Lilith was sitting down on a stray chair in an empty corridor she found on her way back to her place. She didn't exactly know why it was there, but she figured It was probably just a lazy guard that got tired of standing. She would chew them out if they were still around, but at the moment she was just glad there was a quiet place she could rest and relax for a bit. She could wait just a little longer before she continued on her way.

Lilith couldn't for the life of her remember such a day like today. She did so many things she never expected to happen. She witnessed the day Emperor Belos had passed. She rescued a human child from some restricted tunnel. Now she was expected to be That child's assistant as they ascended to the throne.

She thought back to the meeting and remembered something. The new Emperor would need A teacher. Maybe she could send her to a school? No. She couldn't for the life of her imagine what would happen if a human joined a school. Not to mention Luz would be limited to a singular track. If she was the new Emperor, Luz would have to learn all the tracts and more. Of course, the schools would most definitely make an exception if they learned of her being emperor, but that presented another problem. For one thing, it was already agreed on that word of Belos' passing and his successor would stay within the walls of the castle for now.

Luz needed a private tutor. Lilith sighed as her head started to hurt. She could find a tutor for Emperor Luz later. She was quite exhausted already.

At least the meeting went by relatively quickly compared to other times. Alraune and Goran weren't bickering nearly as much as they usually did. Hifumi also switched back to her serious personality to Lilith's relief. Those meetings with that childish persona were always so chaotic and unfocused. Illushi's chair was also empty so that gave her relief.

Illushi was always her least favorite part of the meetings. She knew what kind of man Illushi was. A barbaric man who enjoyed his job way too much for him to be sane.

Wait a minute. Why was Illushi absent? Something didn't sit right with her. Maybe he was there the whole time? Cloaked behind an illusion. He did like to pop out from nowhere. She began to recall something Illushi told her once. 'One day I'll have the Emperor submit to me. After all, there's something everyone fears.' A blasphemous and unreachable dream that Lilith mocked. That was when Belos was Emperor. Now there was a new Emperor, and Illushi wouldn't hesitate to live out his twisted fantasy through her. She was in danger.

Lilith stood up from the chair swiftly and launched into a full sprint back from where she came. She had to get to Emperor Luz before Illushi. Otherwise, She feared something very bad would happen.

Luz and Steve the guard have been walking for quite a while. Just how far away was this room? To Luz, it was almost like they were walking through a maze of corridors. It didn't help that Luz could hear Steve muttering to himself in confusion.

"Oh, Titan. Why did I have to get lost now of all times? Everything looks the same. I don't get it. Was this hall always here?" Steve was desperately trying to keep his composure in front of Luz. Unaware she could hear him the whole time.

"Um, do you not know where you're going?" Luz asked. Was this guy new or something? If that was the case she could relate to his plight. If she were to walk around the castle alone she would have gotten just as lost, if not more.

"What!? Uh, no of course I do. I walked through these halls several times. They're just moving around right now that's all." Steve fumbled his words a little trying to save face.

"They move?" Luz asked, astonished. That sounded like the stairways of a certain magic school she read of before.

"Of course!" He lied. Though now that he thought about it, that seemed to be exactly what was happening. The halls were barren and twisting. Much of them seemed to serve no purpose other than to be confusing. No doors have made a single appearance. no paintings, plants, or even windows. Just empty stretches of hall after hall splitting into many different directions like a labyrinth. This wasn't normal at all. It put him a little on edge. He couldn't exactly put his finger on it but something was wrong. "Just stay with me, Emperor. I will get you to your room safely."

Emperor. There it was again. The title she was given so abruptly. It was odd to her that everyone she met so far just seemed to accept it so easily. They weren't even concerned that she was only 14.

She looked down at her hand, looking at the mark given to her by the Titan. Was this mark really the only thing they needed to accept her as Emperor. Despite how lacking in actual leadership skills she had. Despite everyone being so shocked she was human. They didn't even question it. All because this Titan chose her. Why would this Titan choose her of all people for such a role? It didn't make sense. If she really could talk to the Titan like Kikimora said then maybe she should ask it, why?

