♦

After a few weeks, Lilith seamlessly integrated into her life with her newfound sisters. The warmth of love and acceptance that surrounded her was a novel experience, one she hadn't truly known before. Despite the ever-present threat of the impending apocalypse and the looming figure of Michael, she found herself in a state of contentment. It was a happiness she hadn't tasted in a long time, a feeling of liberation from the heavy burdens of her past.

Although she reveled in this newfound goodness, a persistent voice in the back of her mind clawed for attention. Dark urges lurked beneath her transformed exterior, occasionally bubbling to the surface, but she persevered. She had hoped that her newfound life would quell these urges, but she quickly realized it was a battle she might face for the rest of her life. Nevertheless, she found solace in the knowledge that she was now on the path of righteousness.

On this particular day, she strolled through the lush gardens of the academy alongside her fellow sisters. Their mission was to gather herbs for a dish that Myrtle had planned to prepare. The verdant Louisiana air filled her lungs as she took a deep breath, savoring the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. It was as if the fragrances of the garden were a soothing balm to her senses, a reminder of the beauty that could still flourish even in the face of impending doom.

As Myrtle continued her lesson on the various plants and their practical applications, Lilith's gaze became fixed on a rosebush nearby. Her fingers extended cautiously, reaching out to brush the velvety petals, only to be met by an unexpected prick from a thorn. Silently, she winced at the sharp pain, inspecting her finger as a tiny bead of blood welled up. Although the wound healed rapidly, leaving no trace of injury, the blood lingered, like a poignant reminder of her past.

Memories flooded her thoughts, tugging at the strings of her heart as she stared at the tiny cut. It seemed that not a day went by without some mention or recollection of Michael. Even in his absence, he lingered in the recesses of her mind, a constant presence that haunted her. The last thing she wanted was to confront Michael with violence, understanding that beneath his sinister exterior, he was merely a frightened soul seeking approval from his father. But deep down she knew there was no other way.

Suddenly, a loud whining sound shattered the moment, diverting the attention of all the sisters. Lilith, still lost in her thoughts, wiped the blood from her thumb with a casual lick, her focus drifting to the source of the commotion. It led her to a surprising discovery: an injured deer, clearly in distress.

A strange sensation welled up within her, an inexplicable urge to help the wounded creature. Ignoring the curious and bewildered glances of her fellow sisters, Lilith approached the animal. It was a sensation both strangely familiar and utterly foreign, like traversing a path she had never walked before yet somehow knew by heart.

Kneeling beside the deer, she hesitated for a moment, her hands hovering above the injured creature. Taking a deep breath, she concentrated, her eyes closed in intense focus. When she finally opened her eyes, the deer's injuries had vanished, leaving the once-injured animal whole and healthy. With a startled leap, the deer bounded away, disappearing into the surrounding foliage.

Lilith let out a breath of amazement and surprise, staring at her hands in awe. Her gaze then shifted to her fellow sisters, each of them equally stunned by the inexplicable healing they had just witnessed. But it was Myrtle, with a look of profound shock on her face, who captured Lilith's attention the most, as she grappled with the reality of what had just occurred.

♦

In her bedroom, Lilith sat on the floor, her back against the wall, surrounded by a scattering of printed photographs from her family's album. Her fingers flipped through the images, each one a poignant reminder of the past. Tears streaked down her cheeks, leaving glistening trails in their wake as she moved through the cherished memories.

The photographs predominantly featured her parents and her beloved sister capturing moments from their shared childhood. Her family, despite their differences, had been her anchor, and now she was adrift, caught between conflicting worlds.

Amongst the images of familial bliss, there was one that stood out, a photograph that tugged at her emotions like a relentless tide. It depicts a scene from Michael's Antichrist celebration party, a gathering that now felt like a cruel irony. In the picture, she stood alongside Nyx, Josiah, and Michael, with smiles frozen on their faces. Lilith's gaze fixed on this particular photo, a maelstrom of conflicting feelings swirling within her.

