Return to Rot Gut

Oliver's boots crunched against the brittle gravel as he made his way back to the Arch. The trip had been grueling, with the biting wind constantly clawing at him and the constant suspicion that he was being watched. He still wasn’t sure that the Wicker Goddess was just going to let him go but the further he got, the more he relaxed. He even chose to push through the night, only napping against a boulder for thirty minutes or so. Oliver did not hear the cries of the Tanglebeasts so he felt safe for the first time in a while.

As he approached the stone bridge marking the entrance to Bone Lord’s land, a small, hunched figure caught his eye. Lilith was curled up on a flat stone at the far edge of the bridge, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, shivering and smeared with dirt. She looked up, her face pale and her eyes red-rimmed, and then suddenly—her expression changed from cold misery to unbridled relief.

“Trophy!” she cried, her voice cracking as she sprang up and rushed toward him. He barely had time to brace himself before she collided with him, knocking him back a few steps as her arms squeezed around him.

“Whoa, easy there!” he chuckled, patting her back as she buried her face in his chest, clinging to him as if afraid he might vanish again. “Lilith, what were you thinking, staying out here? It’s freezing!”

“I didn’t want to leave until you came back,” she mumbled, her voice muffled against his coat. “I had to make sure you were safe.”

He felt a pang of guilt as he looked down at her, noticing her usually glossy black hair was tangled and dull, and her once-pristine dress was smudged with dirt and berry stains. He ran his fingers through her hair, trying to detangle it gently.

“I’m back, alright? But you should have gone back to Rot Gut—you could’ve gotten sick out here.”

She looked up, her violet eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and sniffled. “You didn’t come back for days… I thought something had happened.”

A warmth spread in his chest as he sighed and brushed her cheek with his thumb. “I’m alright, Lilith. I promised I’d come back, didn’t I?”

She nodded, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand. Together, they began the trek back to Rot Gut. Lilith walked close beside him, her body pressed against his as though seeking warmth from his mere presence. He didn’t mind, it was oddly comforting to have her so close, especially after all he had been through.

---

It was about another day before they finally arrived at Nina’s tavern, where the warm glow of lanterns and the smell of sweet, smoky incense greeted them. As soon as they stepped through the door, Nina emerged from behind the bar, her vibrant green hair catching the light as she practically bounded over, her wide, curious eyes lighting up as she took them both in.

“Oh, you’re back!” she exclaimed. Her gaze flicked to Lilith, who looked a little sheepish as she shifted from one foot to the other. “She’s been waiting at the edge of the Arch for days, hasn’t she?”

Lilith blushed and looked away, mumbling something about “keeping an eye out.”

Nina grinned as she looked back at Oliver. “Come on, you two. You both look like you’ve been dragged through every haunted part of the Breach. I’ll get you sorted out!”

With a lively skip, she led them upstairs to a small room lit by flickering candles and filled with soft, oversized cushions in shades of green and blue. After rummaging around in a nearby closet, Nina reappeared with a set of towels and a pair of cozy robes.

“There’s a bath all warmed up for you, Oliver!” she said handing him a towel. “Go on, relax for a bit before dinner. I’ll make sure you’re both well taken care of tonight.”

Nina gave Lilith a mischievous nudge, and Oliver could only chuckle as he let himself be led toward the bath, feeling the comforting warmth of the tavern wrap around him like a soft blanket. He was too tired to even think about what they could be planning.

He thanked her, his weary muscles practically begging for the hot water awaiting him. Oliver sank lower into the warm water, eyes closed, trying to let the bath soothe away the strain of the past few days. But his relaxation was abruptly interrupted by a quiet knock, followed by the slow creak of the door opening. He squinted, just in time to see Lilith, bare as the day she was born, stepping into the room. Her long, raven hair cascaded down over her shoulders, and her skin seemed to glow softly in the haunting light. He opened his mouth to say something, but only managed an exhausted. “Lilith?” Oliver was so tired.

She smiled, almost innocently, and slipped into the bath. Her shoulder brushed against his, sending a jolt of warmth through him that had nothing to do with the water. “I spent days in the cold, Trophy,” she murmured, leaning back as though this was the most natural thing in the world. “I should have gone first.”

He swallowed hard, his cheeks burning. “I’m just doing what Nina tells me to do.”

“Sure.”

Lilith turned to face him, blinking as if only now realizing the situation. Her lips curled into a sly smile. “Oh? Is my presence bothering you?”

Here we go. Oliver thought, trying not to look directly at her while, at the same time, feeling his gaze drawn to the way her wet hair clung to her collarbone, the delicate curve of her neck, the slight shiver that ran through her. “N-No! I mean—yes! I mean…” He cleared his throat, staring intently at the far wall. “Aren’t you too tired for these games?”

She tilted her head, leaning forward slightly, which only made things worse. Her face was now mere inches from his, and he could feel the warmth of her breath tickling his cheek. “I’m not *too* close, am I?”

Even as much as none of him wanted to cooperate, his heart did skip a beat. Oliver stammered, feeling his heart race as she reached out, tracing a finger along his shoulder under the water. His words died in his throat, replaced by a very unconvincing laugh.

“Oh, I see,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re nervous, aren’t you, Oliver?” She leaned even closer, her hand still resting on his shoulder as she whispered, “You don’t have to be. I don’t bite… much.”

“Lilith,” he managed, finally tearing his gaze from hers and looking anywhere but at her. “If you want the bath, I’ll get out.”

The smirk was replaced with a pout and she thumped him on the shoulder. “Did you forget already, Trophy? You were supposed to service me for saving your measly life.”

“I saved my own life, thank you very much.”

“Fine!” Lilith said standing, the water cascading off her and everything visible to his eyes. “Have it your way!”

The succubus didn’t even bother to grab a towel as she stormed towards the door.

“Lilith?” Oliver called. The violet eyes swung around to look at him, smoldering.

“Thank you.”

“For?”

“For getting me there and waiting.”

The anger faded and she slowly smiled at him.

“You’re welcome, Oliver.”