." She crossed her arms in hopes that he would finally be truthful to her. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's an Anonymous message... I handled it."
Lilith's tone went cold, her concern spiking up. "You handled it without telling me?" She didn't like how he'd keep her away from matters that concerned her.
Now they were back in circles.
"I didn't want to worry you," he said. "It's vague anyway. The source was confirmed to be someone from the Vilufs."
She reached for the parchment, but he placed his hand over it. "Lilith—"
"No," she said, pulling it free. She unfolded it slowly, scanning the words.
It was mere words. But it shook her resolve almost instantly.
"The crown you build will bury you both."
Lilith's stomach turned. She looked up at him, eyes narrowed. "You read this and thought I didn't need to know?" Her worries now reached way above her limit—and so was her frustration.
"I thought I could shield you from it," Rafael said. "It's just another attempt to rattle us." He says, trying to downplay the situation.
She stepped back, the paper trembling in her hand. "You don't get to decide what I can and can't handle."
"I wasn't trying to control anything," he said. "I was trying to protect you." His frustration echoed in his words.
Lilith's voice dropped. "You promised."
Rafael's expression shifted, guilt flickering across his face. "I know. I messed up."
Now they were back to square one. She turned away, pacing toward the window. The sky outside was darkening, the first stars beginning to show.
"I need to know what's coming," she said. "Even if it's ugly—especially if it's ugly."
"I was afraid it would shake you," Rafael admitted. "We've just started to find our footing..and now we're back here again."
Lilith turned back to him. "Then trust me to stand on it," her eyes were full of resolve now,
He nodded slowly, stepping closer. "You're right. I should've told you."
She folded the parchment and placed it on the table. "We're not fragile anymore, like before." Rafael reached for her hand, hesitating. "Are we still building this?"
Lilith looked at him, her voice quiet. "I don't know. But I'm still here."
He nodded. "Then I'll do better."
They stood in silence, the fire crackling behind them. The message still lay between them, time can only tell where their path leads them.