Journey of a Girl

The Purple House: Chapter Ten

Bells echoed over the meadow as Lilith closed the door behind her.

Heavy footsteps hit the ground, then Lilith's muffled voice called out to greet their guest.

Credence straightened her back. She was afraid, but it was a different kind of fear, with a thread of anticipation running through it.

You should not be waiting for him, you should be running.

Credence shook her head to cease those nagging thoughts. She smoothed her dress and tried to pose herself in a way that would look the most attractive.

He would open the door, she would stand and smile, and he would...

He would—what?

He will capture you, the voice in her head warned. He will keep you prisoner in his collection.

No, Credence answered herself. I will capture his heart first, and he will be mine forever.

***

The Collector appeared before Lilith in menacing form, with black feathers and fur and a long skull.

"Where is she," he demanded.

Lilith looked him over with unamused eyes. 

"You don't mean to stand before her like that, do you?"

"I have no concern for my appearance."

"You should. After all, she's made an effort to look beautiful for you."

The Collector hesitated. "What do you mean?"

"I mean your servant has done her job a little too well." Lilith grinned. "She asked if you will be married tonight. She wants to be."

The skull could not express emotion, but Lilith knew confusion coursed through him, just as she knew that right now, between the three of them, she held all the power.

He raised a talon towards her. "If you lie to me—"

"I don't. She's very lovely. And a lovely bride deserves a handsome groom."

The Collector shook his head. "What she deserves does not matter."

Lilith's face grew stern. "You'll make yourself presentable before I open this door."

The Collector snarled, but Lilith stood firm.

"Can't get past the door unless I open the way."

"We made a deal," the Collector said in a low grumble and moved towards her with threatening intent.

Lilith held up a hand, remaining calm.

"I may call you 'Master', but I'll not be intimidated by something I knew as a sniveling wretch! If it's love you're really after, you'll see to a more suitable form."

The skull tilted to the side, suggesting amused curiosity.

"You care for her happiness?" the Collector asked.

"Of course not. But I won't see my hard work undone by the sight of a dismal groom. She's ready to marry nobility, not a beast." Lilith's expression softened. "Your chase is finished. What harm is it to show her a sliver of civility? To allow yourself a crumb of joy?"

The Collector considered her words. Joy. Civility. These were unfamiliar notions. Trivial diversions.

The skull gave a small nod. "Get on with it."

Lilith returned his nod and reached out, and her thumb pressed into the space between the skull's eye sockets.

In a few short breaths the ghastly form melted away, dropping its fur and feathers, twisting its charred bones and drying the ichor that pumped from its chest. Smooth skin formed over the shape of a man. Claws were replaced with fingers, fangs with teeth, and empty sockets were traded for eyes that held no hint of warmth. His black hair smoothed and took on a pleasant shape, and his robes were tucked away into an elegant doublet and trousers, their shade of night draining to moonlike silver.

As handsome as he was, there was still a wildness to him, suggesting a dangerous turn at any moment. His noble, attractive face was set in a scowl, and he watched Lilith with a hawk's focus as she stood back to marvel at her work.

"There, now," she cooed. "Every inch the king you are."

"Open the door."

"Always in a rush. But is it truly a love story? I can see it in your eyes even now. You're not sure if you want to marry the girl—or watch the life drain from her eyes as you squeeze her throat. Perhaps it's a bit of both. What a delicious combination."

With a cluck of her tongue she went to the door, but paused before opening it.

"One last thing—"

"What?" The Collector's patience was gone. "What else is there?"

"Just a small piece to settle between us. My price for giving her over, you remember? Before I let you in, I'll have your word that our bargain is sealed. She'll grant me access to the tree."

"Done."

"And come to me in time for a proper education."

"Yes."

"And Galeia's bones? Where are they?"

"At the old house."

Lilith paused, an almost sad look in her eyes.

"I never congratulated you on killing her. Was she afraid? What was she like when she died?"

"She said the girl's name. Then the light left her eyes."

"How did you do it? Did you drive a blade through her belly? Or burn her with fire?"

"I choked the life from her."

Lilith nodded, satisfied with his answer. "It made my soul sing to feel the tickle of her final breath. And now I give her daughter to you. Funny how life works itself out."

"Open the door. Now."

Lilith's hand moved to the doorknob.

"Welcome, Master. I invite you in to greet your bride."

With a gentle push she opened the door.

Lilith's premonition had been correct. The sight within took his breath away.

The chair beside the fire was empty.