♦

The city of Los Angeles bustled with life on a Friday night, the downtown streets alive with people seeking entertainment and escape. Lilith, with newfound confidence, navigated the vibrant atmosphere, her destination set on a particular club. As she neared the entrance, the bouncers recognized her and allowed her entry, bypassing the waiting crowd.

Once inside, the club's vibrant energy enveloped her, the darkness illuminated by an array of colorful lights. She ventured deeper into the pulsating heart of the venue until she reached the bar. Taking a seat, she was promptly attended to by a bartender who took her order. With a flick of her black credit card, she kept her tab open.

Sipping her drink, she fished an ecstasy pill from her purse and swallowed it swiftly, chasing it with a gulp of her beverage. A fleeting moment of joy coursed through her, and she did a little dance, her excitement palpable. Placing the empty glass on the counter, she signaled for another.

"I better not have to carry you out of the club again." teased Jesse, the bartender she had befriended during her frequent visits.

Lilith, feigning offense, placed a hand dramatically over her heart. "That only happened once."

"That you remember." Jesse quipped with a smirk, preparing her next drink. His banter was easygoing, and Lilith appreciated it, but she knew better than to pursue a romantic interest, not with someone she genuinely liked. She needed to seek other lovers, primarily for her energy needs. At least that's what she said to convince herself.

"Trust me, you don't have to worry about little ol' me. I'm a big girl." Lilith assured him playfully, her eyes scanning the crowd for potential partners.

"Okay, sure," Jesse replied, his tone lighthearted, as he attended to another customer.

Lilith sipped her second drink before deciding to hit the dance floor. The music was loud, the beat pulsating through her body, and the air was thick with sweat and energy. She carved a path through the writhing crowd until she found a spot where she could dance freely. As the pill began to take effect, she moved with the music, losing herself in the euphoria.

Her eyes wandered through the crowd until they locked onto a man who had been staring at her from afar. He seemed to be with a woman who, upon noticing his gaze, confronted him angrily before storming off. Unfazed, the man's attention returned to Lilith.

As if her magnetic gaze had an irresistible pull, he began making his way toward her, never breaking eye contact. When he finally reached her, he greeted her with a simple "Hi." his eyes raking appreciatively over her form.

"Hi." Lilith purred as she looked up at him with captivating doe eyes. Her hand found its place on his arm, a touch that seemed to ignite an inexplicable attraction within him. With a sultry chuckle, she took his hand, and without resistance, he followed her through the crowd, drawn by an irresistible force toward the enigmatic woman in black. Their destination: the bathroom.

Lilith's fingers moved with practiced ease, securing the door behind them, and shutting out the outside world. She turned to face the man, whose name seemed unimportant in this charged moment. Like a feline stalking its prey, she moved towards him with graceful purpose.

Her touch, sensual and commanding, landed gently on the side of his cheek, guiding him down towards her hungry lips. Their mouths met with an intensity that bordered on primal. He responded with a fervor that matched her own, captivated by the electrifying sensation of her kiss, unlike anything he had ever experienced.

As their heated exchange escalated, hands began to explore, seeking to satiate an insatiable hunger. The urgency grew and in a bold move, he lifted her up, placing her on the cold porcelain sink. Breaking their kiss momentarily, he set to work undoing his pants, while Lilith sat there, a vision of raw desire, having come prepared for this clandestine encounter by wearing nothing underneath her dress.

The man closed the distance between them once more, his erection sinking into her in an urgent pursuit of pleasure. Lilith's moans escaped her lips as their kisses reignited with fiery intensity. Despite her yearning for connection and sensation, she couldn't help but notice the evident lack of skill in her partner's movements.

As he continued, she savored the touch and the intensity of the moment, but deep inside, she couldn't shake the awareness that nothing, despite the sheer number of lovers she'd had since, ever truly compared to what she had experienced before. There was a void she couldn't fill, an ache that refused to be soothed, even amidst the heated encounter in this filthy club bathroom.