"My Emperor? Are you troubled?" Steve asked worriedly. Both of them stopped in their tracks.

Luz's attention snapped back to Steve. He was looking at her, and even though she could not see it through the mask. Steve had a genuine look of concern on his face.

"I'm fine, but, please, just call me Luz." Luz requested. She was getting a little tired of all the formal speech around her. She just wanted to have a bit of normality return to her life.

"Really? You want me to address you so casually?" Steve was a little surprised. He expected The new Emperor to be so much different. He had his suspicions when he saw her melancholy face earlier. Now he just saw a kid who was thrown into a situation they weren't prepared for.

"Uh-huh." Luz nodded.

"If that's what you want. Luz." Steve said, getting a smile from Luz. It made him genuinely happy to see her smile from just her name. When Belos was around He'd never show what he was thinking or feeling. It kind of made Steve a little uncomfortable around him.

"Thank you," Luz said gratefully.

Steve could feel Luz's appreciation, but he could also feel that doubt in herself. It was a feeling he was ever familiar with. He couldn't imagine just how much pressure the young Emperor was feeling. being so young, and having such high expectations put on you was stressful. He knew that. It was just like him when he joined the Emperor's Coven so long ago.

"You know Luz. I've been in your shoes before. Scared, nervous, confused. When I got a position in the Emperor's Coven I had no idea how to proceed. I was a nervous wreck. I began wondering why they even let me in. But eventually, I learned that those feelings hampered my skills. The very reason I was chosen. So I had to chin up, and just be me. Cause when you're not bogged down by doubt, you can accomplish exactly what you were meant to." Steve spoke.

Luz looked at him speechless. Almost like she was shocked by his words. Her image of a strong and serious guard was shattered upon hearing those words soaked in kind understanding.

"The point is don't go doubting yourself. The Titan chose you for a reason. Just like I was chosen for the Emperor's Coven for a reason. You just need to be you and do your best. Fail and learn from it. Succeed and appreciate it. That's how I live my life at least."

His words were so genuine and well-meaning, It made Luz happy that someone she barely knew tried to comfort her. It was something she only ever found in her parents. Honestly, It was nice getting it from someone else.

"You're a lot nicer than I thought you would be," Luz admitted. She was glad that she met Steve. She just wished she found someone like Steve earlier.

"I'm a guard! I'll protect you from anything! Whether It's enemies or your own emotions! At least, I'll try my best!" Steve said enthusiastically.

"Thank you."

"Of course."

After that, the two of them continued on their way for a bit. There wasn't any more conversation going on between them, but Luz still felt much better than she did before. Steve made sense. She just had to keep going. No matter what happened.

Luz stopped in her tracks when she noticed Steve halt.

"Wait a minute. A dead-end? That's not right." Steve said. From what he could remember, a blunt dead end didn't even exist in the castle. Why would It? This had to be some sort of magic. "I think we may have some trouble, Luz. Get behind... me?" Steve looked behind him only to see no one there.

Luz was not aware of Steve's predicament. She just looked at him confused.

"Trouble? what do you mean? There's no dead end." Luz wondered why they stopped in the middle of the hall. she didn't see anything wrong. Just a vast stretch of hall that seemed to go on forever. There was no dead end that Steve spoke of.

Steve did not respond. He just stood there shocked. He looked around hectically like he lost something.

"Luz? Emperor Luz!? Where did you go?!" He panicked.

"What? I'm right here. What are you talking about?" Luz was perplexed by Steve's erratic behavior. He acted like he couldn't see her. His gaze passed right through her like she didn't exist. What was going on?

"My Emperor! Where are you!?" Steve shouted into the air. He shot forward in a full sprint turning the corner in an attempt to Find Luz who was lost to his sight.

"Wait, where are you going?!" Luz went running after Steve, but she stopped dead in her tracks when a completely different man came from the very same corner. His steps echoed throughout the entirety of the castle walls. Each step became louder and louder as he came closer. It was unnatural just how loud the echo was. It was like they were made that way on purpose, just for the intimidation factor alone. Luz could definitely feel it working, as her anxiety increased with each step.

