♦

Lilith lay still upon her bed, enveloped in a contemplative haze as the illusory dance of kaleidoscope-colored butterflies played tricks on her vision. The past week had woven itself into a complex string of events, each thread intertwining with the next, forming a mosaic of uncertainty.

As she grappled with the revelation of Michael's identity as the Antichrist, Lilith embarked on a journey to deepen her allegiance to Satanism, an attempt to align herself with the teachings she had been exposed to. Yet, despite her efforts, a persistent whisper lingered in the recesses of her mind, urging her to embrace a path of goodness and virtue.

However, a more formidable presence, one shrouded in darkness, consumed her thoughts and desires. While her moral compass yearned for the luminous path of righteousness, there existed an undeniable allure in the shadows, beckoning her towards an enigmatic and alluring destiny. Her internal struggle was suffocating—morality tugging at her heartstrings while an unquenchable yearning for a darker purpose coursed through her veins.

It was like Odette and Odile engaged in a relentless struggle for control over her heart, and Lilith stood as the conflicted prince in this internal ballet. An endless dance unfolded, a perpetual sway between opposing principles.

The looming specter of the ritual only added to the weight of her contemplation. The notion of choice felt increasingly elusive as destiny seemed to tighten its grip, pulling her inexorably towards a future laden with uncertainty and darkness.

"Hey."

Lilith's reverie was interrupted by the gentle sound of Nyx's voice, pulling her from her thoughts. Her gaze shifted towards the open doorway, where her sister stood, lightly tapping on the doorframe.

"Hey," Lilith replied, adjusting her posture to sit up in bed.

Nyx's entrance was accompanied by a fleeting assessment of the room's cleanliness, a silent acknowledgment of the events that had transpired since her last visit.

Slowly, Nyx climbed onto the bed, settling down beside her sister. They assumed a cross-legged position, facing each other in the quietude that enveloped them.

Lilith's sigh hinted at resignation and contemplation. Her sister's eyes met hers, a silent understanding shared between them.

"Have you killed someone?" Nyx's curiosity broke through, her question hanging in the air.

Lilith's expression shifted, lips pursed as she pondered how to respond. The silence spoke volumes, confirming Nyx's suspicions.

"I knew a sacrifice had to be made to sell your soul, but I didn't realize it was so literal." Nyx mused, a mixture of surprise and realization coloring her words.

"Tell me about it." Lilith managed to stifle a laugh, acknowledging the surreal nature of their reality.

"Did you like it?" Nyx probed further, her gaze penetrating Lilith's.

"Honestly?" A momentary pause followed, Lilith, taking a deep breath before opening up. "I think a little part of me did."

Nyx took Lilith's hands into her own, a gesture of solidarity and understanding. "You have to do the ritual, Lili. Isn't this who we are? Who we were meant to be?"

"Nyx..." Lilith's voice wavered, caught between the pull of tradition and the tug of her heart.

"You could go crazy if you don't... you could hurt yourself. You're the only person on this earth that understands me." Nyx implored, her plea carrying the weight of the bond they shared.

Lilith mustered a weary smile, recognizing the depth of her sister's concern and affection. The choice before her seemed daunting, as tradition and personal desires collided in a whirlwind of emotions. In that fleeting moment, Lilith wrestled with the notion of self-preservation versus self-sacrifice, a decision that would inevitably shape her fate and those around her.

"I feel like I'm in some sort of fucked up arranged marriage situation... Mom and Grams want me to do the ritual with Michael."

Nyx's eyebrows furrowed at the revelation, "Really?"

Lilith's lips twisted into a wry smile, a touch of bitterness accompanying her response. "Apparently, it's some... twisted way to gain favor with the Dark Lord."

Nyx's gaze held a mixture of concern and empathy as she regarded her sister. "And what do you think?"

"I don't know," Lilith confessed, her voice carrying a touch of resignation. "Part of me wants to defy them, to break free from this cycle of obedience. But the other part of me..." She trailed off, her gaze falling to her hands.

"The other part of you wants to embrace your true self." Nyx finished for her, her voice gentle but resolute. "It's okay to feel torn, Lili."

Lilith nodded, her expression a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "I know. It's just... I wish I had more time to figure things out."

Nyx extended her hand, gently placing it on her sister's shoulder, a gesture of reassurance and solidarity. "You're not alone in this. Whatever you decide, I'll be here for you. We'll figure it out together."

Lilith's lips curled into a grateful smile as she looked at her sister. At that moment, she felt a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil, knowing that she had someone who understood and supported her, regardless of the path she chose to take.

"When did you become so grown up?" Lilith smiled, her sister's words giving her newfound confidence.

"A long time ago, thanks for noticing," Nyx responded playfully, and their shared laughter filled the room, a moment of lightness during her weighty decisions.

