Lilou happily skipped her way back to her shack. As soon as the shack came to her sight, she frowned, as there was no sight of Stefan.

"How annoying," she murmured, kicking a pebble in irritation. For reasons unknown, she walked towards the shack but went around to her father's burial mound after months of not going there.

On her way, a strange warm breeze on this chilly night blew past her, freezing her on the spot. This breeze that had the faint yet familiar aura caused her heart to pound loudly against her chest, bringing out a nostalgic feeling in her heart.

"You…" she whispered as she stared ahead. She had already noticed that Stefan didn't give off the same aura, but Lilou ignored it. "… did I really mistake Lexx as that someone…" she muttered as she dashed towards her father's grave.

Lilou stopped as her eyes softened, seeing that Stefan was standing in the same spot she first saw him there. And once again, this coincidence made her believe she didn't mistake him.

"Lexx!" she called softly, catching his attention as he turned around. Lilou ran towards him and threw herself at him.

"Welcome back!" she greeted sweetly, embracing him in relief.

Stefan froze as his back stiffened, surprised at her sudden gentleness, considering how nonchalant she was when he told her he would have to leave again. He awkwardly patted her back.

'Did I worry about nothing?' he wondered in his head as he already thought Lilou's interest in him had decreased and she might do something. But to think she would act relieved and happy made him think he had underestimated her obsession towards him.

"Did something happen?" Stefan inquired when Lilou drew back from him.

Lilou looked up, shaking her head before showing him a bright smile. "I just missed you, that's all!"

"Really?" he raised a brow, studying her expression, but to his surprise, it seemed she really mean it.

Although Lilou would always smile brightly at him, there was this aura she gave off that made him wary. So, seeing her smiling candidly and expressing herself pleased him.

"I also missed you," He replied but quirked a brow when Lilou bluntly exposed him.

"You don't mean that." Lilou cleared her throat as she stared at him straight in the eyes. "Lexx, did you know I plan to kill you if you didn't return?"

"And why are you telling me this?" his voice was deep and menacing while he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Because I think if you drop the pretense, I might be able to understand," she answered in a knowing tone, taking him by surprise. "You know my feelings to you, so if the feeling is mutual, don't you think it'll be a win-win situation for the both of us?"

"And why is that?"

"If I try to kill you, I might fail, but you'll deal with casualties. I think it's only smart to make me your ally than an enemy, don't you think?"

Her explanation rendered him speechless momentarily. Lilou was never this honest with him, and to think she knew he was merely keeping her because she still had her uses amused him. Not to mention, she was also aware that she could be troublesome to deal with, but not overestimating herself as to think she was invincible.

The corner of his lips curled up into a smirk as he stroke her hair. "Just what happened while I was away?"

"Nothing." Lilou giggled as she was saying the truth. "I just want you to treat me honestly from now on and take me with you."

"Take you with me...?" Stefan cocked his head to the side while tucking her hair behind her ear. "You are exceptional, sweetheart. However, by wanting my trust, isn't it only polite if you also trust me?"

"Trust can naturally come in the process, don't you think?"

He nodded ever so slowly. "You're correct, but humans are fickle, sweetheart. Aren't you afraid that by wanting to stay by my side, you are entering a cage?"

"I can break the cage anytime. What do you mean?"

"Pfft—!" Stefan chuckled at her blunt yet innocent reply. "Oh, sweetheart, you never cease to amaze me."

Lilou puffed her cheek while he shook his head lightly, before she clasped his hand with both her hands. Her eyes gazed at their hands and then looked up.

"Lexx, you're the only one I have and I think you, coming in here is not a mere coincidence," she expressed sincerely. "I hate vampires. Even now, my blood boils and wants to kill every single one of your kind."

His brows arched before he narrowed his eyes. He was aware of Lilou's growing hatred of vampires, the reason the trust between them was never strong.

"But if it's fate, I will accept it." Lilou continued, puzzling him.

"Accept, what?"

She stared at him straight in the eye as she felt that familiar aura once again. "You. I hate vampires, but I can make an exception. I also know you hate humans, but can you also make an exception?"

"Sweetheart, I don't believe in fate nor do I bind myself with things you are seeking." Stefan let out a low chuckle as he withdrew his hands from her grasp. "I am not as simple as you think I am, sweetheart."

"Is this a rejection?" Lilou frowned, placing her hand over her chest, but surprised as she didn't feel the slightest pain.

"If it is, we will not be talking here." Stefan chuckled once again before he placed his hand over her head, bending over with a smile. "So, no, it's not a rejection, but a heads up."

"Huh?"

"For expecting anything from me, that's what I meant," He explained, ruffling her hair as he slowly drew away and turned around. "If you want to take this path, I won't stop you. However, I'm warning you, sweetheart. I will rather hate you than love you."

Lilou stared at his back as a subtle smile resurfaced on her lips. She took a step forward, sliding her fingers in between his, making him turn his head to their hands and then to her eyes.

"Just don't abandon me." She smiled brightly, squeezing his hand. "That's all I'm asking."

The side of his lips slowly curled into a faint smile, wrapping his fingers around her hand. "A cold-blooded person like you... I'm surprised you have such warm hands."

"Don't let go of these warm hands or you'll be cold forever." Lilou humored while giggling mischievously.

Little did the two know, someone who was trapped in his own mind was grumbling in protest.

'Who the fuck is that, Lexx? It's not that fucking Stefan, right? Did he figure out that girl's origin?!' Samael grumbled. If he could throw a huge fit, he had done it already.

'I really need to wake up... that little girl is being seduced by that lunatic.' But no matter how he tried to break the seal, Samael didn't wake up until seven years later.