Then there was that smile. A wide and gentle grin. The gentle facade crumbled when looking into his eyes, however. Eyes that bore hidden malice that made Luz's spine crawl.

She was paralyzed by that malice. Fear encompassed her entire body just from a glance at those glassy gray eyes. It was like she was staring into a dark abyss, and it starred back. Ready to drag her down into its depths.

Then, the man stopped right in front of her staring down at her. He was tall and skinny of indeterminable age. His long straight hair stretched all the way past his spine. Black and white rectangular strips were dotted everywhere around his hair. His pointed ears were far more pronounced compared to every other witch she's seen so far. Then there was his outfit. A seemingly simple cyan uniform devoid of any abnormal design, other than a peculiar mirror symbol. What concerned her the most was the spatter of red that stained his right sleeve.

"Hello, My Emperor." The man's words dripped with a suppressed animosity. As if he was attempting to sound kind and gentle. He placed his hand on his chest before performing a small bow. "My name is Illushi. I am the leader of The Illusions Coven. It is nice to meet you."

Luz only sat still. She was paralyzed in place. Unable to move her shaky legs. Unable to speak. The choking aura of menace was just too strong.

"Hmm? No response?" Ilushi said mockingly. He straightened up from his bow and just stared. His unblinking eyes never lose contact with Luz's eyes. He let out an amused chuckle when He saw the fear dwelling within Luz's eyes. "Ahh, so you really are just a child. Looking at me with those cute frightened eyes. Honestly, I'm glad." Illushi kneeled down to Luz's height with a low grunt of effort. He stared forward into Luz's gaze. An eerie joy-filled smile sprawled onto his face. "A fearful face is much more preferable than an ugly angered one."

He didn't move. He didn't speak. He just sat there watching her for minutes at a time. That smile never ceasing. Those menacing eyes never faltering. It made Luz uncomfortable. She just couldn't understand what he was doing. Despite her feelings, Her curiosity ended up getting to her.

"W-what are you doing?" Luz asked shakily. Illushi didn't respond. His face never changed. The whole time She was standing wondering what was on his mind. She stood still, afraid of just what would happen if she moved. Her fear began to slowly fade into curiosity. That was until out of nowhere Illushi spoke.

"Did anyone ever tell you about fear and anger?" Illushi asked. It confused Luz. Why did he ask that question? What does he mean by it? Then without any prior response from Luz, he continued. It was like he could tell she wanted to know what he meant.

"Fear is an emotion of submission. When one feels fear they are admitting to themselves that they are helpless. They either run from that fear or let it consume them. Anger is an emotion of defiance. It rampages onwards simply to defy and destroy its source." Illushi's words left Luz speechless. Why was he telling her this? What was he getting at? Whatever it was, Luz didn't like the sound of it.

"Do you know what those two have in common?" Illushi sat silently patiently waiting for a response from the ever-cautious Luz. It took her a while to realize he was genuinely waiting for a reply. So she just shook her head in response. With that Illushi's smile grew into a wide grin of satisfaction.

"They are both emotions that one feels when faced with the threat of death."

Almost immediately Luz felt her stomach drop as terror sunk through her entire being. This didn't feel right. No, not at all. She could tell. This person was dangerous. Very dangerous. Speaking of death so casually. Not to mention the expression he wore.

Illushi sat there gleefully chuckling to himself, before bursting into full-on laughter as he clapped. Like he was applauding Luz.

"Yes, yes! Like that! That's what I'm talking about! Your fear is exactly what I mean! It's so raw and beautiful! My favorite thing in this world! Much better than ugly anger!" Illushi was ecstatic. He could barely contain his excitement. He stood back up to his full height as he continued to laugh wholeheartedly. He struggled to breathe as his laughter seemed to overtake him."To think an Emperor would submit to me so easily? You really crack me up, kid! " Tears of laughter began to form as he could barely compose himself anymore. Only when the laughing died a bit did he speak again. "Giving a humble assassin like me quite the experience here kid!" Luz began to panic after hearing the word assassin. She just got here and already there was an assassin after her? Her thoughts stopped abruptly when Illushi laughed again. "Don't worry I'm not gonna kill ya," Illushi assured. It was like he understood what she was thinking.

