Lilith returned to Lootwell before Lucien did.
He learned that almost immediately after coming back from the preserved region.
He expected her to report directly to him.
She did not.
Instead, when Lucien passed one of the quieter halls, he noticed two familiar figures seated together.
Lilith and Seraphine.
They were speaking seriously.
Every now and then, one of them chuckled.
Lucien slowed.
A bad feeling appeared.
Those two did not usually sit together like that unless the topic was important.
Or dangerous.
Or him.
Usually him.
Lucien considered approaching them.
Then Seraphine said something too softly for him to hear.
Lilith covered her mouth.
Both women laughed.
Lucien immediately changed his mind.
He continued walking.
Some things were better left undisturbed.
He respected private conversations.
Especially conversations that might eventually become his problem.
•••
Lilith came to see him later that day.