Lilith's gaze lingered on that particular photograph. If she were entirely honest with herself, she would have torn it to shreds long ago, ridding herself of the reminder of a time she desperately wanted to forget. But despite the pain it invoked, she couldn't bring herself to destroy it. The person behind the camera, capturing that moment of false camaraderie, was a reminder of the girl she once was.

Throughout all the turmoil, the choices that led her down this path, the anger she felt towards her mother for her cruel teachings and the weight of her newfound responsibilities, there was a deep longing for something she could never have again—her mother's love.

Lilith yearned for her mother's presence, despite the woman's unforgiving nature and the darkness that had shrouded their family. She knew that her mother had loved her and her sister. These photographs were fragments of a life she had left behind, a life she could never return to, and it left her with a profound sense of loss and emptiness.

Nyx's sudden entrance into the room disrupted the solemn atmosphere, as she casually tossed something onto the bed before her eyes fell upon her big sister sitting on the floor, tears streaking down her cheeks. Lilith hurriedly wiped away her tears, attempting to mask her distress with a forced smile as she looked up at Nyx.

Nyx's expression quickly shifted from carefree to one of concern as she approached Lilith. She settled down next to her sister, the genuine worry evident in her eyes.

"Why are you crying? I heard about what happened in the garden, that's amazing!" Nyx tried to bring some cheer into the room, her words tinged with genuine admiration.

Lilith managed a shaky smile in response, her gaze drifting away from her sister's watchful eyes. "I know..." she murmured softly, struggling to keep her emotions in check. "I just wish I'd discovered this power sooner... maybe I could have helped Mom."

Nyx squeezed her sister's hand gently, her touch offering comfort and understanding. "You can't think like that, Lili," she insisted gently. "And even if you could, I think Mom was sick with something nobody could heal."

A lone tear trickled down Lilith's face as she listened to her sister's reasoning. Nyx, ever the one to lighten the mood, decided to inject a touch of humor into the conversation.

"Besides," she teased, her voice lightening, "I think Mom's having the time of her life down there."

Despite the lingering sadness and uncertainty that enveloped them, both sisters couldn't help but laugh. Despite everything, Lilith felt a surge of gratitude for having Nyx by her side during these trying times.

As the minutes passed, the sisters fell into a reflective silence, their unspoken fears and hopes weaving together. The room felt like a cocoon, a place where they could share their innermost thoughts without judgment.

♦

In the warm afternoon glow that filtered through the dining hall, Lilith, Nyx, Coco, Queenie, Zoe, and Mallory gathered around, engaging in a unique exercise to test Coco's newly awakened powers. Each dish placed in front of her was met with astonishing accuracy, and Mallory swiftly confirmed her answers online. The room buzzed with applause and camaraderie as the girls celebrated each correct response.

"One fifty!" Coco declared confidently after focusing on the latest dish.

"She's right," Mallory confirmed, visibly impressed.

Nyx, standing beside Coco, couldn't contain her excitement, jumping up and down in celebration of her close friend's newfound abilities.

"Aww, yeah!" Queenie chimed in, sharing a playful handshake with Coco.

Lilith, eager to keep the momentum going, swiftly replaced the dish. "Alright, let's try this one."

Coco's eyes rolled back briefly as she absorbed the information before snapping back to reality and exclaiming, "Forty-nine!"

Mallory verified her answer online and looked surprised. "Right again."

"Okay, one more, one more," Queenie called out, her enthusiasm infectious as she left the room.

As Coco began to show signs of fatigue, she hesitated, saying, "Okay, you know what? I think I need a break. This really takes it out of me, you know?"

But Queenie disagreed. "Don't be a pussy!" she called out dramatically from the other room before rejoining the group, holding a dessert. "The only way to expand your powers... is by pushing yourself."

The room fell silent momentarily, and all eyes turned to Queenie. Nyx and Lilith exchanged amused glances at Queenie's unconventional methods.

"With a snoball?" Coco asked skeptically.

Queenie placed a dramatic hand on her hip. "Do you wanna just trust me?" she teased as Coco reluctantly agreed, and her powers came into play once again.

"Eighty," Coco stated, her voice uncertain this time.

Zoe scoffed, crossing her arms. "No way there's only eighty calories in that thing."