Illushi's menacing aura dropped all at once as he took on more friendly mannerisms. His eye no longer bore that intense malice. He No longer looked into her eyes. Luz still felt extremely unnerved, however. She still felt like a mouse caught in a trap. The more convincing friendliness he wore didn't at all make Her feel any better. In fact, the sudden shift in disposition was even more off-putting. It reminded her of a venus flytrap luring in a hapless fly with a sweet promise, only to then mercilessly end the poor insect.

Illushi seemed a bit disappointed when He realized Luz was still cautious of him. He frowned deeply. Though he was not surprised. Slowly Illushi walked forward as if he was about to leave. Luz never breaking her gaze from him.

curiously, He stopped beside Luz glancing down at her from the side. His gaze locked on to her round ears.

"Hmm. You are human, right?" Illushi asked as he struck his chin curiously.

"Y-yes."

" Ahh. That's good. You see I recently found this human artifact. I was wondering If you could tell me what it is? Quite a curious little thing."

"What?"

"Please, It is just a simple question," Illushi said as he reached into a pocket of his. He turned his body back to face Luz again and pulled out something that made her blood run cold. It was a gun. a simple handgun that glistened in the light of the halls. Silver and black, with a muzzle, burned with ash.

"Tell me. You know what it is. Right?" Illushi wondered. His voice showed genuine interest and curiosity. From what Luz could tell he truly didn't know what it was.

"That's... a gun." Luz hesitated to answer, but the look Illushi gave her was too much. His curiosity bore at her unendingly digging for the answer.

"A gun? What a strange name. What does it do?"

Luz didn't want to answer. She couldn't. So instead, she lied.

"I... It... nothing. It does nothing."

"Really? Well, how disappointing. I thought it might have been a human weapon of some kind, but I guess I was wrong." Illushi's face fell. "If it really does nothing. Then I assume You wouldn't mind me doing this."

All of a sudden Luz felt cold steel press against the side of her head. She froze. Fear seeping into every ounce of her like she never felt before. Her body shook with an unending dread. After all, who would not fear for their life with a gun pressed to their head.

"Let me give you a little lesson in Illusions. Many people assume Illusions to be weak. Nothing more than physical manipulation of light for entertainment, or silly little lies. But that is not where the true power of Illusions come from. Unlike the other Covens, Who are either physical or spiritual in nature. Illusions are mental. That is what makes Illusions powerful. The ability to confuse, with both truths and lies. Make them doubt the truth. Make them believe a lie. Show them things from their worst nightmares. Drive them to insanity, as they lose touch with reality. A broken body can be easily mended, but a broken mind is one not so easily remedied. Only through Illusions, you can bring forth the most primal fear in one's heart! That is why I believe Illusions to be the most powerful magic of all!"

Illushi was mad. He was crazy. That was the only way Luz could describe him. A crazed madman who draws joy from the fear and suffering of others. That unending smile of his only ever-growing. His malice returning to his eyes like it was never gone.

"You should have known better than to lie to someone who deals in illusions like me. Now, I wonder. What would happen if I pulled this little trigger here." Illushi said as he grabbed onto Luz's arm with his free hand. His finger slowly inching towards the trigger of the gun.

"No! Please! I'm sorry I lied! Just please don't do that!" Luz begged

For a second Illushi's finger faltered. The fear was palpable to him. Like a sweet aroma, he couldn't get enough of it. He wanted to savor it. Just for a little longer.

"My, so desperate. That only makes me even more curious as to what this does."

Tears began to roll down her cheeks. For a second time on the same day, she faced death yet again. She wanted to get away but no matter how much she struggled, Illushi's hand would not let her free..this was by far the worst day she ever had.

