Trigger Warning: This Chapter Talks About Eating Disorders. Reader Discretion is Advised
Lilith
'Last night took a lot out of me'. I thought to Lilly as I jogged on the path to the springs. I needed to keep up with my exercise or mother would grab my love handles and tell me I'd gotten fat while on a mission. I slowed down as that thought slowly crept in.
"Stop that, you're beautiful..." Lilly responded to my doubt. Sighing, and knowing I didn't agree with her, I started walking towards my destination.
My mother always held me up next to my prim, proper sister who excelled at training, completing missions, had suitors left and right willing to continue our lineage. I was always considered the weak one, even though I went through the trials of my clan at the ripe age of 3.
I was the youngest to ever take part in those trials. Before me, there was one and that was over 100 years ago. Most women from my clan who go through it end up succumbing to the intensity and die or desert the clan. But since I had my guardian in me at a young age, that meant I was a perfect candidate. My mother basically threw me into the trials, to get the clan's attention off her "good" daughter. She would do anything to delay her trials.
My sister basically got through the trials based off pure luck. "Or bribery", Lilly rolled her eyes as we approached the springs. Not all guardians were cut out for the demon-slaying life. And my sister fell into that category.
I let out a long sigh as I took a step closer to the springs. I stopped at just the edge, removing my shoes and socks. I slowly started to undress. I folded my clothing neatly, setting them aside. I ran my fingertips down my tattoos as I stared into the rippling water.
I placed the tip of my toes on the water's surface as I inhaled deeply. What I wanted to focus on today was my control, because God knows I need it. Lilly giggled as the thought crossed my mind. I slowly made my way on top of the water surface, balancing my weight on the fragile surface. I closed my eyes as I took a dancing stance, slowly moving my body around on the surface, taking care not to break the film of energy I felt underneath me.
I twirled around, as flicks of liquid flew around me, the movements bringing me peace. Lilly hummed, as I found myself humming with her. I bent backwards, touching my fingertips to the water as I lifted my leg, pointing my toes into the air. The birds chirped and sang tunes as I pulled myself up, stretching my hands up to the sky. I opened my eyes slightly as I blew steam out of my mouth.
My armor slowly started to emerge from my fingertips, spiraling downwards and wrapping around my body. My armored boots wrapped around my calves as the blades sprouted from the heels. I huffed out a breath as I slung my fingers down towards the water, slicing the element in half, causing an opening to appear, so I could see the bottom of the spring. The water slowly filled the slice back up as I closed my eyes, focusing on retracting my armor.
I ended up falling into the spring, causing a yelp to escape from my lips. Lilly chuckled as I emerged. I blew bubbles out of my nose as the last of my armor retracted back into me.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, the process of retracting hurts more than retrieving," Lilly chimed in. I folded my arms across my chest as I recounted what I ate last night, thinking it was the extra piece of toast. I skipped breakfast this morning, so it wasn't that. "Stop it! Don't make me take over and make you eat a whole buffet!" Lilly scolded me.
I sighed as I waded towards the springs edge. I grasped the edge as I hauled myself out of the water. I flung my hair back and forth, trying to dry it the best I could as I swiped my hands down my arms to get rid of the excess water. I halted as I felt like I was being watched.
I stood up, my bare back turned towards the way I came in as I listened intently. Realizing it was Sebastian being a peeping tom, I bent down, grabbing my clothing.
"I know you're there, you're not very quiet." I shouted as I pulled my shirt over my head. He slowly emerged from behind a tree as I slid into my pants. I glared at him. I wanted to know how much he saw. These practices weren't for anyone to witness, and if word gets back to my clan, well, that'll be another ding on my card.
The look he gave me caused me to clench my jaw. Like he was pitting me. For what? I started to walk up to him to make my way past him. He reached out, grabbing my wrist, halting me.
"Did you eat this morning?" He looked down at me with concern. I glared at him as I ripped my arm away from him.
"What I do is my business. " Just like how I came out here for some space, but you took it upon yourself to intrude in that." I quickly stormed off as he stood there. Did I say my conversation with Lilly out loud and he heard me? Sometimes, when I'm by myself, I do that, and if that's the case, how dare he? I clenched my fists into tight balls as I headed back to the training yard.
Sebastian followed me silently as I reached the gate. I flung it open as I stormed inside. Sir Garrett waved at me as I walked through his soldiers. I smiled slyly as I waved back. I hurriedly entered through the back door, hoping to get up to my room and change before I dealt with anymore of Sebastian's antics.
I felt a warm hand warp around my wrist again, pulling me to a halt. A shock ran up my arm as Lilly giggled. I angrily snorted and turned towards the culprit, who was none other than Sebastian. The man has touched me more than my own mother has in my lifetime.
"What do you possibly..." I stopped mid-sentence as his gaze on me was soft, not animalistic like it once was. He gently pulled my hand as he took the lead, guiding me to the dining hall. I hung my head low in shame as he silently pulled a chair out for me. He gently grabbed my chin, lifting my head up, causing my breath to hitch in my throat.
"I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't offer you breakfast. " Please, eat." He gently released my chin as I took my seat. He pushed me in, then he walked around the table, taking a seat directly across from me.
I looked to the side, embarrassed as he pushed a plate of sausage towards me. I reluctantly reached up, taking one and placing it on my plate. He then slid some fruit and eggs towards me after he placed a decent amount on his plate.
"You know, Garrett eats nothing but protein. " I'm surprised the man can still run 4 miles", he chuckled as he took a bite of food. My shoulders were tense, as I picked up a strawberry, taking a bite. He took a sip of water out of his glass as he watched me, occasionally looking away. I sighed as I picked up my fork, sticking it in the eggs and bringing it up to my mouth.
"Oh my god, this is so good!" Lilly said as surprise washed over my face. Before I knew it, I cleaned my plate. Feeling guilty, I slumped forward. Sebastian slid a plate of toast towards me, with jam. I snapped my gaze up at him, my lip quivered as he held his gaze with me.
My clients usually never feed me. And with the constant input my mother put in when I was home, I never noticed when I didn't eat. It didn't help that what weight I put on went to my hips, glutes and breasts. I shook my head as Lilly snarled at me.
I reached out, grabbing a piece of toast. I slowly raised it to my mouth, nibbling on it. Sebastian leaned back in his chair.
"I'm... planning on going out to town today, just to roam around. " I know you'll have to come along, so while we're out, why don't you grab some items you need?" He took a big gulp of his beverage as I finished my toast.
"That's not necessary, I have everything I require in my room." I picked my napkin up, dabbing the corners of my mouth. "But I do still need to accompany you", I softly smiled at him, causing that look to gleam across his face. It was nice to know he still had that side.