As Lilith's passion intensified, so did the mysterious force that lurked within her. The man, captivated by her allure and unable to resist, felt his essence being inexorably drawn from him, as if Lilith's kiss was draining his very soul. Despite the overwhelming drain on his energy, he remained under her spell, a willing victim of her charms.

With each passing second, he grew weaker, while Lilith herself seemed to come alive in an unprecedented way. Lilith felt an exhilarating rush of power surging through her veins. At that peak of pleasure, she absorbed the last vestiges of the man's essence, leaving him utterly drained and helpless. With one final longing look, he collapsed to the floor.

With a casual "Whoops," Lilith adjusted her attire and peaked outside the bathroom door to ensure that no one had witnessed their encounter. Satisfied that the coast was clear, she stepped out, having added to her body count in more ways than one.

As she rejoined the pulsating energy of the nightclub, Lilith felt a surge of power coursing through her, a reminder of the unusual and intoxicating abilities she possessed. She couldn't help but revel in the feeling, knowing that the night was far from over and the city's nightlife offered endless opportunities for her to satiate her desires.

In the haze of ecstasy and elation, Lilith returned to the dance floor, surrendering herself to the pulsating rhythm. The club's vibrant energy continued to envelop her as she danced with wild abandon, heedless of the world around her. Hour after hour, she swayed and moved, mingled with fellow revelers, exchanging smiles, and sharing fleeting connections. Her mind was submerged in the music, her body an extension of the pounding beat.

The intoxication of the night still coursed through her veins, but she felt invincible, unburdened by any cares or worries. It was a state of bliss, one that she craved and sought out every time she entered this nocturnal realm.

Making her way toward the exit, Lilith's confidence didn't waver despite her inebriated state. She fished a pack of cigarettes from her purse, extracted one, and placed it between her lips with practiced grace. With a flick of her fingers, the cigarette ignited, its violet ember casting a soft, eerie glow in the dim alleyway.

Leaning against the cool concrete wall, Lilith indulged in her late mother's habit, allowing the fragrant smoke to swirl around her. She observed the city's nocturnal life as the world continued to spin around her. Her thoughts were a distant hum, overridden by the euphoria that still flowed within her.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar presence beckoned to her from behind. Ordinarily, Lilith might have ignored it, but tonight, she craved another source of energy to augment her intoxication. She turned to face the approaching man, her gaze locking onto him with a seductive allure.

She listened to his words with detached indifference, his thirst for her attention falling on deaf ears. Impatience surged within her, and she decided to expedite matters. Her fingers reached out to cup the man's cheeks, their touch electrifying. Drawing him in, Lilith initiated a passionate kiss, and the man was powerless to resist.

As their lips met, an unseen force began to draw the essence of life from the man. He felt his energy ebbing away, pulled into the vortex of Lilith's kiss. Time seemed to stretch as his vitality drained, and his body grew weaker with every passing second.

Lilith released him, a contented sigh escaping her lips as his lifeless form slumped to the floor. Taking another drag of her cigarette, she turned on her heel and walked away, her figure disappearing into the shadows as she headed home, her insatiable hunger momentarily sated.

♦

Lilith, still adorned in her attire from the night before, reluctantly opened her eyes to a blaring headache. Her movements were slow and groggy as she rose from her bed, and the remnants of last night's drink beckoned to her from the nearby table. Without hesitation, she downed its contents, her method for curing hangovers being to dive right back into the depths of inebriation.

She shuffled towards her closet, exchanging her previous night's attire for something more comfortable. Although she was gradually coming down from the high of her wild night, the intoxicating energy still coursed through her veins, providing a sense of invincibility. Lilith had grown addicted to this feeling, among other vices that had taken root in her life.

With an inebriated spring in her step, she moved down the hallway and into the kitchen, where her younger sister was diligently preparing coffee. Greetings were exchanged, and Nyx brewed two cups according to their preferences, handing one to her older sister. Lilith accepted it with gratitude, taking a sip before adding a special ingredient from the freezer.

Nyx observed her actions, raising an eyebrow. "How many this time?"

"Just two." Lilith shrugged nonchalantly, screwing the cap back onto the whiskey bottle. Lilith took another sip of her coffee and sighed with contentment.