♦

Lilith perched on the curb outside her familial abode, her thumb caught between anxious nibbles, a languid wisp of cigarette smoke curling from her fingers. The weight of familial expectations bore down upon her, leaving her utterly drained.

In the recesses of her contemplation, she pondered whether the same burdensome sentiments afflicted those who came before her. Every woman in her lineage eagerly anticipated their rite of passage, with Nyx, in particular, fervently counting the days until she could partake.

Despite her fervent struggle for individuality, the role of the white sheep proved to be troublesome. While her kin embraced the shadows, Lilith labored to extricate herself from their grasp. In a world seemingly defined by stark contrasts, she yearned for the nuanced shades of grey.

A sudden presence settled beside Lilith, prompting her to glance over and find Michael with his arms resting on his knees. The air hung with unspoken words as she observed him, taking a drag of her cigarette in silence.

"You know... I wanted to be good once too," Michael admitted, stealing a glance at Lilith before shifting his gaze down to his hands.

Lilith responded by placing her hands on the concrete, inching a bit closer to him. "What made you change your mind?"

"I realized I was only trying to be better for the sake of everyone around me," Michael explained, fully turning his attention to her. "And it still wasn't enough."

As Michael spoke, Lilith listened intently, extinguishing her cigarette on the road with a contemplative air.

"I tried so hard to be someone that I wasn't," Michael continued, exhaling heavily. "The darkness, it... it was comforting. Easier."

Lilith turned away, her eyes fixated on the road as she grappled with his words. The allure of temptation was a familiar struggle, and she fought relentlessly to resist its pull.

"My father... my birth father... All I wanted was to be like him, you know?" Michael confessed. "I wanted to know someone out there understood how I felt."

"I wanted that too... with my dad," Lilith admitted, interlocking her fingers. "He was the only one that really saw me... even though his expectations were just as heavy."

Michael observed her for a moment before breaking the silence. "Is it really worth all of this pain just for the expectations of others?"

Lilith raised her head, "No," she whispered.

"Whatever you decide... let it be for you. Not anyone else."

Lilith absorbed Michael's words, contemplating the weight they carried. The air around them seemed to hold a strange tension, and she could sense the gravity of her decisions hanging in the balance. After a moment of introspection, she met Michael's gaze with a determined expression.

"Maybe it's time I embrace who I am." Lilith conceded, a spark of resolve in her eyes.

♦

The Morgan's wandered through the racks of dresses, their fingers skimming over the array of fabrics and colors. The air was filled with excitement, a feeling that seemed to hang in the space as they searched for the perfect ceremonial attire.

Donna, poised in her demeanor yet underlyingly excited, stood alongside her daughters, her drink in hand as she offered guidance. Her eyes roved over the dresses, assessing each one with a discerning gaze.

"The dress needs to be white," she explained, her words carrying the weight of tradition, "to symbolize your purity when the blood stains it... Are you?"

Lilith, her gaze fixed on the dresses, listened intently, a hint of curiosity shining in her eyes. She sipped her drink through a straw, her lips curled into a contemplative expression.

Donna's question shifted her attention, and she turned to her mother, tilting her head in thought. "A virgin?" she echoed, her tone a mixture of surprise and amusement. "I've never had actual sex, no."

"And Michael?"

Lilith's gaze drifted to a distant point as she recalled their conversations. "I don't know, I think so," she replied with a casual shrug.

"Obviously, virginity isn't required but it definitely makes it more powerful." Donna's explanation shed light on the matter, and Lilith absorbed the information.

Amid this exchange, Nyx's voice chimed in, drawing their attention. "Look." She held up a dress, her excitement evident as she declared her find.

Lilith's gaze shifted to the dress Nyx had picked, her eyes tracing over the fabric and design.

The dress was a vision of elegance and allure, with loose, flowing white fabric that held a sense of movement and freedom. Slits adorned both sides, revealing glimpses of skin as if teasing at what lay beneath.

A corset-style waist added an element of structure, accentuating the curves and contours of the body. Lilith's fingers reached out to take the dress from Nyx, her touch gentle as she held it up to the light, admiring the intricate details.

A smile played on her lips as she looked at the dress, a sense of resonance blossoming within her. The symbolism of the white fabric, the beauty of the design, and the anticipation of the ritual all converged in this moment.

As she held the dress in her hands, she couldn't help but feel that it was more than just an article of clothing—it was a manifestation of her journey, a representation of her choices, and a symbol of the power she was about to embrace.

♦

The bathroom was a sanctuary of subdued lighting, where the gentle flicker of candles painted patterns of warmth and tranquility on the walls. The air was perfumed with the fragrant symphony of essential oils, Epsom salts, and a meticulously curated blend of herbs, all mingling with the steam rising from the brimming bathtub.

