章 38: Been waiting for this...

Lilith's words hung in the air, like a chilling ultimatum that sent a tremor through Adrian's heart. The playful spark in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something raw and vulnerable, something that made Adrian's chest tighten.

"You have to sign with your seed, to bind me to you, or…" She trailed off, her eyes searching his face to see if he understood her.

Adrian's heart skipped a beat as he grappled with what she meant.

He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice amidst the dread knotting his chest. "Or what?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Lilith's gaze dropped to the space between them, her hand coming up to rest against his chest as she whispered, "Or we both die."

Adrian's breath caught in his throat, the gravity of her words hitting him like a ton of bricks.