"I'm not so sure about this whole soul-sucking thing, Lili," Nyx admitted, voicing her concerns about the supernatural ceremonies they were expected to perform.

"Well, Mom's gone, and Grams is nowhere to be found. I don't have anyone guiding me through this." Lilith replied with a hint of resignation. "I'm kind of just raw-dogging it."

"I know, I'm sorry," Nyx said, empathizing with her sister's predicament.

The sudden doorbell interrupted their conversation, drawing both sisters to the front door. They exchanged puzzled glances, not anticipating any visitors.

Lilith moved to open the door, revealing a striking middle-aged woman with blonde hair, dressed elegantly in black. Beside her stood an equally captivating woman, dressed more provocatively in a matching color.

"Um, hey, how can I help you?" Lilith asked, her expression conveying her confusion. Nyx stood behind her, trying to get a better look at the unexpected guests.

"Lilith and Nyx Morgan?" the blonde woman inquired, her gaze shifting between the two sisters.

"I know you!" Nyx exclaimed, recognizing the woman from the commercials. "You're that chick who runs that school for witches."

"That's correct. I'm Cordelia Goode, and this is Yesenia Inez. We were hoping we could chat." Cordelia introduced.

Lilith nodded, stepping aside to let them into the house. She and Nyx led the women to the dining room, where they all took their seats. Lilith and Nyx sat on one side of the table, facing their unexpected guests.

"So, what's this about?" Lilith leaned forward, her arms resting on the table, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected meeting. Cordelia's gaze remained steady, unwavering, while Yesenia exuded a sense of calm authority.

Cordelia began, her words delivered with a measured tone that hinted at the importance of the discussion. "Yesenia saw you last night."

The mention of Yesenia's observation caused Lilith's stomach to drop, the feeling of being watched lingering in her mind. She resisted the urge to fidget.

"You're not in any trouble, Lilith," Yesenia interjected, her voice a soothing balm to Lilith's unease. "We're here to help."

Cordelia's next words caught Lilith off guard. "I wanted to offer you and your sister a place at our school."

Lilith couldn't help but feel exposed and scrutinized as if her very essence had been laid bare before these two enigmatic women. She leaned back in her chair, a subtle defensiveness creeping into her posture as she absorbed Cordelia's proposal.

"I didn't realize you guys accepted Cambion," Lilith stated, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Cordelia met her gaze directly, her eyes carrying a depth of understanding. "All types of magic are welcome. Yesenia here is a Succubus as well."

Yesenia's presence and her revelation about being a Succubus herself added a layer of intrigue to the offer. Lilith's curiosity was piqued, and she considered the possibility of learning from someone who shared her supernatural nature.

"The club I saw you at had two confirmed dead males, seemingly by natural causes, but we both know that's not true. I can teach you how to control it, maintain a balance where you have control and can still draw energy but not all of it." Yesenia explained confidently, her demeanor reflecting her comfort in her own skin. "Being like us doesn't mean you have to be a killer."

Nyx, who had been listening attentively, cast a thoughtful glance between her sister and the two women. She had only recently discovered the full extent of Lilith's abilities, and the prospect of being around others who could guide and support her sister was undeniably appealing.

Lilith's mind raced with questions and uncertainty. While the offer was intriguing, she couldn't shake the feeling that there might be hidden motives behind Cordelia's proposal. Her sharp instincts urged her to dig deeper.

"So, that's it? You came all this way just for us to join your little school?" Lilith inquired.

Cordelia paused for a moment, choosing her words with care as she met Lilith's intense gaze.

"Not exactly," Cordelia began cautiously, her voice imbued with a sense of gravity that underscored the significance of her words. She briefly exchanged a meaningful glance with Yesenia, who nodded.

"Due to your previous encounters with your magic, I was hoping that you might be powerful enough to become our next Supreme. But there's a runner-up, one I fear would destroy everything as we know it."

Lilith leaned in, her curiosity unabated. "Who?" Lilith's voice posed the question, her apprehension growing by the second.

"Michael Langdon," Cordelia admitted, her tone laden with concern.

