♦

After a few hours on a plane, Lilith and Nyx found themselves picked up by the school's driver. They settled into the back seat of the car, Lilith's gaze fixed on the passing scenery as they approached a breathtaking estate. Its architecture was a testament to grandeur, a magnificent white structure that seemed to pierce the heavens. Lilith absorbed every intricate detail, captivated by the beauty that surrounded them.

As the car came to a smooth stop, a man approached to retrieve their suitcases from the trunk. There was something vaguely familiar about him, a fleeting sense of recognition that brushed against Lilith's consciousness, but she dismissed it as a trick of the mind. Together, the sisters exited the vehicle, sharing a quiet moment of understanding before moving toward the academy.

Standing on the patio, just before the front door, Lilith closed her eyes briefly and inhaled deeply. The Louisiana air enveloped her, soothing her senses in a way that the bustling City of Angels never could. It carried a sense of tranquility, a connection to the earth and the roots that ran through it. At that moment, Lilith felt like she had come home, even if it was a home she had never known before.

The prestigious academy, with its towering spires and ivy-covered walls, was a sight to behold. It seemed to belong to a world untouched by time, a realm of tradition and academia where magic and knowledge intertwined seamlessly.

Lilith couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she looked at her younger sister. Despite their upbringing and the dark legacy of their family, she had always wanted something better for Nyx. This academy, with its promise of education and self-discovery, was a chance for them both to break free from the shackles of their past.

"Well, Hogwarts is six years too late, so Hello Miss Robichaux's!" Nyx raved, confidently swinging open the heavy black door that guarded the secrets of the Academy.

As the sisters crossed the threshold into the grand foyer of the school, their senses were immediately overwhelmed by the opulence that surrounded them. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings, each telling a story of mystical origin, and ornate chandeliers hung from the lofty ceiling, casting a soft, enchanting glow that danced gracefully through the air. It felt as though the very atmosphere itself hummed with the weight of centuries of magic and knowledge.

As they stood there, absorbing the grandeur of their surroundings, Cordelia descended the grand spiral staircase that gracefully wound its way down to the entrance. Her presence commanded attention, and her warm smile greeted the newcomers.

"I'm so glad you two decided to come." Cordelia greeted them with a genuine warmth that put them at ease. She had a graceful air about her, as if she herself were an integral part of the academy's enchanting aura.

"Us too, really. Thank you for having us," Lilith replied, her smile masking the hint of uncertainty that lingered in her eyes. She glanced at her sister, who was brimming with eager anticipation. Cordelia seemed to sense Nyx's excitement as well.

"Let's begin with a tour, and then I'll show you girls to your room," Cordelia suggested, her voice melodic as she led them through the labyrinthine corridors of the Academy. "Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies has a rich history. It was originally established as a premiere girls' finishing school in 1790."

As they walked, Cordelia recounted the academy's history, detailing its transformation from a Civil War military hospital to a sanctuary for witches under new management in 1868 by Marianne Wharton, a notable figure of her time. Despite once housing up to 60 witches, the numbers gradually declined over the years.

Lilith's curiosity prompted a question. "Why?"

"We're a dying breed, Lilith," Cordelia replied with a touch of solemnity. "Many of the families who knew they carried the bloodline made a choice not to reproduce."

As the tour continued, Cordelia shared stories of powerful witches who had graced these halls, and the sisters couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. It was clear that Miss Robichaux's Academy was not just a school—it was a sanctuary, a place where young witches could find their true selves and their place in the world.

As they came upon a room, Cordelia guided them inside. "This will be your room for the time being. You'll see that all of your belongings have already been brought up."

Lilith's eyes roamed around the room, taking in its two full-sized beds on either side, each with matching dressers and desks. Her suitcases, along with her sister's, had already been neatly arranged. Lilith couldn't resist running her fingers across the smooth surface of the dresser as she inquired further. "So, what exactly is a Supreme?"

Cordelia took a moment to explain. "An average witch is born with a few natural gifts. But in each generation, there is one woman who embodies countless gifts. Some say... all of them. She is the Supreme."

Nyx, comfortably reclining on her designated bed, followed up with another question. "And you're the Supreme?"

"Yes," Cordelia confirmed with a warm smile. "I am."

"And what about the men?" Lilith asked, her sharp eyes noting the noticeable absence of testosterone within the institution.

