Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?-Chapter 250: Lilith [2]

The light from the circle surged upward in a pillar of violet flame that didn’t burn but consumed.

The three bodies began to dissolve, flesh turning to ash, ash turning to nothing, essence pulled into the ritual.

The figure on the throne watched in silence.

The brown-haired woman knelt again, knife still dripping in her hand.

"It is done," she said.

The otherworldly voice spoke once more.

"Good. The first seal weakens. Continue the work."

"As you command."

The violet flame died completely, leaving only silence and the acrid smell of burned essence.

The figure on the throne shifted slightly, that overwhelming presence filling the room once more.

"You may go," the otherworldly voice intoned.

The hooded figures rose as one, bowing deeply before filing toward the door. Their footsteps echoed in perfect unison, disciplined, obedient.

But as the brown haired girl moved to follow—

"Elena. Stay."

She froze mid-step. The others continued past her, the door closing with a heavy thud behind the last of them.

Silence settled over the chamber.

Elena stood perfectly still, hands clasped in front of her, head bowed respectfully.

Then—

"Bring me my favorite drink!" The voice changed completely. No longer that resonant, ageless tone but something bright, almost... childish.

Elena’s posture relaxed immediately. A small, knowing smile touched her lips.

"Of course, my lady."

She moved to a shadowed alcove near the throne where a small table held various bottles and cups.

She selected a crystal decanter filled with deep red liquid that shimmered faintly and poured it into an ornate glass.

As she turned back, the oppressive darkness surrounding the throne simply... vanished.

Like an illusion being dropped. Like removing a mask.

A girl sat sprawled across the obsidian throne in the most undignified manner possible. Her body was draped sideways, one elbow propped on an armrest with her cheek resting in her palm, legs dangled over the opposite armrest, bare feet swinging idly in the air.

Elena approached and knelt gracefully beside the throne, offering up the glass.

Lilith’s eyes flicked to her, then to the drink. Her expression brightened immediately.

"Finally!" She snatched the glass with both hands, sitting up just enough to take a long sip.

"Mmm. Perfect."

She settled back into her sprawl, cradling the drink against her chest.

"You know," Lilith said conversationally, swirling the liquid in her glass, "rituals are so boring. All that chanting and standing around and," She made an exaggerated gagging sound. "Do we really need all the theatrics?"

Elena remained kneeling, her expression patient. "The others need to believe in your power, my lady. The ceremony reinforces that."

"I know that." Lilith took another sip, pouting slightly. "Doesn’t make it less tedious."

Her tail flicked in irritation.

"Besides, that guy kept screaming. So annoying. Couldn’t he have just accepted his fate quietly?"

"He was your former employer," Elena said neutrally. "The one who dismissed you after you ’accidentally’ poisoned his wife."

"It wasn’t accidental." Lilith grinned, showing those slightly-too-sharp teeth. "She was rude to me. Called me incompetent. So I made her incompetent at breathing."

She giggled, a sound that was both innocent and deeply disturbing.

Elena’s expression remained perfectly composed. "Quite reasonable, my lady."

"Exactly!" Lilith pointed at her with the glass. "You get it. You always get it."

She drained the rest of her drink in one gulp, then held out the empty glass without looking.

Elena took it smoothly, rising to refill it.

"So," Lilith said, examining her claws again. "How’s our little project coming along?"

"Proceeding as expected," Elena replied, pouring.

"And that boy?" Lilith’s eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "The one I asked you to keep your eyes on?"

"Also at the Academy now. Silver Crown House, as predicted."

Lilith’s grin widened. "Oh, this is going to be fun. I can’t wait to see what he does next."

She accepted the refilled glass from Elena, taking a delicate sip this time.

"Oh, and that girl with him." Lilith’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "That blue-haired one. Keep your eye on her too."

She paused, then shook her head, grinning. "Can you believe she actually tried to threaten me? Me."

Elena’s eyebrow raised slightly. "Really, my lady?"

"Yeah, her. So serious and protective." Lilith rolled her eyes dramatically. "Acting like she could actually stop me if I wanted to do something."

"Could she?" Elena asked, genuinely curious.

Lilith’s smile turned dangerous.

"No." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The single word hung in the air, absolute and final.

Then she shifted in her seat, twirling the glass between her fingers, watching the liquid swirl. Her expression softened back into amusement.

"But it was adorable that she tried."

Her tail tapped against the throne rhythmically, a steady beat like a clock counting down to something.

"Still, I like her style. And that boy’s got interesting taste in companions." She stretched languidly, arching her back like a cat. "This is going to be such a good show."

Elena bowed her head respectfully. "Shall I continue monitoring the situation?"

"Obviously." Lilith waved dismissively with her free hand. "Keep me updated on anything interesting. Especially if someone else tries to interfere with my entertainment."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, something dangerous flickering there.

"I don’t share my toys as well."

"As you command, my lady."

Lilith settled deeper into her sprawl, sipping her drink contentedly. Her legs swung lazily over the armrest, her tail curling and uncurling in the air.

*************

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows.

Alaric’s eyes opened slowly. He lay still for a moment, adjusting to consciousness, then sat up with a stretch.

He swung his legs over the edge and stood, moving to the washbasin. Cold water splashed across his face, driving away the last remnants of sleep. He dried off with a towel, then turned to his wardrobe.

He dressed methodically.

A glance in the mirror confirmed everything was in place. Hair presentably tousled.

Then he left his room.

The dormitory was already alive with activity. Other students moved through the halls, some heading to breakfast, others making their way to morning classes.

Alaric descended the stairs, smiling at few female students he passed who then blushed and looked away.

He emerged into the morning air, following the flow of students toward the main Academy buildings.

His homeroom was housed in the East Wing where all their core subjects would be held. It was one of the privileges, meaning less time wasted traveling between buildings.

The building rose before him, elegant architecture matching the dormitory’s aesthetic. He climbed the steps and entered.

Inside, the corridors were wider than standard classrooms, with better lighting and higher ceilings.

Alaric consulted the posted schedule near the entrance.

Homeroom 1-A

He made his way down the corridor, weaving between other students, until he found the correct door.

The classroom beyond was spacious, arranged in a semicircle with elevated rows so everyone had a clear view of the platform at the front. Large windows let in natural light. The desks were polished darkwood.

Several students were already seated, chatting quietly or reviewing notes.

Alaric stepped through the doorway then—

"Alaric!"

He turned, blinking in genuine surprise.

"Oliver?"