As doubt began to creep in regarding Coco's accuracy, Queenie turned the treat around, revealing that it was half-eaten. Shocked expressions spread throughout the room.

"Yeah, I always think I love these things, and then I take two bites, and it turns out I hate them." Queenie joked, still holding the treat up.

"Oatmeal cream pies are where it's at." Nyx agreed.

"I don't have that problem," Coco said, taking the pink dessert and taking a bite.

"I guess that ass could use another eighty calories, huh?" Queenie quipped, eliciting laughter from the group. However, Coco began to choke, and Zoe was the only one to notice her distress.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?" Zoe called out in a panic. Coco desperately clutched her throat, struggling to breathe.

"Oh fuck." Lilith whispered, her eyes wide with fear as she quickly moved to Coco's side alongside Zoe.

"Coco, breathe! Okay, breathe!" Zoe instructed urgently.

"She can't breathe, she's choking!" Nyx cried out in a panic. "Oh my god, what do we do? Who knows the Heimlich maneuver?" Panic spread through the group, except for Mallory and Lilith, who were momentarily frozen in shock.

"Do a spell!" Queenie yelled out, her voice strained with worry, while Coco collapsed to the ground, still clutching her throat.

"Okay," Zoe muttered, attempting to recall a spell, but she failed. It was too late, and the girls watched in horror as Coco's condition worsened.

"Oh, shit, she's dead now!" Queenie exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Lilith's vision seemed to blur, and her surroundings moved in slow motion. She fell to her knees, hovering over Coco as she instinctively held up her hands. With a deep breath, she focused on the food lodged in Coco's throat and pulled it out with a swish of her fingers. Once the obstruction was removed, Lilith leaned over Coco, pressing her lips against hers as she channeled her energy to restore her life force. When she felt her work was done, she pulled away, and Coco gasped for air. Queenie and Nyx immediately rushed to her side, seeking to comfort her.

Lilith backed away, relief and shock on her face. The power growing within her was becoming stronger every day, and it terrified her. She understood what was expected of her, but she had never truly believed she could be as strong as they had hoped. She had secretly wished she could avoid facing Michael all together, but as her abilities flourished, reality began to set in.

Lilith had grown to love the new people in her life, forming deep connections with them, and she was willing to do anything to protect them. If it meant she needed to confront Michael and prevent the catastrophe he represented, she would rise to the challenge. She couldn't turn her back on her newfound family, and she knew that her growing strength came with a responsibility she could not ignore.

"That was insane!" Nyx exclaimed, relief washing over her as Coco was okay. She wrapped her sister in a tight hug, sharing the emotional moment.

"What was that?" Zoe called out, still visibly shaken by what she had just witnessed. All eyes turned to her, seeking answers, while Coco tried to steady her breathing. Lilith looked up at Zoe, equally uncertain about the inexplicable turn of events.

"I don't know..." Lilith explained, still coming to terms with her own actions.

"I've never seen anything like it," Zoe admitted in a state of disbelief, her gaze fixed on Lilith. "I've never even heard of a spell for what you just did."

♦

Lost in thought, Lilith wandered into a spacious hallway, where she noticed Cordelia looking as if she were about to collapse on the steps. Without hesitation, Lilith climbed the stairs and placed a comforting hand on Cordelia's shoulder to help support her. Zoe appeared at the top of the steps, joining in to assist Cordelia.

"We've got you." Zoe reassured Cordelia, her voice soothing.

"Are you okay?" Lilith asked, genuine concern in her eyes as she looked up at Cordelia.

Cordelia glanced between both women, her exhaustion evident. "I don't want the other girls to see me like this. Will you both help me to my room?"

"Of course," Zoe whispered, her loyalty to Cordelia unwavering. Lilith nodded in agreement. Together, they carefully guided Cordelia up the steps and into her bedroom, helping her sit on the edge of the bed. Cordelia patted the spot next to her, silently urging Lilith to sit beside her. Without hesitation, Lilith settled in, her worry still evident.

"I was hoping I could keep this from you, but you deserve to know," Cordelia began, her voice heavy with the weight of her revelation. She placed a reassuring hand on Lilith's thigh. "It's happening faster than expected."