An ominous silence enveloped the room as Lilith's heart plummeted. She exchanged a worried glance with her sister, the mere mention of Michael's name evoking a tumultuous whirlwind of memories and unresolved emotions.

"I've come to understand that he stayed here for a time." Cordelia continued, her voice carrying a sense of gravitas.

The weight of those words pressed down on Lilith, her chest constricting as she absorbed the implications. "My mother had a bad habit of taking in strays."

Cordelia's gaze remained steady, understanding the complexity of Lilith's emotions.

Lilith, her arms crossed defensively, couldn't conceal the apprehension etched across her face. She ventured another question, one that gnawed at her core. "I'm sorry, but what makes you think I could go up against him?"

Cordelia watched her for a moment, studying her before finally asking. "Do you want to tell me about what happened in the car accident with your father?"

Lilith's world seemed to slow down as Cordelia's questions probed deeper into her past. The mention of the car accident and her father triggered a whirlwind of emotions, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest. Memories that had long been buried in the recesses of her mind began to resurface like ghosts.

"I don't know... I don't remember a lot," Lilith confessed. She cast her gaze downward as if avoiding eye contact could shield her from the painful memories that threatened to resurface. "I just remember being upset, and the car flipping..."

Cordelia's next words pierced through the room like a dagger, laying bare a truth that Lilith had buried deep within her psyche. "You caused the accident, Lilith."

"That's bullshit." Lilith protested, her voice trembling with disbelief and anguish. She clung desperately to the memories of that fateful day, searching for any evidence that might exonerate her from the unimaginable guilt that loomed over her.

As Lilith grappled with the weight of Cordelia's revelation, Yesenia interjected with a potential explanation that added another layer of complexity to the situation. "By your reaction, I assume you must have been put under a memory spell," Yesenia offered, her tone compassionate and understanding. "If you want, we can remove that blockage for you, though, I'm pretty sure it was put there to protect you."

"Are you saying I killed my own father?" Lilith shook her head, her anger and confusion evident.

"No. Not on purpose," Cordelia clarified, her voice soothing. "Things like that happen all the time—witches get upset to the point where their power lashes out of nowhere. It's normal. Though to this extent is rare. The power we believe you possess, Decimation, in our records, has no known usage until now."

"Decimation?" Lilith questioned

"Yes," Cordelia confirmed, her tone carrying a solemn gravity. "The Undoing. It's a formidable power where the person wielding it can take every part of someone, in a way, making them explode, and not just their physical body."

"If we can harness that power, then we might have a chance to save the world," Cordelia stated, urging Lilith to consider the greater purpose at hand. The prospect of saving the world and controlling her powers weighed heavily on Lilith's mind, challenging her identity as a Succubus.

"And what makes you think I would want to stop the end times?" Lilith challenged, her voice probing and defiant. "Cambion worship the Day Star."

"Not all of them," Yesenia interjected. "Though I was exiled from my family, I didn't want to be like them... there was a part of me that wanted to be good." Yesenia's personal story of redemption offered a glimmer of hope and an alternative path. "You can be who we are and do the right thing."

Lilith contemplated the profound decision that lay before her, realizing it could redefine her destiny. She remembered the times when being a good person had come naturally to her, when kindness and compassion had defined her actions. But ever since the ritual, she felt like she was slowly succumbing to the darkness that lurked within her.

Killing had become a necessity, a means to an end, and remorse had gradually faded away like a distant memory. The souls she consumed were no longer a source of guilt but rather a grim tally, a mark of her power. It had become a twisted game for her, one that she couldn't stop playing, even though she knew it was leading her deeper into the abyss.

Yet, somewhere deep within the recesses of her being, Lilith still heard that faint voice, that flicker of light in the darkness. It was the voice of her better self, the part of her that urged her to return to the path of righteousness. It whispered that there was still a chance for redemption, that she could claw her way out of the black hole that threatened to consume her.

As she considered her current situation and the potential for change it represented, Lilith couldn't help but wonder if this was the perfect opportunity to escape the dark spiral she found herself in. Perhaps Miss Robichaux's Academy could guide her back into the light, and help her rediscover the goodness that had once defined her. It was a glimmer of hope in the midst of her inner conflict, a chance for salvation she couldn't afford to ignore.