"No. Please. I don't want to die." Her words came out weak. She watched as Illushi touched the trigger of the gun. He caressed it gently as if he was teasing Luz's anxiety. He wanted to draw it out for as long as he could. He wanted to watch her face descend further and further into despair and turmoil. He just couldn't help himself. It was like a drug to him. The thing he enjoyed the most was seeing others submit to him. It was just so tantalizing. Then slowly he began to squeeze at the trigger. He watched with bated breath as Luz's terror reached Its crescendo and she closed her eyes. Her tears flowed relentlessly.

"NOOO!"

Then there was a click, and a loud bang reverberated through the halls.

Luz expected to feel something, but there was nothing. She didn't feel cold, She felt no pain. Even the loud bang that should have made her ears ring in pain did nothing to her. She opened her eyes and found she was still there. In the hall. Alive.

"So that is the extent of your fear? Wonderful." Illushi praised. A wicked toothy grin sprawling on his face.

What just happened? She could have sworn that was the end, but she was still here. Why? She looked to the gun that Illushi held only to find there was no gun. What was pressed against her head was nothing more Than Illushi's fingers made into the shape of a gun. It was nothing more than an Illusion.

Illushi then let go of Luz's arm. She collapsed to the floor on her knees. Crying softly as she hugged herself. She couldn't take any more of this. She just wanted to go home. She wanted to see her mom again. To be safe in her gentle embrace, but there was only Illushi. A madman Who had no concern for how she felt. Someone who only wanted to see her suffer. How could anybody be so heartless? The world really is a cruel place if it let someone like this exist.

Then just as Illushi was about to do something else. A familiar voice shouted at him, getting his attention away from a clueless Luz.

"Illushi! What are you doing with the Emperor!?" Lilith yelled angrily.

Illushi didn't seem fazed very much. He retained that cruel smile of his despite Lilith pointing her staff at him.

"Ah. Lilith. I was merely testing them. I never intended to harm them."

"Lies! I know how you are. This was no test. You just wanted to indulge in that sick fantasy of yours. Now leave! Before I make you." Lilith growled. Her anger flowed forth. Making Illushi frown deeply in disappointment.

"Hmph! You're no fun, Lilith. Your ugly anger disgusts me." Illushi pouted before wordlessly turning around and going on his way. Vanishing into the distance.

For the life of her Lilith never understood why Belos bothered to keep around a maniac like Illushi. No matter how many times Belos told her it was the Titan's will to have Illushi around. She doubted it. Illushi was the only thing she ever doubted Belo's judgment about. Now that Belos was no longer here. Maybe she could actually do something about it.

Luz, meanwhile, just sat there staring at the floor whimpering to herself. Lilith couldn't help but pity the poor child. The unquenchable bundle of energy. Now reduced to this feeble state. She felt terrible. If only she was faster. If only she wasn't so apathetic towards Luz. This wouldn't have happened.

Lilith reached out to touch Luz's shoulder. She shuddered at the touch but quickly calmed when she heard Lilith speak.

"Emperor Luz. Are you okay?" Lilith asked gently. Luz looked back to Lilith. Her eyes dim and red from her tears.

"Lilith?" Luz's voice came out softly, and weakly. She just sat there for a while. Her brain trying to process what she was seeing. Until her eyes began to well up with tears once more. Then in one quick movement, she lunged at Lilith and hugged onto her tightly. She cried into Lilith's clothes letting out muffled cries of gratitude.

"What the..." Lilith reeled back slightly. Confused as to the sudden embrace from Luz. She didn't know what Luz was doing, but whatever it was, It was not bad. Perhaps a way for humans to show gratitude? Despite Liliths discomfort, she let Luz continue to hang on to her.

"Come on, I'll escort you the rest of the way to your room." Lilith offered.

It took a while for Luz to respond, but eventually, she let go of Lilith and wiped away the tears that still remained.

"Okay."

"Here we are," Lilith said, presenting Luz an intricately designed door that stood at about a normal height.

"Could you maybe, stay with me for a bit longer."

"Hmm? If you're worried about Illushi coming back You won't have to worry. No one can enter your bed chamber without express permission from you. It's protected by a magic barrier" Lilith explained. However, Luz didn't seem quite convinced.

