When they reached the apartment, Lilith slammed the door behind her and stormed ahead. Athena scrambled after her, calling out, but Lilith didn't pause.
Inside, Lilith tried to shut the door, but Athena slipped in just in time.
"Lilith, wait! Please, just listen."
Lilith turned on her, eyes blazing. "Listen to what? How you ditched me at a party? How I woke up in a stranger's house with no idea how I got there?"
"I didn't mean to—I was drunk, I didn't realize—"
"Exactly. You didn't realize. You never realize, Athena. What if something had happened?"
Athena's face fell. "Did he hurt you?"
Lilith paused. "No. But that's not the point."
The confrontation burned for several more minutes until Athena, voice cracking with guilt, finally whispered, "I'm sorry. I'll give you space."
Lilith nodded tightly. "Good. Because I need it."
A week passed in strained silence. Athena came by daily, each time met with a cold shoulder or silence. But on the seventh day, Lilith finally opened the door and let her in.
They spoke in low, tentative tones until Athena said, "I never wanted to hurt you."
"I know," Lilith replied, her voice weary. "But it still hurt. And it wasn't just that night. It's been building."
Athena's eyes brimmed. "Then I'll do better. I promise."
The words hung heavy in the air, but this time, Lilith didn't shut the door on them.
As they sat in the living room, Lilith's expression darkened. "There's something else you should know. Something I've never told anyone."
Athena's curiosity sharpened. "What is it?"
"Victor Sterling."
Athena blinked. "The CEO of Sterling Industries?"
Lilith nodded slowly. "His father, Harold, was one of my targets. Years ago, I was involved with a group—dangerous people. I was desperate. They used me to get information on powerful men. Harold Sterling was one of them."
She explained how the group exploited the intel to ruin Sterling Industries. How Harold died not long after. How Victor had found her.
"He approached me days before the club. He wants revenge. He said I'd pay for what I did."
Athena took her hand. "We'll figure it out. Together."
Lilith gave a faint nod, though fear twisted in her chest. She wasn't sure anyone could protect her from a man like Victor Sterling.