Confusion clouded Lilith's face. "What is?" she inquired.

"When the next Supreme grows comes into their power, the current one begins to fade," Cordelia explained, while Zoe sat on the opposite side of Lilith.

"What do you mean, fade?" Lilith asked, her unease growing by the second.

"I'm dying, Lilith." Cordelia finally confessed.

"We originally thought that Michael was the next Supreme, and we had hoped that you might be instead... and with everything you've done since you've arrived... there's no doubt about it," Zoe added softly, her empathy for the situation clear.

"So you're saying if I become the Supreme then... you die?" Lilith's voice wavered with emotion as she processed the devastating news. "Then I don't want it."

"Michael will destroy us if you don't," Cordelia urged, her voice filled with urgency. "I can't fight him in this condition, and you are our best chance at survival."

"I know this is a lot of pressure, but you can do this," Zoe reassured, her hand gently resting on Lilith's shoulder. Lilith looked between the two women, her emotions overwhelming her. She let out a shaky breath and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Since your powers are growing, I think it's time to tell you the risks of performing the Seven Wonders." Cordelia's voice carried a blend of concern and solemnity as she broached the weighty topic, her hand offering a reassuring anchor on Lilith's shoulder.

"I'll die if I fuck it up, I know." Lilith's response was laced with a heavy sigh. With a sense of resignation, her gaze drifted downward, settling on her hands folded in her lap. Zoe and Cordelia exchanged a perplexed glance, momentarily taken aback by Lilith's blunt admission. Yet, before they could fully process her words, Lilith continued, "I've been doing a lot of reading."

"And you're okay with the risk?" Zoe asked.

Lilith's next words revealed a deeper understanding and acceptance than they had anticipated. Her voice carried a calm resolve, tempered by the grim reality of their circumstances. "There's not much of a risk if we're all going to die anyways if I don't."

♦

As the inner circle engaged in lively conversation during dinner in the opulent dining hall, Lilith found herself seated next to her sister, who was engrossed in a spirited discussion with Mallory and Coco. Yesenia, a recent addition to their group, sat on the other side of Lilith. The long, elegantly set table was encircled by powerful witches and warlocks, including Cordelia, Myrtle, Zoe, Madison, and Queenie, as well as two other guests. One was Bubbles, an older actress, and the other was Behold, a warlock who had been involved with instructing their current adversary.

Laughter and chatter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and unity. Despite the apparent liveliness, Lilith couldn't shake the underlying sadness that seemed to permeate every corner of her being. It pained her to witness Cordelia's weakening condition as she grew stronger. The weight of responsibility hung heavily on her shoulders, and she felt a growing sense of impending doom with each passing day.

Lilith lifted her wine glass to her lips, taking a sip with a mixture of eagerness and longing, hoping that the alcohol would provide some temporary relief from the burdens that weighed on her heart.

Coco seemed to have noticed Lilith's lack of enthusiasm and grew concerned. "Hey, what's the matter?" Her question hung heavy in the air, drawing the curious gaze of others at the table.

"I just wish there was another way," Lilith admitted, her eyes flicking up to meet Coco's.

Cordelia, seated at the head of the table, spoke up with a reassuring tone. "Don't ever be ashamed of who you are, Lilith. This is how it's always worked... and when the time does come, I will be heartened to know that you will be the one to lead this coven." Lilith managed a weak smile, touched by Cordelia's words. "But I'm not dead yet, and there are more tests to be passed."

Cordelia raised her glass, and the others followed suit, raising their glasses in a toast. "So, please, drink up."

Behold interrupted with a somber reminder of the dire situation. "How can you witches sit around casually sipping wine when people are going to die? There's an Antichrist on the loose trying to destroy the world."

Lilith refilled her glass and took another sip, feeling the weight of Behold's words. Yesenia chimed in, offering a different perspective. "I think it's important to take a break from impending doom from time to time."

Myrtle added her own commentary, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "And let's not forget who aided in his ascension."

Behold continued to press the urgency of the situation. "Yeah, I know. I'm guilty. But now we know what he's capable of. Madison and I saw firsthand the people he hurt. His own family. Michael was born evil. We've got to stop him."

