Chapter 26: Embrace of shadow

Esteria sat up slowly, the lingering heaviness in her limbs making her wince. But she was determined, knowing that the darkness within her needed to be understood, controlled—if she was ever to feel like herself again.

Lilith watched her with those sharp, crimson eyes, a hint of both amusement and pride playing across her features. Esteria could sense the power radiating from Lilith, a dangerous yet captivating aura that made her both want to trust and fear her at the same time. Lilith's smile widened as she observed Esteria's resolve.

"You're stronger than you realize, Esteria," Lilith remarked, her voice silky yet firm. "But strength alone won't help you master the darkness. You must learn to dance with it, to make it your own without letting it consume you."

Esteria swallowed hard. "How do we start?"