Ethan began to notice strange occurrences around him. Objects would move slightly without him touching them, and he occasionally felt a surge of energy when he was emotional. These incidents were subtle but enough to make him question if something was wrong with him.
"Lia," he confided one evening, "do you ever feel like... there's more to you than what people see?"
Lilith's heart raced. She had been waiting for this moment but feared its consequences. "What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.
"I don't know," Ethan replied, running a hand through his hair. "Sometimes I feel like there's this... power inside me. Like I'm meant for something more, but I don't know what."
Lilith knew this was the beginning of his awakening. The dormant force within him was starting to stir, and it was only a matter of time before he discovered the full extent of his abilities. She felt both fear and hope. Could she guide him to control his powers without the underworld intervening?
As days turned into weeks, Ethan's powers became more pronounced. He could now move objects with his mind and even manipulate small bursts of energy. Yet, he remained unaware of the full danger he posed. Lilith stayed by his side, guiding him under the guise of helping him "explore his potential."
But the underworld was not blind to these developments. They sent their agents to observe and, if necessary, intervene. Lilith had to protect Ethan from them while ensuring he didn't attract too much attention. The stakes had never been higher, and Lilith found herself in a constant battle, both internally and externally.
Ethan's trust in Lilith grew, but so did his curiosity. He started asking more questions about her past, about why she always seemed to know what to say. Lilith evaded most of his inquiries, but she knew she couldn't keep her secret much longer. The day of reckoning was approaching.