Miracle

Pt. 48

"What?" Lily whispered, her voice barely audible, a fragile thread stretched taut with confusion, as she looked into the old demon's eyes. His gaze, ancient and heavy, seemed to hold countless unspoken stories. Without another word, he simply walked past them, his presence a dark, imposing shadow, seemingly done with the conversation. His hands remained clasped behind his back, a silent dismissal.

Lily spun around, watching his broad, cloaked back as he moved away, a frustrated tremor running through her. "Didn't you hear her, Bill? Can't you at least explain to her what you mean?" River asked quietly beside Lily, her gentle voice laced with genuine concern, her blue eyes wide with curiosity and a touch of fear.

Bill let out a sarcastic, bitter laugh that held no humor, a sound like dry leaves skittering across stone. "I don't owe her anything. Why doesn't she go ask her father? I'm sure he'd enjoy telling the story... why are you coming to me?" His voice was rough, like gravel, carrying the weight of ancient grievances.

Lily quickly raced up to him, her desperation overriding any fear. She grabbed onto his arm, her grip firm despite his formidable size, making him stop walking. "I promise you, I have nothing to do with him! I'm planning to take him down. He killed my mom, burned down my childhood home, and he currently either kidnapped or killed one of my friends—associates. For all we know he's probably torturing him at this very moment! Can you please explain to me how you were banished from your own home?" Her voice was raw, pleading, a desperate demand for answers in the face of so much loss.

He turned his head slightly, his ancient eyes, the color of molten gold, locking with hers. A flicker of something unreadable – perhaps resignation, perhaps a ghost of old pain – crossed their depths. He sighed, a weary sound that seemed to carry the weight of centuries, before looking over the small, mismatched group assembled behind her. Max stood hunched, unusually quiet, while Jinx watched with an unreadable expression, her hands tucked into her pockets. "Fine. Follow me to my home. It's not safe to talk about this out here. Him and Satan have ears everywhere."

He led them off the main path, deeper into the thick woods that bordered Nearon Village. The air grew cooler, dappled sunlight filtering through a dense canopy of ancient trees. The scent of damp earth and pine needles filled the air as they walked over a carpet of moss and fallen leaves. After a winding, overgrown path, they emerged into a small, secluded clearing. Nestled there, bathed in the soft morning light, stood a cozy-looking log cabin. Smoke curled gently from a stone chimney, carrying the faint scent of burning wood. A charming little wind chime, made of polished stones, tinkled softly from the front porch, accompanied by a weathered rocking chair that seemed to invite contemplation.

"Please wipe your feet before coming in," he said, his voice surprisingly domestic, almost a rumble, before pushing open the heavy wooden door. A faint, earthy scent of old wood and something vaguely herbal drifted out.
They all wiped their feet on the coir mat, shuffling inside, the interior surprisingly bright and warm.

Just as Lily was about to step in, she quickly stopped River on the threshold, a hesitant expression on her face. "Are you sure you want to be part of all this, River? You could turn around right now. This isn't just an adventure anymore. I can't guarantee your safety beyond this point. It's going to get dangerous."
River smiled softly, her usually playful demeanor replaced by a calm, quiet resolve that surprised Lily. She placed a warm, comforting hand on Lily's shoulder. "Lily, I've lived hundreds of years and experienced all I can experience down here. My days are usually filled with tending to flowers and listening to elf gossip. I want to go on an adventure, a real one. I want to help you any way I can. We're friends, aren't we? I won't let you fight without me beside you." Her blue eyes, usually dancing with light, held a deep sincerity.