Lilith's emotions were in turmoil as Behold's words sunk in. It was as though they were speaking of a different person entirely, not the Michael she had once known and loved. She couldn't fathom how someone who had shown such love for his family could be capable of causing them harm. The memories of his dark side, which she had witnessed firsthand, now loomed ominously in her mind.

As love and hate warred within her heart, Lilith found herself torn between the person she had cherished and the monster he always was. The growing sense of dread and responsibility weighed heavily on her, and she knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and difficult choices.

Cordelia, however, interrupted the somber mood with a strong declaration. "And we will," she affirmed, her gaze sweeping across her fellow witches. "But tonight, we are celebrating. Because this could be the last time we'll all be together."

♦

𝔗𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔰

Lilith stood before the table, a single candle casting a flickering glow in the dimly lit room. Its flame danced gracefully within an intricate candle holder, its glow casting elongated shadows against the walls.

As Myrtle, Cordelia, and Zoe gathered around her, anticipation hung heavy in the air. Myrtle's voice cut through the silence, her tone carrying a sense of authority as she outlined their task. "The seven wonders. Usually, we move from easiest to hardest. But since this is under unusual circumstances... let's begin with my personal favorite: telekinesis."

Lilith's mouth felt parched as she licked her lips, her gaze shifting between the three women for guidance. Their silent nods granted her permission to proceed, and she took a hesitant step forward, her focus fixated on the candle before her.

"Intention," Cordelia's gentle reminder echoed in her mind.

With a determined nod, Lilith honed her focus on the candle, blocking out all distractions until it was the sole object of her attention. In that moment, everything else blurred into insignificance as she summoned her mental strength. With a subtle flicker of her mind, she willed the candle to move, and to her astonishment, it obeyed, gliding forward into her waiting grasp.

A triumphant smile graced her lips as she blew out the candle, a surge of pride coursing through her veins.

ℭ𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔦𝔩𝔦𝔲𝔪

Myrtle's voice carried the weight of ancient wisdom as she explained the intricacies of Concilium. "Commonly only known to the public as mind control. It's a tricky little craft. When properly exercised, it can bend the strongest of wills to your desire. Now, let's see you try."

Across from Lilith stood her sister, nervousness flickering in her eyes as she prepared to assist.

A mischievous smile danced across Lilith's lips as she looked at her sister. "You ready, Nyxie?"

"Ye—" Nyx's words were cut short as her feet suddenly slipped from under her, sending her tumbling to the ground with a startled shriek.

Lilith's laughter echoed through the room, the sound filling the space with warmth and amusement. With a playful twinkle in her eye, she extended a hand to help her sister up, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"You're a bitch for that," Nyx teased, accepting Lilith's hand and rising to her feet.

"I know, I'm sorry," Lilith chuckled, her laughter infectious.

𝔗𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔰𝔪𝔲𝔱𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫

"The next task before our candidate is transmutation," Myrtle announced.

A confident smirk played on Lilith's lips as she prepared to demonstrate her skill. With a swift and practiced motion, she vanished from her original spot, reappearing behind her unsuspecting sister. With a playful tap on Nyx's shoulder, Lilith's mischief caused Nyx to startle, a brief moment of surprise flashing across her features.

Lilith's smirk widened as she reveled in the success of her transmutation, her demeanor brimming with confidence. "Easy peasy," she quipped

𝔓𝔶𝔯𝔬𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔰

Lilith stood before the unlit candle and with a graceful wave of her hand, she ignited the candle with a flickering flame, but to everyone's surprise, it burned with a vibrant violet hue, casting a subtle glow in the room.

The unexpected color drew puzzled expressions from Cordelia, Zoe, and Myrtle, who exchanged glances filled with intrigue and curiosity. "How unusual," Myrtle remarked, her voice tinged with fascination as she observed the unprecedented phenomenon before her.

Zoe's pride shone through as she regarded Lilith with a warm smile. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" she remarked, her tone reflecting both admiration and awe at Lilith's remarkable display of magical prowess.