♦

The rain pounded relentlessly on the car's windshield, the sound a dissonant orchestra to the bedlam inside. Fifteen-year-old Lilith sat in the passenger seat, tears streaming down her cheeks, as her father, Samuel, gripped the steering wheel with white-knuckled intensity. The atmosphere inside the car was thick with tension, and the air seemed to crackle with anger.

Samuel's face was contorted with rage, his eyes burning with fury as he glared at his daughter. His voice was a thunderous boom that matched the storm outside. "What is wrong with you?"

Lilith sobbed, her voice trembling with remorse. "I didn't mean to."

Lilith's trembling form pressed against the door, as far away from her father as the confines of the car would allow. She choked back sobs, her heart aching with each hateful word that spewed from her father's mouth.

Samuel shook his head in disbelief. "Oh, spare me. You're telling me that you didn't mean to bash that girl's skull in?" His tone was laced with disgust. "There's proof. She could have died. Her parents could sue us. Do you have any remorse at all?"

Lilith chose to remain silent, unable to deny that the girl she had hurt deserved some form of retribution. Nevertheless, she felt a deep sense of guilt for the stress and disappointment she had caused her father.

Samuel's stern gaze locked onto his daughter before turning to look back on the road. "Lilith," he began, his voice a blend of disappointment and anger, "Do you have any idea what you've done? What you're becoming?"

Lilith wiped away her salty tears with her sleeve, but she said nothing, fearing her father's wrath.

"I hoped... I prayed that you would be different," he confessed, his voice tinged with a lament that seemed to stretch beyond the confines of the car. "Everything I have done has been for nothing."

Samuel carried the weight of years of disappointment, etching deep lines of weariness onto his face. His eyes, tired and heavy, spoke of a longing unfulfilled, a hope betrayed.

As Lilith's tears continued their relentless flow, her emotions swirled like a tempest within her. The anger welled up, a torrent of frustration crashing against the walls of her heart. Her father's expectations weighed heavily on her, casting shadows upon the life she had always known.

Confusion gnawed at her, a bitter chalice she was forced to drink from. She struggled to grasp the irony of it all—her father, who had allowed her and her sister to be a part of a world steeped in darkness, now expected them to transcend it.

Her father had, at times, instilled in her the idea of ​​choice—a forked path where she could either embrace righteousness or surrender to the selfish abyss. Despite Samuel's outward expectations, he had whispered to her about the autonomy she possessed. Yet, that very autonomy now bewildered her, as she stood at the crossroads of her fate.

Lilith's mother, the embodiment of devotion to a malevolent deity, had puzzled her. The notion of worshiping a being who demanded suffering, even from his most faithful followers, had never sat well with her.

Yet, her father, a staunch advocate for the lord above, worshiped a god who, in her eyes, seemed to share the same appetite for suffering. The contradiction left her perplexed, a dissonance in the harmony of her beliefs.

"But look at you now," Samuel's voice dripped with bitterness, his words casting shadows over the already darkened car. "You're letting the darkness seep into your soul, and I fear that you will burn in hell for all eternity... maybe that's where you've always belonged."

Lilith's world crumbled under the weight of her father's words. Her tears flowed unchecked, her hopes of earning his approval shattered into irreparable fragments. She had always yearned for her father's approval, yet now, all she felt was the crushing weight of his disappointment—an emotional burden too heavy for her young shoulders to bear.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling with despair.

Samuel's gaze remained unyielding. "Sorry isn't enough, Lilith."

Each word felt like a dagger through Lilith's heart. She had never seen her father like this before, his anger consuming him, his words cutting deeper than any physical blow. She wanted to defend herself, to explain what had happened at school, but the fear and pain had rendered her speechless.

Raindrops streaked down the car windows, blurring the world outside as Lilith's tears mixed with the storm. In that moment, she felt utterly alone, trapped in the suffocating darkness of her father's anger and cruelty. She wanted to believe that her father was just saying things out of anger, but she couldn't deny the underlying truth in his words.

