Silence swallowed the room. Every Monster Girl fixed her gaze on Nathan, yet not a single voice dared to rise.
Ruby, once nestled safely in Lilith's embrace, suddenly wriggled free. With a small leap, her tiny feet touched the floor. Then, with unrestrained eagerness, she dashed toward Nathan.
"Papa… go home?" Her innocent voice pierced the stillness as she clung tightly to his leg. Her round eyes lifted to meet his, shimmering with unshaken hope. "Ruby… gow with papa?"
Nathan froze. His body stiffened, his breath caught. His eyes swept over the gathered Monster Girls, but all he found were bowed heads and silent, unyielding faces. None spoke. None dared.
"What… do you mean… go home?" His words left him in a trembling whisper.
At last, Lilith stepped forward. Her black wings shifted, a shadow of solemn majesty trailing behind her. When she spoke, her voice was low—steady, yet carrying the weight of revelation.