Cordelia leaned casually against the door frame, her demeanor relaxed as she provided an explanation. "The warlocks have their own separate school. While witches have naturally been the hierarchy, that changed when they found Michael. To become the Supreme, one must pass the test of the Seven Wonders, and he passed with flying colors."

The weight of the situation pressed heavily on Lilith as she absorbed this new information, causing her to slump onto her bed. The prospect of facing Michael and the uncertainty of the outcome weighed on her mind.

"And you want me to take this test too?" Lilith questioned further.

"Yes, but that's nothing you have to worry about right now," Cordelia reassured, clasping her own hands together. "You girls settle in; we have Midway Gathering at noon." With that, she departed, leaving the two sisters alone in their room.

Lilith let out a long, contemplative breath as she stared up at the high ceiling in her new bedroom. The darkness that awaited her in the form of Michael loomed like a storm cloud on the horizon, and she couldn't escape the feeling that her choices in the coming days would determine the course of her destiny.

♦

Lilith found herself amidst the bustling crowd during Midway Gathering, an event that brought together students and teachers from the academy. While Nyx engaged in animated conversation with two women introduced as Coco and Mallory, Cordelia waved Lilith over to join a group of women. Lilith excused herself gracefully from her current conversation and made her way toward Cordelia's chosen circle.

"Everyone, this is Lilith," Cordelia announced, prompting the women to turn their attention towards her.

"Seriously?" marked a blonde woman, her slender frame and scrutinizing gaze giving off an air of disdain as she sized up Lilith. Her words dripped with palpable rudeness, leaving Lilith slightly taken aback. "This is her?"

Unfazed by the blonde's demeanor, Lilith tilted her head inquisitively.

"Ignore her, she's has a permanent stick up her tiny ass." another woman chimed in, her hand extended in a friendly gesture toward Lilith. "Queenie." Lilith met Queenie's welcoming hand with her own, sharing a smile that conveyed gratitude for the warm reception.

The introductions continued as Lilith turned her attention to the next woman. This one had a striking appearance with luxurious fashion choices and a crown of vibrant, voluminous orange hair.

"Myrtle Snow," she introduced herself, her tone regal and dignified. She extended her hand to Lilith with a grace that matched her appearance.

Lilith nodded respectfully, acknowledging Myrtle's presence with a soft-spoken "Hi."

The blonde woman, who had earlier expressed her skepticism about Lilith's identity, leaned forward, her confidence undiminished.

"I'm sure you already know who I am," she asserted with a sense of self-assuredness. Her name, Madison Montgomery, hung in the air.

Lilith shook her head, her smile taking on a sly quality that hinted at a playful side. "Nope, doesn't ring any bells,"

Madison's irritation was obvious, but Lilith remained unruffled as she turned her attention to the last woman in the group. This one had long, light-colored hair, and her name, Zoe, was delivered with both a warm smile and a firm handshake.

"It's nice to meet you all," Lilith said sincerely, turning toward the rest of the women who comprised this intriguing circle of personalities.

Yesenia's arrival added a new dimension to the gathering, her hand on Lilith's shoulder a silent signal that she wanted to speak privately. Lilith gave a polite nod and a wave to her newfound acquaintances before moving away with Yesenia to a more secluded spot.

As they stood apart from the crowd, Yesenia began to share her plans for the next day. "This Friday is our first lesson, so make sure you're all dressed up and ready to go after classes."

"Where are we going?"

Yesenia replied with an air of mystery, "Out. The best way I can teach you is by showing you."

Lilith nodded, her excitement tempered by a touch of nervousness. The prospect of going out and learning more about her abilities was enticing, but she also harbored concerns about the potential consequences of her actions.

♦

The next day, Lilith sat beside her sister and amongst other students as Zoe went over the art of changing the appearance of a flower. Lilith's gaze was fixed on the delicate rose in her hand as she actively absorbed the lesson, her fingers gently twirling the stem with a sense of apprehension.

"It might seem easy to alter the color of a flower, but the rose is unique," Zoe explained, holding her own flower as she stood near the table. "It resists change. Why?"

A hush fell over the students as they pondered the question, exchanging uncertain glances, and Nyx shrugged. Zoe's smile wavered briefly at the lack of response before she continued.