Lilith clenched her eyes shut, desperately trying to quell the simmering heat coursing through her veins. However, the car began to swerve dangerously. Fear surged through her, urging her to open her eyes. And when she did, terror gripped her as she witnessed an unimaginable sight—her father slowly disintegrating before her eyes

The scene was nightmarish and grotesque. Samuel struggled helplessly layer by layer, his skin and organs unraveled, splattering across the car and covering Lilith in a gruesome mess. Panic surged within her as she grappled with the surreal horror unfolding before her.

The car swerved uncontrollably, and Lilith instinctively grabbed the steering wheel, trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle. This desperate maneuver sent her careening off the edge of the bridge they had been driving on. Time seemed to slow as the world outside the car window became a chaotic blur.

Lilith's eyes widened in terror as she braced for impact. The car collided with the water's surface, sending shockwaves of pain through her body. The sheer force of the crash knocked her momentarily unconscious, and the world around her faded into obscurity. Her consciousness teetered on the edge of oblivion.

When she awoke, the car was submerged, the interior gradually filling with frigid water. Panic surged through her veins as her surroundings became a watery abyss of darkness. The air grew thin, and her desperate need for oxygen intensified, igniting a searing pain in her chest.

As her vision dimmed, a brilliant white light materialized before her. It radiated warmth and reassurance, enveloping her like a protective cocoon. She felt herself being gently guided away from the sinking car, though her foggy mind struggled to comprehend the surreal experience. The car continued to descend, transforming into a shadowy silhouette as it sank deeper into the watery depths.

Lilith's lungs burned from the lack of air, and the overwhelming desire to breathe clawed at her. The white light remained a constant presence, leading her to the surface. With a final burst of strength, she breached the water's surface, gasping for precious air. Her chest heaved, and she struggled to regain control of her frantic breaths.

The relentless rain continued to pour, mingling with her tears as she clung to the life-saving breaths. She was soaked to the bone, her drenched clothes clinging to her shivering form.

♦

Lilith slowly opened her eyes, and in an instant, her hand shot up to her mouth, a futile attempt to hold back the torrent of tears that threatened to overflow.

Tears spilled down Lilith's cheeks as sobs wracked her body. The flood of memories, long suppressed and buried deep within her, now surged forth like a relentless tide, drowning her in a sea of ​​forgotten pain and anguish. She felt as though she were reliving every harrowing moment, each one cutting deeper than the last.

Nyx, deeply concerned for her sister, moved closer and enveloped Lilith in a comforting embrace. She held her tightly, offering solace and support as Lilith's heart-wrenching sobs echoed through the room. Lilith's hand found its way from her mouth to her chest, as if trying to soothe the unbearable ache that had gripped her.

"I killed h-him." Lilith managed to choke out between sobs, her voice trembling with guilt and remorse. The haunting image of her father being ripped apart piece by piece replayed relentlessly in her mind, and she couldn't shake the overwhelming horror of what she had done.

"I tore him apart." Lilith continued, her voice quivering as she wrestled with the unbearable weight of her actions.

Cordelia and Yesenia exchanged solemn glances, fully aware of the immense burden Lilith was carrying. They had witnessed the subsequent flood of traumatic memories, and it was clear that she was overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow.

Nyx held her sister close, her grip offering both physical and emotional support. She didn't need to say anything; her presence spoke volumes, conveying love and understanding in the face of Lilith's pain.

Cordelia moved closer to Lilith and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Lilith, you need to understand that what happened in the past was not your fault," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You were a child, and your powers were beyond your control."

"We are here to help you, all you have to do is let us." Yesenia flashed her a reassuring smile.

Lilith, though still shaken, found some comfort in their words. She wiped away her tears and nodded, grateful for the support she was receiving. Nyx gave her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze, silently conveying her unwavering love and support. The road to healing would be long, but they were determined to face it together.

♦

A/N: This act and the one after aren't as long as act 2 so I'm going to slow down updates just a tad because we're getting through this super fast and I certainly am not ready for it to be over :(