In This Life

(14) Isaiah 44:22

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

She had no where to go. Returning to the other side would mean facing Reya and God knows what she would do. She had betrayed her sisters, the only true family she ever had. All for the lies that a mad man spun to keep her in his web. Lilith had been a fool to let Adriel manipulate her, she should have just killed him when she had the chance. She couldn't help but think that if she maybe saw through his lies sooner that Mary would still be alive, the OCS wouldn't have been nearly obliterated and Ava, the warrior nun wouldn't have nearly died.

With no place to call home or safe, Lilith took to the streets. Wandering and reflecting on regrets which she had plenty of but her biggest one was how she treated Ava. The girl hadn't asked to be thrown head first into their world and even though at first all Ava did was run, she came back. Accepting her fate, she fought for the world as best she could.

Ava sacrificed more than just her life for the cause and Lilith hated herself for the part she played in it. When she saw Beatrice's face when Ava had disappeared through the portal it broke her heart. She had looked so panicked and scared like she couldn't believe what just happened. Beatrice was another reason she didn't want to return to the OCS, she feared that the girl might actually kill her.

Lilith wouldn't blame her though, she took the love of life from her.

"You look lost." Lilith shot her gaze up from her table. A much older man sat down before her, dressed in all white but he had a hat form on his face, blocking the unforgiving sun. Lilith gave the cafe a quick once over before letting a shy smile form on her face. "I never knew coffee could make a person look lonely." The man laughed before leaning forward on the table.

"Very funny but no. I meant in general you look like your out of place, understand?" A waiter approached the table and the man quickly muttered his order of black coffee before facing Lilith again. "It's just been a while since I've been in Rome, just adjusting." Lilith partially lied, it had been nearly five months since she had been in Rome but it wasn't why she was nervous. The Vatican was around five minutes walk from the cafe and last time she was there, was when they fought Adriel. Together as sisters.

"I would think so. I hear that Adriel was quite the boisterous man." Lilith reached over the table and grabbed him by the collar but the man kept a smile on his face. Almost as though he was amused. "You have about five seconds to tell me who you are." Lilith warned and the man held his hands up in mock surrender. "I had no intentions of threatening you. I apologise if it came across as such. My name is Dominic Ruiz Santos most people call me 'Your Eminence'." Lilith instantly loosened her grip and sat back down.

"I'm sorry, if I'd have known I wouldn't have done that."

"It's fine. It's not everyday the Pope comes and sits at your table at a cafe, talking about Adriel." Lilith gave Dominic another once over. He hadn't shown a single shred of hostility so far and quite frankly, he was nothing like what she'd expect of a Pope. "What is it you want exactly?" Lilith asked, watching as he took a sip from his coffee. "To ask whether you are friend or foe. I read you dossier and I'll admit, I'm impressed. You were well on your way to being the next halo bearer but of course, Miss Silva happened." Lilith let out in exhale of frustration. Not because of Ava, she had long given up blaming her but instead that Dominic was clearly testing her. Seeing what buttons he could push before Lilith snapped.

"If Ava wasn't worthy, the halo wouldn't have chose her." Dominic smiled warmly like he was pleased with her answer. "Indeed. Although I'm yet to meet her, I've been told many stories. Especially the stories of how you had a hand in the death of Micheal Salvius, but also Ava's disappearance." Lilith scoffed angrily.

"Ava would have died had she not gone into the portal. I knew it would save her and given the situation it was the only choice. As for Micheal...you think I don't regret that? I had no idea who he was until I did some digging. Jillian had tried to help me and I return the favour by killing her son. I have my regrets and I know I've done wrong, so don't you dare sit here and judge me when I already do that enough myself." Dominic reached over and rested on of his hands over her clenched fist. Running his thumb across the rough knuckles.

"I don't judge people based on their actions. I judge people by who they are, deep down inside. Plus, God is the true dealer of judgement but he is also the greatest forgiver."

"God turned his back on me. I became a monster, I mean look at me. It's blazing hot but I have to wear gloves and a coat to hide scales."

"God gives the hardest tests to the best of people sometimes. I wish I knew the exact reason why but I know that he always has a reason. Don't lose faith in him because you are only just now starting on a new path."

"What path would that be exactly?"

"The path to forgiveness and redemption." Lilith felt a tear threatening to fall but she quickly composed herself. "So where do I begin?" Dominic stood up and walked to stand beside Lilith, who also stood up. She was about two inches taller but she felt so much smaller.

"You come with me to the OCS headquarters. There is much work to be done before this impending holy war."

Little Lilith filler, hope you enjoy.