For life is this way

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𝔼ℕ𝕀𝔻 looked at Wednesday and Lilith, smiling before she approached them, skipping her way to them. "Howdy, neighbour. I'm so happy you decided to stay," she said to Wednesday.

Wednesday turned his gaze to her and replied, "I thought you would like to have an empty room next door."

Lilith looked at Enid with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "Well, I've had a change of heart. And Thing gives killer neck massages." Lilith chuckled before adding, "That I can agree with." Enid nodded happily before she faced Wednesday and asked, "So, why'd you change your mind?" Wednesday replied, "I refuse to be a pawn in someone else's corrupt game."

"You mean Rowan?" Enid asked.

"Enid, Wednesday and I both witnessed his murder. However, even though you and I saw him this morning very much alive. I even did my readings in my cards, bones, and flame. They give the same answer: he is dead. So, either he has some other gift that can bring him back to life, Frankenstein's monster, or something very strange is going on," Lilith explained to Enid, who listened intently.

Wednesday nodded and added, "Which leads me to believe Lilith and I are losing our minds. It's not nearly as fun as I anticipated."

Lilith turned to Enid and asked, "You're Nevermore's gossip queen. What's Rowan's story? Anything that can help us?"

Enid thought for a moment before she spoke, "Other than being a weird loner... uh... no offense."

"None taken," Wednesday replied, unbothered.

Enid nodded before she continued, "Xavier Thorpe's his roommate. If you had a phone, you could just text him and ask him." She suggested before turning to the canoe and ordering, "Yoko, come on! Flare those whiskers. The Poe Cup droops for no one." Wednesday turned to Lilith and asked, confused, "What is the Poe Cup anyway?"

Lilith was about to reply before Enid interjected, "Only my entire reason for living right now. Part canoe race, part foot chase, no rules. Each dorm has to pick an Edgar Allan Poe short story for inspiration." Lilith smiled before she turned to Wednesday and spoke, capturing his attention, "Exactly that. Well, will the Dark Prince be able to help us? I'm sure a little stabbing of being social wouldn't hurt."

Wednesday smirked, "I do like stabbing. The social part, not so much. If I'm quite honest, I am rather surprised that you're participating."

Lilith chuckled lightly and spoke, "I know that I'm seen as the type to not do these types of things. However, Enid did ask me—or actually begged me—to join. Plus, I would like to see Bianca lose." Lilith smirked at the thought of Bianca losing the game, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"So, would you like to join us?" Lilith offered a paintbrush to him.

Wednesday looked at her hand before meeting her gaze and replied, "Apologies, but I must decline. It'll cut into my writing time."

Lilith's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. She quickly replaced it with a small, understanding smile. "Not a problem. I understand." Wednesday gave her a small nod and turned to leave. However, Lilith grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Startled, he turned back to her. "Maybe consider coming to watch the game, if it doesn't cut into your writing, of course." Lilith smiled, noticing how her warm hand contrasted with his cold one, a strange but comforting feeling.

Lilith released his hand, making Wednesday miss the warmth already. He looked away and muttered, "Perhaps." He turned and left.

Lilith's eyes followed him before she noticed Enid's smug smirk. Enid spoke in a teasing tone, "Oh my, you like him, don't you?"

Lilith blushed slightly before looking away. "I don't know what you are on about."

Enid grabbed her friend's arm and insisted, "Oh come on, it is so obvious. You like him, and I can tell that he likes you. The Dark Prince and The Witch, so romantic."

Lilith looked at Enid, then in the direction where Wednesday had left. She looked down and said softly, "It isn't. I don't, and neither does he. End of discussion. You know why I can't."

Lilith's eyes filled with a mix of fear and sadness before she walked off to continue painting the canoe, leaving Enid watching her with a sympathetic look. Enid realized why Lilith couldn't allow herself to fall in love or show her emotions. Not after what had happened to Lilith.

As Lilith resumed painting, her mind wandered back to the painful memories she kept buried. Enid's words had stirred something deep within her. She couldn't afford to get close to anyone, let alone someone like Wednesday. She had learned the hard way that caring for someone could lead to unimaginable pain from something or from herself.

Enid watched her friend with concern, knowing bits and pieces of Lilith's past. She remembered the night Lilith had confided in her about the tragic events that had shaped her into the guarded person she was today. It was a story filled with loss and betrayal, one that had left deep scars on her heart.

Enid decided to give Lilith some space, hoping that one day her friend would feel safe enough to open up again. She knew that beneath Lilith's tough exterior was a person who yearned for a safe place. As the day wore on and the preparations for the Poe Cup continued, Lilith's thoughts kept drifting back to Wednesday. Despite her best efforts to keep her distance, there was something about him that drew her in. His enigmatic presence, his sharp mind, and the way he seemed to understand her without words. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.

Meanwhile, Wednesday found himself thinking about Lilith more than he cared to admit. Her warmth, her strength, and the way she challenged him intrigued him. He wasn't used to feeling this way about anyone, and it unsettled him. Yet, he couldn't deny the connection he felt with her.

Back at Nevermore, as the sun began to set, the students started wrapping up their preparations for the Poe Cup. Enid glanced over at Lilith, who was still painting with a determined expression. She decided to give her friend one last nudge.

"Lilith, you know, sometimes it's okay to let people in," Enid said gently. "Not everyone is out to hurt you."

Lilith paused, her brush hovering over the canoe. She took a deep breath and replied, "I know, Enid. But it's not that simple for me."

Enid nodded, understanding. "Just... think about it, okay? You deserve to be happy too."

Lilith gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Enid. I'll try."

˚₊𓆩༺🕷༻𓆪₊˚

As the night fell, Lilith found herself standing alone, looking out at the darkening sky. She thought about the walls she had built around herself and wondered if it was time to start tearing them down. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to let someone in again.

And in the quiet of the night, with the stars shining above, Lilith made a silent promise to herself. She would try to open her heart, to trust, and to let go of some of the fear that had held her captive for so long.

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By: SilverMist707

I hope you all enjoy it and please leave a vote <3