Amid this immersive environment, Lilith lay back, her eyes shut, her features an epitome of serene composure.

With purposeful grace, Donna, Madelyn, and Nyx moved around her, each carrying a bundle of herbs, a trio of custodians guiding her toward the impending ritual.

"You know when your father and I did the ritual together... It was this intense and magical experience."

Captivated by her mother's narrative, Lilith leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What was it like?"

Madelyn sprinkled dried lavender into the water, its soothing aroma mingling with the rising steam.

"Our connection was beyond anything I could explain, honestly. It felt like our very souls were merging, creating an energy that transcended time. There's really nothing like it."

Nyx, her fingers deftly stirring the water with dried rosemary, echoed her awe. "I can't even imagine what that must've been like."

The solemnity grew as Donna's recollection took a more serious turn. "It wasn't without its challenges. There was a moment when I thought I might lose your dad. The power surged and he almost slipped through my grasp."

As Donna added a vial of frankincense oil to the water, its ethereal scent harmonizing with the others, she recounted tales of her husband's resilience. "But he fought back. He found the strength to navigate my power and come back to me."

Nyx's curiosity turned to Madelyn. "What about you, Grams?"

Madelyn took a measured breath before recounting her experience. "It was a bit different for me, so It was a different kind of process. You choose a human, practically plucked from the streets, to be part of the ritual. But without an intention to bond, these poor souls succumb to our darkness."

A smirk played on Donna's lips, "The Dark Lord's ways are pretty straightforward if you ask me."

Madelyn stifled a chuckle before continuing. "It's mostly a rite of passage meant for us to step into our true power, but for those with chosen partners, it's kind of like... a wedding."

"Oh, god, don't say that." Lilith shook her head.

"She's right, though." Donna grinned at her daughter's reaction. "But it isn't documents or laws binding you... it's magic."

"Like the unbreakable vow." Nyx mused aloud.

"It's honestly insane how you can turn anything into a Harry Potter reference." Lilith scoffed, leaning back in the tub in defeat.

"It's a gift." Nyx shrugged, a smirk on her face.

♦

In the quiet confines of Lilith's room, Josiah stood at the doorway, a palpable sense of hesitation marking his demeanor. He grappled with his thoughts and concerns, mulling over the weight of what he was about to discuss. After a brief pause, he rapped gently on the door, waiting for Lilith's permission before entering.

Lilith's attention shifted from the well-worn book she had been engrossed into the unexpected visitor. Surprise and curiosity danced in her eyes as she greeted Josiah with a warm smile, "Hey, what's up?"

Josiah entered the room, his expression earnest, and took a moment to close the door softly behind him. He then gestured toward a chair nearby, silently requesting a conversation. Lilith, recognizing the gravity of the matter at hand, closed her book and motioned for him to take a seat.

Once both were comfortably settled, their gazes locked, and the room seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of their conversation.

Josiah embarked on their discussion, his voice a blend of concern and understanding. "I've been thinking about this whole ritual thing," he began, carefully choosing his words. "And I can't help but wonder if this is really what you want."

Lilith acknowledged the truth in his words with a solemn nod. "I'm tired, Josiah. I just feel like maybe it's time I stopped resisting that part of me."

Josiah leaned forward slightly, his concern etched on his features. "But what if it changes you? What if it turns you into someone unrecognizable?"

Their eyes remained locked in an unwavering gaze, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Lilith's response was steadfast, her voice unwavering. "If I'm meant to be good, then the ritual won't change anything."

Josiah's eyes searched hers, emotions flickering within. "Listen, I know we haven't known each other long but... I do care about you. I can't ignore the fact that you doing this ritual with my brother means you'll be influenced by him. If you aren't already."

A sigh escaped Lilith's lips, her fingers tracing patterns on the cover of the closed book before her. "I get it, Josiah. But I can handle it. I won't let the darkness consume me, I promise."

"I hope you're right. But you need to know that Michael... his loyalty to his father and the darkness will always come first."

Lilith's eyes reflected a hint of longing and sadness. "Maybe I'm an idiot, but a part of me hopes that he would choose me."

"I've been by his side since we were born. No matter the circumstances, I've been there for him. What I'm trying to say is if you love him... then you need to love the person he is. You can't fix him, and... he will never change." The room seemed to hold its breath as he spoke, each word carrying the weight of a long-shared history.

"I know firsthand what it's like to love someone who wants to cause harm, who relishes in pain and heartache. Surrounded by darkness your whole life, but still, there's a part of you that aspires to be good. Don't let my brother change that."

♦

A/N: A shorter chapter but yay we're getting to the good stuff. LOTS of smut ahead. You have been warned.