"Please... just, at least until I fall asleep," Luz begged.

Lilith has never stepped foot into the Emperor's chamber before. She felt like doing so would be crossing the line. But at the same time, she was being asked to enter by the new Emperor herself. Who was she to decline a request?

"Very well. I shall accompany you into your bed-chamber until then."

"Thank you."

Luz reached for the door handle and turned it open. What laid behind the door surprised them both.

The bedroom was actually quite smaller than Lilith expected. Not to mention simple. In fact, It was comparable to the bedroom of a regular common household. Simple, and understated. A king-sized bed laid in the far corner. Dressers and a large bookshelf filled with many types of books lined the walls. A single window covered by drapes looked out into the world. A large desk sat at the exact opposite side of the bed in the room. It was strange to Lilith. Almost, nostalgic even.

"How, quaint," Lilith stated.

"It's... perfect." To Luz, It was just how she wanted it. Familiar and comforting. She walked up to the bed and felt the soft and warm blankets that lay over the bed. It was almost as if they just came out of a dryer.

"Perfect?" Lilith was a little confused at the state of the room. She couldn't have imagined Belos would have slept in such a simple room. Luz on the other hand said it was perfect for her. Maybe this was that advanced construction spell that would change a room depending on the owner's preferences. That would make sense.

Luz plopped down onto the warm bed sighing contently. Luz sat up on the bed patting the spot next to her, inviting Lilith to sit next to her wordlessly. Lilith hesitated a bit, but ultimately accepted the invitation.

"Thank you, Lilith. You saved me twice today." Luz said graciously. An uneasy smile coming across her face. Her voice was somewhat shaky from the memories that transpired.

"No need to thank me. That's what I am expected to do for the emperor."

"Still. If it weren't for you. I... I wouldn't be here right now. And even though we've only known each other for less than a day. I-I want to rely on you. Because I admire you."

"You... admire me?" Lilith was shocked, to say the least.

"Mm-hm. You're strong, fearless, and cool. Everything I want to be." Luz's uneasy smile faltered as she looked down to the mark on her hand. "What I thought I could be. If I'm supposed to be emperor, I don't want to be afraid anymore. Please teach me! Teach me to be strong like you! To be brave like you! Please?"

Lilith was at a loss for words. For once her cold heart began to feel warm once again, as familiar feelings began to take a hold of her. She couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but for some reason, she felt nostalgic again. She hasn't had someone genuinely admire her for so long. The last time she remembered something like that was... It was. That's right. It was a long time ago. When Lilith and her little sister Eda were still young. Before everything went wrong.

It was strange to Lilith. At first, she only did what she did out of obligation. But the more she spoke to Luz, The more She reminded her of Eda. The Eda that used to look up to her. The Eda she swore to protect so long ago. She no longer saw an emperor she was charged to serve and protect. She saw a lost child that needed guidance. Maybe, just maybe. She could make up for all those mistakes she made as Eda's big sister. By teaching Luz the best she can.

"Of course, I'd be honored to teach you, Luz," Lilith said. A warm smile appearing on her face.

"Really? You will?" Luz asked in a quiet shock, too tired to get as excited as she usually would.

"Tomorrow. I'll start teaching you tomorrow. After you get some rest. You'll need it for the lessons." Lilith said with a smile on her face.

Luz let out a loud yawn after realizing just how tired she was.

"Yeah... rest... sounds nice." Luz dozed off almost immediately. Her head falling onto the lap of a shocked Lilith. Luz just laid there snoring away peacefully with a content smile on her face. Again, Lilith found herself overwhelmed with a sense of familiarity, but this time she knew exactly what it was. She remembered falling asleep on her mother's lap like this many times when she was young. Her mother always stroked at her hair so gently and kindly as she laid on her mother's lap. It always ended up lulling her into a peaceful sleep. She remembered that feeling so vividly and looked at it fondly.

Then without thinking, she began to tenderly stroke her hand through Luz's hair. Just as her mother did for her. For once Lilith felt at peace, in nostalgic bliss.