𝔇𝔦𝔳𝔦𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫

"Hidden in this house are items belonging to former Supremes," Myrtle instructed, her voice carrying an air of mystery as she poured out an assortment of pebbles and stones onto the table before them.

Lilith nodded, her determination evident as she steeled herself for the task at hand. Closing her eyes, she focused her energy, allowing her senses to guide her as she reached out towards the scattered pebbles. With a calm intensity, she hovered her hands over them, her fingertips tingling with anticipation.

As she delved into the subtle energies surrounding each stone, she felt a sudden warmth enveloping her hands, a telltale sign that she had found what she was looking for. "Up the stairs, second door down the hall, beneath the dresser," she announced confidently, her voice resonating with certainty as she revealed the location of Mimi DeLongpre's item.

𝔙𝔦𝔱𝔞𝔩𝔲𝔪 𝔙𝔦𝔱𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔰

Lilith knelt on the lush grass of the garden, Cordelia and Myrtle standing beside her. Before her lay a lifeless bunny, its fur stained with blood. With a solemn determination, Lilith gently lifted the rabbit, cradling it in her hands.

Closing her eyes, she summoned forth her powers, her energy intertwining with the delicate balance between life and death. With a twist of her magic, she channeled healing energy into the bunny, coaxing it back from the brink of mortality. Slowly, the bunny's body stirred, its chest rising and falling as signs of life returned.

As the bunny bounded away, restored to vitality, Lilith glanced over her shoulder at Cordelia and Myrtle, satisfaction shining in her eyes. Together, they had witnessed the miraculous restoration of life, a testament to Lilith's growing mastery of her powers.

𝔇𝔢𝔰𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔰𝔲𝔪

"The descent into the netherworld will be your next test. Getting to hell will be simple for a woman of your talents. It's the getting back, darling, that is the challenge," Myrtle explained with an unsettling air, her voice carrying a weight of solemnity. "If your soul hasn't returned to your body by sundown, you'll die."

Lilith exhaled heavily, her breath forming a mist in the air, before she moved to lay down flat on the ground. Myrtle, Cordelia, and Zoe hovered above her, their gazes fixed on her with a mix of anticipation and concern.

"Deduce me in tenebris vita ad extremum," Lilith began to chant, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of trepidation. "Ut salutaret inferi."

Lilith repeated the incantation, each word spoken with purpose and determination until she felt the shift in her surroundings. Suddenly, everything was deathly quiet, and before she could open her eyes, she felt water rising from her feet. Her heart raced as panic surged through her veins, memories flooding alongside the water.

Frantically, Lilith clawed at the car doors, her heart pounding in her chest as panic surged through her veins. But the doors remained stubbornly shut, resisting her desperate attempts to escape. With each passing moment, the water level continued to rise, creeping higher and higher until there was no room left for air.

Her lungs burned with the desperate need for oxygen as she fought to keep her head above water, but eventually, the darkness closed in, and she slipped into unconsciousness.

When Lilith finally regained consciousness, she found herself back in the same vehicle, the water quickly pooling at her feet once again. The cycle repeated, each time feeling like a cruel twist of fate as she endured the suffocating sensation of drowning over and over again.

On this particular rotation, as she stared into her reflection in the car window, she noticed something unsettling—a figure that didn't quite match her movements. It was as if she was observing herself from another dimension, a distorted reflection of her own existence.

"You're not really here," the reflection whispered, and at that moment, realization dawned on Lilith. With a singular blink, she found herself back at the academy, lying on the library floor, gasping for air.

Relief washed over her as she clutched her throat, struggling to breathe. Cordelia rushed to her side, concern etched on her features.

"You had us worried for a moment there, dear," Myrtle murmured while she glanced at the hourglass with only minutes to spare.

Lilith looked around, her chest heaving with each breath, and noticed that the sun was almost completely down.

"What did you see?" Cordelia asked, brushing a stray hair from Lilith's face.

"I kept drowning," Lilith managed to say, her voice shaky. "Over and over again."

Cordelia offered her a sad smile before pulling her into a comforting embrace.

"Congratulations, Lilith. You are, in fact, the next Supreme," Myrtle announced with pride, though a hint of sadness lingered in her tone.

♦