"Empress Josephine Bonaparte, wife of Napoleon and proud witch cultivated one of the largest rose gardens in Europe." Zoe's gaze briefly flickered to Cordelia, who had entered the room and was observing the class.

Zoe then returned her focus to the students. "It's said that Josephine enchanted her roses so that the colors she produced remained fixed as she wanted them. Maybe so." She held out her white rose, studying it for a moment before it magically transformed into a vibrant red.

"But one thing's certain. Nothing is immutable when the will of a strong woman is applied. Now," Zoe urged, motioning toward the girls, "Show me how strong you are."

Lilith exchanged a glance with her sister, nervousness settling in her stomach. She directed her attention to the white rose in her hand, taking a deep breath and trying to follow the steps Zoe had explained earlier.

With unwavering determination, Lilith poured her focus into the once-white rose, coaxing it to transform into a deep, rich black hue. A surge of excitement pulsed through her veins as she witnessed her accomplishment, her heart swelling with pride. However, her triumph was short-lived as the petals began to fall, each one a reminder of the fleeting nature of her success.

Refusing to succumb to disappointment, Lilith closed her eyes, channeling her concentration with renewed intensity. In a moment of pure focus, she willed her magic to manifest once more. As she opened her eyes, a gasp escaped her lips as she saw that the room was filled with a mesmerizing array of multi-colored rose petals, each hue more vibrant than the last. To her astonishment, she had not only manipulated the petals of her own rose but those of her classmates as well.

Zoe observed her student with a sense of pride, while Cordelia watched with wonder, her admiration evident in her gaze.

"Whoa," Nyx whispered beside her, her eyes shifting between her stem and her sister's display of magic.

"My god..." Cordelia's awe-filled whisper lingered in the air as one of the petals fell delicately onto the Supreme's hand. Lilith's heart swelled with a newfound sense of accomplishment, a warm smile gracing her lips as she absorbed the moment.

It was as if a puzzle piece had clicked into place within her, a sense of belonging and purpose she had longed for. The path ahead seemed illuminated with endless possibilities, and Lilith was determined to embrace every opportunity that lay in store for her. Love and admiration she had already garnered from her presence, was like fuel to her determination, motivating her to explore her magical potential to the fullest.

♦

Lilith and Yesenia, dressed to impress in their nightlife attire, strolled through the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The city's energy and mystique surrounded them, and Lilith couldn't help but be captivated by the atmosphere. Yesenia had been somewhat secretive about their destination, but Lilith had trust in her, a feeling that had been a rarity in her life recently.

Their journey led them to a bar, its crimson illumination standing out amidst the bustling night. Yesenia confidently bypassed the line of waiting patrons, and Lilith followed suit. Inside the bar, the air was alive with pulsating energy, and the rhythm of the music reverberated through their bodies. Finding themselves perched at the bar, they ordered their preferred drinks.

The two women engaged in conversation, talking about their lives before the academy. However, their conversation was interrupted when a tall man and a beautiful blonde woman approached Yesenia, eliciting her enthusiastic hug.

"Lilith, this is Asher, and..." Yesenia moved toward the dark-haired, tattooed man, whose striking appearance caught Lilith's attention. "...this is Lacey."

"Ah, this is the baby demon." Asher greeted her with a grin, gallantly taking her hand and kissing the top of it. Lilith raised an eyebrow, casting a puzzled glance at Yesenia.

"Asher's an incubus," Yesenia clarified, prompting a slow nod from Lilith, recognizing his energy.

Her attention then shifted to Lacey. "And you?" Lilith inquired, curious about Lacey's supernatural status.

Lacey shook her head, her smile warm. "Just a regular, boring human."

Yesenia expanded on their connection, stating, "Asher and Lacey are bonded."

Lilith absorbed this information, her mind dwelling on the rarity of her encounter with individuals who shared her nature.

With a genuine inquisitiveness, Lilith turned her attention toward Yesenia. "Are you bonded?"

A playful laugh escaped Yesenia's lips as she shook her head. "Oh, no. That's a fucking rarity."

Lacey, equally intrigued, couldn't help but join the conversation. "And what about you?" she inquired, her eyes fixed on Lilith.

Lilith paused, "I did but... it didn't work out." She pursed her lips to the side, her expression reflecting the complexities of her emotions.

