Lilith felt something crack inside her chest. "You're not real. This is....I'm dying. This is my brain creating comfort because I'm dying."
"Maybe," Marcus allowed. "Or maybe you're in the space between life and death. The place where souls go when they're not quite ready to leave but can't quite stay. And maybe I'm here because you need to see me."
"I don't understand."
Marcus moved closer. He still looked translucent....not quite solid, more like light given shape, but when he reached out to touch her face, Lilith felt it. Felt the warmth and love and absolute certainty that she was his daughter and he loved her.
"You're carrying a curse," Marcus said gently. "A divine curse that transferred to you from the bonds you share with three cursed Alphas. And it's eating you alive."
"I know," Lilith whispered.
"But you're fighting it," Marcus continued. "You're holding on. Refusing to let go even when letting go would be easier. Why?"
