Aiden spent days lying in his bed, lost in thought, but eventually, he realized he couldn't remain stagnant forever. The decision to do something—anything—was better than drowning in his own apathy. One morning, as he sat at the edge of his bed, he finally asked Lilith a question that had been bothering him for some time.
"How…how can I even understand you? I mean, I don't know this world or your language. Yet, I understand everything you're saying. How is that possible?"
Lilith smirked, lounging on a chaise in the corner of the room. "Oh, that? Simple. You're bound to me."
"Bound?" Aiden's eyes narrowed.
"Don't sound so shocked, mortal." She adjusted her golden hair, her voice dripping with condescension. "The moment you were summoned here, a seal was placed on you. It's tied directly to me. Think of it as...hmm...a leash, but far more elegant. It ensures your survival, really. Without it, the mansion itself would see you as an intruder and, well…" She trailed off, her grin widening. "You don't want to know what happens to intruders here."
Aiden swallowed hard. "So, I'm trapped here?"
Lilith's laughter rang out, musical but cutting. "Oh, dear boy, you should thank me! Without that seal, you wouldn't last a day. The mansion's defenses would tear you apart. My generosity is the only reason you're even standing here. Do try to show some gratitude."
He frowned. "And…does this seal restrict me?"
"It does." Lilith stood, her red dress flowing around her like bloodied silk. "There are places in the mansion you cannot go. For your own safety, of course. But worry not—I'll allow you plenty of freedom…where it's convenient."
Before Aiden could respond, Lilith rang a small bell on the wall. Within moments, a tall, sharply dressed demon with a perfectly tailored suit appeared. His horns curled back like polished ivory, but what truly caught Aiden's attention was the stitching across his mouth.
The butler gave a deep bow.
Aiden leaned closer to Lilith, whispering, "Why is his mouth sewn shut?"
Lilith chuckled darkly. "Oh, him? All of my servants are like this. I cannot stand unnecessary chatter. Their thoughts are transmitted to me through the seals I've placed on them. Efficient, isn't it?" She shot him a pointed look. "You don't want to be a nuisance either, do you?"
Aiden's stomach churned. "Am I…like them?"
Lilith raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, clearly amused by his discomfort. "Not yet. But don't give me a reason to change my mind."
His heart raced at the implication, but he forced himself to remain calm. There was no point in angering her further. For now, it was better to cooperate.
Lilith waved the butler away dismissively, her gaze turning back to Aiden. "Now then, come. You've spent enough time sulking in this room. Let me show you my home—or rather, your new home."
She led him through the grand corridors of the mansion, her voice carrying an air of superiority as she pointed out various rooms and decorations. The mansion itself was breathtaking, with golden chandeliers, towering crimson curtains, and walls lined with intricate carvings of demonic lore. Every corner was designed to flaunt wealth and power.
"This mansion," Lilith declared, "is a mere fraction of what my family owns. Yet, it's still leagues above anything you humans could ever dream of. Every stone, every piece of furniture here is enchanted. Even the air you breathe is imbued with magic, ensuring perfection. Do you understand the privilege you've been given by living here?"
Aiden looked around, awestruck despite himself. "It's…incredible," he admitted.
"Of course it is," Lilith replied smugly. "Now, pay attention. This is the library." She pushed open a set of enormous double doors, revealing a room so vast it seemed to stretch endlessly. Shelves upon shelves of books towered above him, their spines glowing faintly with infernal energy.
Aiden's jaw dropped. "This…this is all yours?"
Lilith laughed. "Hardly. This is but a fraction of my family's collection. Compared to other noble houses, this library is little more than a decorative garden. But for someone like you, it should suffice. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about Hell—its history, its laws, its customs. You should educate yourself, Aiden. I won't always be here to hold your hand."
Aiden stared at the rows of books, feeling both overwhelmed and strangely excited. "Why are you showing me this?"
"Because I can't have you wandering around like an ignorant fool. You're under my protection now, which means your actions reflect on me. Consider this…an investment."
Her arrogance was palpable, but Aiden couldn't deny the opportunity she was giving him. As much as he disliked her tone, he realized he had no other options.
"I'll learn," he said quietly. "Thank you."
Lilith smirked, clearly pleased. "Good. Now, make yourself useful, Aiden. Learn well and don't embarrass me."
With that, she left him alone in the grand library. As the doors closed behind her, Aiden couldn't help but feel a small flicker of hope. For the first time in a long while, he had a purpose—however forced it might be.