Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sanctuary characters.


Lilith sat perched on the edge of the ledge and stared upward. It was a beautiful clear night, one filled with peace and stars that twinkled with the promise of new adventures. New adventures, for everyone, but her. She sighed and rubbed at her weary eyes. This would probably be the last time she would be able to have such quiet.

She closed her eyes and softly began humming the tune that sprang into her thoughts. Her humming gradually gave way to words that she sang low.

Someone, somewhere, hear me

Somehow, someday, love me softly

Love me gentle, love me true

I have you, and love you I do

She became engrossed in the lyrics of the song building within her. She let out a small scream when something grabbed her arm and she was jerked backward off the ledge. She hit the rooftop with a painful thud and her eyes flew open. It took a moment for her vision to adjust but, when it did, she froze in terror.

"So tell me, Lilith, just what do you think you're doing?"

"Ma-master Haddock! I, I was looking at the stars!" she squeaked.

She kept her eyes on his face, too afraid to do much else. He had that enraged expression, the one that was always followed by a beating. She didn't want one. Not tonight. She had to be obedient and meek if she wanted to avoid his fists.

"Looking at the stars? That's a load of rubbish," he sneered before jerking her upright.

She swayed, caught herself and went still. He was squeezing her wrist so hard it throbbed with pain. Not that he cared. When Haddock was angry, nothing mattered to him except inflicting torment and agony on his victim.

"Well?" he demanded.

He stuck his face in hers and her breathing sped up. She couldn't help it. His nearness always made her hyperventilate.

"Master, it is the truth." She wasn't lying. She was being honest. Of course, it was up to him to decide if he believed her or not. If he did, she'd escape a beating. If he didn't...well the alternative wouldn't be pleasant.

He stared into her eyes for a long time before letting out a grunt. He let go of her wrist and she cradled it to her chest. She would have to ice it later. She kept her gaze lowered and waited to see what he would do.

"Lilith?"

"Yes, Master?"

"I really hate pets that don't obey."

Her heart thumped painfully in her chest. He wasn't going to let her off the hook. She should have known. He had been acting strangely for a few weeks now. She cursed her own weakness that had urged her to leave their tent and seek the highest building. Now she was going to pay for it.

"Master, I...,"

She yelped when his fist connected with her jaw and sent her to her knees. She tasted blood and spit it out, her face already pulsing with pain. She was going to bruise for sure. He didn't stop there. Pressing his advantage, he threaded his fingers into her hair and hauled her to her feet. He dragged her toward the door that would let them back into the building. She cried silent tears of misery. Not that they would do any good. She knew what was in store for her. There was no way to avoid her fate.