Gloom in Gold: The Awakening

Chapter Eighteen

Anhedonia.

Some time has passed and Lilith was feeling great. She had her daily stealth training with Fellon and her working out sessions with Nolen and Miles. She was getting stronger every day and was slowly getting the trust in herself back. There was no incident of this eerie feeling she had before the danger arises and she was beginning to calm.

The guilt about what happened remained, even as Maddox reassured that nothing for the clan will change. Somehow, it felt off when he said that, as if he only wanted to calm her down.

Her bond with them was getting stronger and closer as well. The only one she rarely saw was Maddox, but that was to be expected as everyone told her. Somehow this hit her harder than expected. She felt guilty about it, but in a sense she missed him more than the others. She tried not to think about him too much, but being the only one she barely saw she thought it might be natural.

Luckily she never had to feel alone, for she has not slept in her bed in weeks and loved that she was held in her sleep by those that she loved. Her breath got caught and she quickly burried those thoughts. She has not told anyone until now and did not need Fellon to know. He would probably blurt it out upon barked laughter, then freeze as he realizes he is included.

Today's training was all done already and she relaxed in a bubbling bath tub with Wrem that caressed the side of her face with her fingers. A sound out of nowhere came and Wrem glanced at her phone shortly after. She chuckled all of a sudden and Lilith turned to meet her eyes.

"Something funny?"

"Indirectly," she said upon a smile, "guess who's interrupting us?"

She looked at her with crooked brows before guessing. "Maddox?"

"Indeed. He wanted to invite you to dinner."

A wide smile appeared on her lips and she nodded quickly. "Really? I thought he didn't have time." Her smile quirked up. "I'd love to, if you don't mind."

She shook her head upon a smile. "I'm sure he can feel it." Lilith giggled at her words until Wrem's hand cupped her cheek. "Your smile outdoes the beauty of everything else." She looked away as heat found her cheeks and she smiled sheepishly, placing a palm over hers. "Now, girlfriend, I believe Maddox is waiting for you."

Lilith met her eyes and smiled lovingly, capturing her lips in a sweet kiss. She caressed her cheeks for another moment before standing up. She dried her body off and dressed, currently blow drying her hair as Wrem hugged her from behind, planting soft kisses on her shoulders.

Once she was done she took Wrem's hands with a smile. „See you for gardening tomorrow?"

„Of course, honey," Wrem cooed and pecked her lips before ushering Lilith out.

Her heartbeat quickened as she turned the corner towards the dining hall, fingers tapping excitedly and the corners of her lips curling softly. She has not seen Maddox since, well, since they kissed after she woke up in his bed. Her heartbeat increased at the memory and she failed to restrain her excitement of seeing him again.

"You seem quite joyful this evening." She turned to find Maddox approaching her with a smile.

Her smile grew, as did her nervousity as she turned around fully. "I am. I was really happy upon hearing I would see you again. I have to admit that I miss you a lot."

He stopped in front of her, taking her hand in his he ran his thumb over her knuckles before raising it to his lips. "Is that so?" His deep voice had a sudden melancholy to it and she failed to read the look in his eyes.