The campfire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows across the small clearing. The scent of roasted meat hung in the air—Ignis's latest catch, spitted and cooked to perfection over the flames. She tore into it with single-minded enthusiasm, grease dripping down her chin, utterly oblivious to the tension radiating from the two figures seated across from her.
Adam sat with his elbows on his knees, his face buried in his hands. Lilith had just finished her explanation—the tavern, the men, the soldiers, the vampire. Her tone had been light, almost dismissive, as if she had merely described a pleasant afternoon stroll rather than a massacre.
"So... that's what happened," Adam said slowly, lifting his head. His crimson eyes were wide, caught somewhere between disbelief and exasperation. "You killed them. All of them."
Lilith shrugged, her smile serene. "They were in my way."
"Lilith..." Adam's voice was strained. "I asked you to wait. I specifically said—"
