"Jane's eyes flared, glowing like twin embers. Her hair lashed out like stormy winds, shifting from black to snowy white as primal energy rippled from her skin."
Her features grew more feral—canines lengthening, muscles tightening beneath her skin.
"Ghh… Do you want to fight, you bloodsucker?" she growled, voice thick with primal threat.
Lilith, unfazed, placed a finger under her chin and gave a smirk that could freeze fire.
"Oh? Looks like the pampered pup wants to play rough." She leaned forward teasingly. "Careful, your bark might break a nail."
Before Jane could lunge, Zara suddenly stepped between them and wrapped her arms around Lilith from the side, pulling her close.
"Don't fight, Lilith," she whispered, pressing Lilith's cheek against her chest.
Lilith stiffened for a heartbeat, then melted like ice under sunlight. Her face flushed deep crimson as her eyes sparkled with delight. She leaned into the embrace, letting her arms wrap around Zara's waist, smiling like she'd won the universe.
"Okay, beauty," she murmured with a dreamy grin. "I was just playing with the mutt. She couldn't land a scratch on me anyway."
Jane's jaw dropped. "What did you just say, you bitch?!"
Her claws extended fully now, gleaming like obsidian as she let out a low, rumbling growl.
Zara's eye twitched as she looked between the two, still holding Lilith, who was clearly in no mood to let go.
Just as Jane bared her claws, a sudden rift of swirling energy opened in front of them. From it stepped Lucien, flanked by his wives—Nyssa and Seris. Their presence brought an immediate weight to the air, silencing the brewing chaos.
Lucien's crimson eyes locked onto Jane with a piercing, icy glare.
"What are you doing here, wolf pup?" he asked coldly, his tone sharp as a blade.
Jane straightened, her cocky smirk wobbling ever so slightly. "Oh, bloo—ahem—I mean," she quickly corrected herself with a forced grin, "I'm here to see Auntie Nyssa!"
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "You know vampires aren't allowed in your realm. And yet here you are… mingling where you shouldn't."
Before the tension could rise further, Nyssa stepped forward with an amused smile. "Oh, Jane. Are you here to see me? Don't tell me you want to train again?"
At the word train, Jane froze like a statue. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead as she rapidly shook her head and waved her hands.
"N-no, Auntie Nyssa! I-I'm not here for that! I swear! I only want to… learn sword stuff! Yes, just swordsmanship! Nothing else!"
Zara leaned in closer to Lilith, her voice a soft whisper filled with curiosity.
"Lilith, why is she so scared? Doesn't she like training?"
Lilith, who had been thoroughly enjoying Jane's panic, glanced sideways at Zara with a smirk.
"You really want to know?" she said, tilting her head. "It's better if you don't. For your own sanity."
Zara blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Lilith's expression turned slightly serious, though amusement still danced in her eyes.
"Let's just say… after Second Mother's training, some become extraordinary."She paused for effect."…And some go completely mental."
Zara's eyes widened a little, then suddenly sparkled with excitement. She clenched her fist, grinning ear to ear.
"So her training will make me strong, huh? Sounds awesome!"
Lilith stared at her for a moment in disbelief.
"…You're really fearless, huh?"
Zara crossed her arms and gave a confident smile.
"What's there to be afraid of? She's just going to train me, right?"
Lilith stared at her in silence for a moment, then slowly shook her head.
Zara blinked, her smile faltering. She quickly turned to Lilith, her voice uncertain.
"W-Wait… did you just say she's your second mother?"
Lilith grinned wide, clearly enjoying the shift in Zara's expression.
"Yep. That's my Second Mother, Nyssa. The one who trained me."She then pointed casually toward Seris."And that's my Mother."Finally, she nodded at Lucien."And he's my Father."
Zara's jaw dropped slightly as she looked at the three figures—Lucien with his unreadable calm, Seris with a playful glint in her eyes, and Nyssa… cracking her knuckles like she was warming up for a sparring match.
Zara gulped. "Oh…"
Lilith leaned in closer and whispered, "Still feeling fearless?"
Zara chuckled nervously, a bead of sweat rolling down her temple."I... might've spoken too soon."
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On a vast island veiled in mist, a hidden realm sprawled—its terrain dotted with towering mansions, ancient statues, and grand halls. At the center stood a majestic castle, its throne room vast and echoing with divine power.
Seated on the throne was a muscular figure with golden-brown hair, a trimmed beard, and piercing blue eyes. He wore a regal blue robe that shimmered faintly with the light of crackling electricity—Zeus, King of the Gods.
As the tall double doors opened, a woman stepped into the hall—her chestnut brown hair cascading in waves, her green eyes sharp with concern. She wore a deep violet robe adorned with stars and moons, and atop her head sat a jeweled crown. Hera, Queen of the Gods.
Zeus frowned the moment he saw her expression.
"What's wrong, Hera?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with authority.
Hera stepped forward, her tone serious."Zeus, the demons are moving again. They're trying to awaken that beast once more."
A spark of lightning flared across Zeus's body as his expression hardened.
"I thought we wiped them out when you blessed the humans with divine protection."
Hera's eyes narrowed."They were weak then, yes. But they weren't truly destroyed. Mortals alone cannot deal with them—not anymore."
Zeus leaned back, stroking his beard in thought."Did you send word to the Norse pantheon?"
She nodded."Yes, I already dispatched the message. They'll know soon."
Zeus let out a slow breath. The tension in the room eased slightly—until his eyes drifted down her body, and a familiar smirk crept across his lips.
"Well, if they're handling it... then how about we retire to the bedroom?"
Hera gave him a deadpan stare."Seriously, Zeus?"
Zeus grinned shamelessly."What? A little divine stress relief never hurt anyone."
Hera sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose."If Ragnarok starts while you're flirting, I'm blaming you."
Zeus winked."Then I'll make sure it's worth it."