Asher chimed in with an encouraging outlook. "I'm sure they'll come around eventually. I can never stray away from her for too long." He lovingly brushed a strand of Lacey's hair behind her shoulder, his gaze filled with genuine affection.

Though Lilith appreciated their support, witnessing the deep bond between Asher and Lacey stirred a bittersweet ache within her. It forced her to reflect on what could have been, a path she knew she shouldn't dwell on but couldn't help but contemplate.

"So, what's the plan then?" Lilith asked, sipping on her drink. "Do you want me to go find someone and then you instruct me?"

"We've got that covered," Asher reassured, his charming smile appeared as he glanced at his girlfriend.

Yesenia gracefully rose from her seat, drink in hand, and delivered a playful remark. "You three get to know each other; I'll be looking for my next victim." Her sensual stride carried her away, leaving Lilith in the company of her new acquaintances.

Lacey reached down and took Lilith's hand, gently guiding her to follow. With their drinks in tow, they wandered through the crowd until they discovered an open loveseat. The trio settled down, and Lilith sipped her drink, her gaze wandering to the club's denizens. She noticed that the patrons were not typical bar-goers; many of them exuded a specific aura, much like her own kind feeding on the energy around them.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she turned her attention to the couple on either side of her. "What is this place?" she inquired, prompting Asher and Lacey to look at her.

"This is a Cambion bar," Asher replied, raising his voice enough to be heard over the music.

"Really?" Lilith arched an eyebrow, her interest piqued. She had never been to a Cambion bar before, she didn't even know it was a thing until just now.

Asher nodded, "Libidine are always here, but others... not so much."

Lilith nodded thoughtfully. While she was from a lineage of lust demons, she knew that other demon blooded represented different deadly sins like greed or pride. These lesser-seen Cambions had no specific label, unlike her kind, who were more numerous and consequently named.

"So, what now?" Lilith asked with uncertainty as she looked between the two individuals flanking her. She gingerly set her half-empty drink on the table before her, its condensation forming a small pool on the coaster beneath it. Lacey's warm smile reassured her, and she exchanged a meaningful glance with Asher.

A tender caress from Lacey's hand brushed against Lilith's cheek, guiding her face closer for an intimate kiss. Lilith's heart raced from the fear that her power might inadvertently harm Lacey, so she hesitated and pulled away momentarily.

But Asher, sensing her unease, offered soothing words. "Don't worry, Lilith. I'm here to guide you."

Lilith nodded, her anxiety began to wane as trust in her companions grew. She leaned back in until their lips met. The kiss started gently, a hesitant exploration of each other's lips. Lilith felt a surge of energy building within her, the undeniable craving to consume Lacey's essence.

Asher's voice broke through the haze. "When you sense that overwhelming urge to succumb, focus on restraining it. Like holding a breath or pulling a door shut."

As they continued to kiss, Lilith fought to control her insatiable hunger. Remarkably, Lacey remained unaffected, while Lilith managed to absorb some of her energy but not all. The kiss, though intense, became a conscious exercise in restraint.

Finally, Lilith pulled away, her lips slightly swollen from the passionate exchange. She turned her gaze towards Lacey, a glimmer of accomplishment shimmering in her eyes. It left her wondering, had it truly been this easy all along?

A satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she directed her attention to Asher. "You're a natural," Asher praised, a smile playing on his lips as he witnessed the spark of accomplishment in Lilith's eyes. His fingers gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, causing her to cast a fleeting glance of concern towards Lacey. However, to her surprise, Lacey seemed not only unbothered but also eager for the intimate gesture.

Intrigued and emboldened by their previous exchange, Asher closed the distance between them. The lingering heat from the kiss with Lacey still simmered within her so Lilith didn't need much encouragement to meet his advances.

Their lips met, the intensity growing with each passing moment. Lilith could feel the rising passion between them, and it was clear that the lessons had taken an unexpected but not unwelcome turn. Her mind had been consumed by thoughts of Michael, and the need for release and distraction had become overwhelming. The sensual touch of Lacey's hand on her thigh filled her with an intense heat. In this moment, with Asher and Lacey, she found a welcome respite from her troubles.

♦

As Lilith arrived home after an eventful night with Asher and Lacey, she couldn't help but smile to herself. The events of the evening had left her feeling lighter and more carefree than she had in a long time.

Upon her arrival, she was met with Yesenia climbing out of a man's car with a cheerful demeanor. She exchanged a playful kiss goodbye with the man before hopping out and making her way over to Lilith.

"You look like you had fun," Lilith remarked, a mischievous grin on her face as she observed Yesenia's slightly intoxicated and disheveled state.

"So do you," Yesenia replied with a playful glint in her eyes, her heels in hand as she approached Lilith.

Lilith extended her arm, offering it to Yesenia. "Shall we do the walk of shame together?"

"We shall." Yesenia chuckled before taking Lilith's arm as they walked up the steps of the school. Their banter and shared giggles were the perfect ending to a memorable night. Despite the relatively short time Lilith had spent at the school, she felt a sense of gratitude for the genuine relationships she had forged so far.

Chuckling softly, Lilith and Yesenia continued their merry banter as they ventured into the academy. Their laughter seemed to bounce off the walls of the hallowed halls, and their carefree spirits refused to be tamed. Despite their best efforts to hush each other, their mirth remained uncontrollable.

Feeling the lingering effects of the alcohol coursing through their veins, the two girls shared a knowing glance and reached a consensus. A snack would do wonders in helping them sober up and shake off the remnants of their escapade.

Entering the kitchen, they began their search for late-night treats. Lilith opened the fridge, revealing an array of leftovers and snacks. She grabbed a container of cold pizza, while Yesenia discovered a bag of potato chips in one of the cabinets.

With their snacks in hand, they settled at the kitchen island, nibbling on pizza and chips, and sipping water. The combination of food and hydration began to alleviate the remnants of their intoxication.

As they enjoyed their impromptu late-night snack, Yesenia's curiosity got the best of her. She leaned in her thoughtful expression. "How are you doing?"

With a heavy sigh, Lilith shifted her gaze from Yesenia to her own feet as they dangled from the kitchen counter. "Honestly? I feel like I'm going against everything my mother wanted for me. But meeting you and Asher was incredibly refreshing. I never really got to meet anyone else like me growing up."

Yesenia looked puzzled, leaning in and resting her arms on the island. "Really? Before I left everyone was so far up each other's asses."

Lilith chuckled, returning her gaze to Yesenia. "I wouldn't really know, my mom was shunned before I was born."

"What'd she do?" Yesenia asked, clearly intrigued.

"She married a Catholic." Lilith chuckled, knowing how ridiculous it seemed.

Yesenia dramatically winced, "Damn... That's a big no-no."

"Yeah, that's pretty much why she got into the human side of worship. They didn't care about who she married because some of the congregation members were in a similar situation."

"I get that. I don't know what it'd do without the support I get from my sisters after being shunned." Yesenia nodded in understanding. She paused briefly, collecting her thoughts before posing another question. "Can I ask you something?"

Lilith nodded, her posture open and receptive, as she faced Yesenia. She crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly. "Sure, anything."

After a moment's hesitation, Yesenia inquired about a topic that had likely been on her mind. "From my understanding, and I could be wrong, but Michael stayed with you for a while... and I couldn't help but maybe think that he was who you bonded with."

Lilith shifted her gaze away from Yesenia, contemplating her response. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she admitted, "It was a mistake."

Before Yesenia could speak, Lilith continued, her words pouring out as she reminisced about her brief encounter with Michael. "I know who he is. What he was always meant to do...but there was just something about him that reminded me of myself, you know? I felt like I had known him my whole life."

"For the first time in my life, I felt like I met someone who knew exactly how I felt—the desperation to be good, to be loved... but the only thing that was there for me was the darkness."

Curious and empathetic, Yesenia sought to understand Lilith's current state. She posed a question filled with insight. "How does it feel to be in the light?"

Lilith took a moment to reflect on the question, her lips curving into a smile. She felt the warmth of newfound acceptance but also carried the weight of her responsibilities. "So good. Like the secret part of myself has finally been acknowledged."

However, her smile wavered, and she pondered deeply, "But... no matter what side I'm on, I feel like I have to bury a part of myself."

Concerned for Lilith's well-being, Yesenia leaned in closer, her expression compassionate. "Lilith... when it comes down to it... are you sure you're going to be able to face him?"

Determined and resolute, Lilith's response brimmed with conviction. "Sure, do I wish there was another way to prevent this from happening? Yes but... if I can stop the world from setting on fire, then I will do everything in my power to do it."

♦