Iris sat in the hallway outside her next class, textbook open on her lap. The words on the page blurred as her thoughts tangled.
I’m supposed to be studying… If my grades don’t go up, I’ll have more than Lilith to worry about.
But how can I, after that?
Lilith’s smile kept slicing through her concentration—sharp and slow, like a blade sliding into silk. A cat with a trapped mouse. No rush. Just confidence. Control. Ready to sink her teeth in.
She really was a demon. And she wore the role disturbingly well. The way she spoke, the way she carried herself—it felt powerful. Dangerous.
But what does she want from me, really? I just… handed her my life. Like it was nothing.
The memory made her stomach twist. The decision had been too quick. No hesitation. She hadn’t even stopped to ask herself what she was agreeing to—only that it felt like the only option.
Ray would hate this. He wouldn’t be happy if he knew. Not just because it was a deal with a demon, but because she’d made it for his sake. He might not even believe it. He’d always humored her talk of witchcraft, but deep down, she knew he never believed a word of it.
A sudden jolt sent her backpack skidding into the middle of the hallway. Her pen slipped from her fingers, rolling after it.
She blinked out of her haze.
Kevin stood over her, smirking. And, of course, Brad, trailing behind like a loyal shadow.
“Hey—earth to stupid,” Kevin said, nudging her bag farther out of reach with his foot. “I was talking to you.”
The shadow he cast made the hallway feel smaller. His cologne was heavy—cheap, sharp, catching at the back of her throat.
Without waiting for an answer, he plucked the textbook from her hands.
Iris let it go. No use in fighting—it would only encourage him to push further, until it stopped being harmless.
“What do you want?” she asked, her voice flat, tired.
They’d been doing this for years. It barely registered anymore—just a dull, familiar sting. Exhausting. Predictable.
Kevin flipped lazily through the pages, stopping on her notes. “Why even bother? You’ll always be an idiot freak.”
Brad chuckled under his breath, propping himself casually against the wall with his arms folded. “She probably thinks her magic crap is gonna help her pass math.”
Before Iris could respond, the textbook was yanked from Kevin’s hands.
Iris blinked. The air around her felt heavier.
Lilith was there. Her presence was impossible to ignore—calm, deliberate, the kind that made people move aside without knowing why. She didn’t speak right away, just let her shadow fall over Kevin. Despite being slightly shorter, she seemed to tower over him.
“Class is about to start,” she said at last, her voice smooth as glass, each word unhurried and cutting. “Stop messing around.”
Kevin froze mid–page flip, shoulders straightening. When he turned, the smirk from seconds ago melted into something almost shy. His face flushed; the sudden warmth in his tone was clumsy, eager—like a boy caught talking to his crush.
“Oh—hey, Lilly. Uh… are we in your way?”
He ran a hand through his hair with practiced ease, though it didn’t quite hide how off-balance he was. His stance shifted, trying for casual against the wall, but it landed too forced, too obvious. His eyes clung to her face, hungry for even the smallest flicker of approval.
Brad smirked behind him. “Dude, you’re staring.”
Kevin shot him a glare, but his ears were already pink. “Shut up,” he muttered, his voice losing its edge.
Iris nearly gagged. His crush wasn’t just obvious—it was pathetic.
And then one word echoed in her mind.
Lilly.
The name hit like a slap. She’s a student. She’s been here the whole time—in her classes, right in front of her.
Of course Iris hadn’t noticed. No one assumes their classmate is a demon. Not when her eyes now looked like soft brown glass instead of the haunting ice blue from before. Not when her pale hair had turned to a warm gold under the lights. The changes were subtle, but her beauty was still the same—delicate, haunting, impossible to look away from.
Lilith didn’t give Kevin the smile he was fishing for. She glanced at him once—just enough to keep him hooked—before discarding him entirely. No answer. Just the faint, cool sweetness of her perfume as she stepped past.
Her hand closed around Iris’s arm, pulling her to her feet. The pressure was precise: enough to leave a dull ache, not enough for anyone else to notice. She liked the way Iris stiffened and the feeling of her pulse in her wrist. Tiny cracks in her carefully composed mask.
“I didn’t know you were friends with the freak,” Kevin said, the insult slower now, as if he were testing how much he could get away with in front of her.
That was when Lilith finally looked at him. A slow tilt of her head. Not quite a smile—but enough to hook him, to give him hope. Human men were easy to control. A little bit of attention, a small smile, and they begged for more. Pathetic. But useful in their own way.
Then, with deliberate ease, she slid an arm around Iris’s waist.
The kiss wasn’t rushed. It was staged—each second calculated. Slow enough to keep Kevin’s gaze locked, deep enough that the meaning was unmistakable. Long enough to burn itself into his memory. The faint scent of her perfume wrapped around Iris, cool and faintly sweet. Lilith’s body stayed loose, but her hold on her was unyielding. This wasn’t affection. It was a demonstration. A claim. Iris was hers, and no one else was allowed to lay a hand on her. Let them see who she belonged to. Let them whisper, let them gossip. No one would dare touch what was Liliths.
Iris froze, breath caught in her throat, her hands pressing weakly against Lilith’s chest. Resistance only made the grip tighten, the kiss deepening into something unrelenting. The little defiance sent a thrill through Liliths body. That defiance was her’s now and she will savor it all.
When Lilith finally pulled away, her gaze didn’t fall on Iris. Instead she kept her eyes on Kevin, he was frozen, shocked.
“She’s my girlfriend,” she said, voice low and smooth, cutting like a blade. “So I suggest you leave her alone.”
Kevin’s mouth opened, but no words came out. His ears burned red. Brad lingered at his side, eyebrows raised, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was holding back a laugh.
Lilith bent, unhurried, to scoop up Iris’s bag. Then she took her hand, turned, and walked toward the classroom without looking back—her pace slow, as if every step was driving her point deeper. A performance to show everyone who had witnessed it that this girl was hers.
Iris followed in a daze, heart pounding, lips still tingling. Kevin and Brad stayed frozen behind them, and when she risked a glance back, their stunned expressions lit a brief spark of satisfaction in her chest. But it was smothered almost instantly by the rest of it—the heat flooding her face, the suffocating possessiveness of the kiss, the realization that it had been nothing more than a performance. A claim. A way for Lilith to show everyone who Iris belonged to.
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She couldn’t decide if she felt triumphant… or humiliated.
Once they were far enough down the hall that no one could overhear, Lilith’s arm drew her closer. She leaned in until her lips were near Iris’s ear, her breath warm, her voice soft and sickenly sweet. It was unsettling..
“Next time you lie to me,” she murmured, “there will be consequences.”
The words slid into her like shards of ice, making her shiver despite the heat of Lilith’s breath against her ear. Her stomach knotted.
“What? I didn’t—”
“You didn’t have a class when you ran from me in the library,” Lilith cut in, smooth and merciless, slicing through her protest before it could form. “And of course, I already knew that.”
Iris’s stomach tightened further. How could she have known?
“I’ll let it go this time,” Lilith said, her voice suddenly playful in a way that didn’t soften the threat. “I’m feeling generous. And really, I’m surprised it took you this long to recognize me. We’ve been in the same classes all year.”
“Sorry…” Iris muttered, staring at the floor. “I don’t really pay attention to my classmates.”
“Clearly.”
There was a bite to the word, but underneath it—amusement. It made Iris’s skin crawl. Lilith liked reminding her how easily she could have been watching, unnoticed, for who knew how long. Iris had been oblivious.
After a heavy silence Iris forced herself to ask, “Why is a demon even in school? Don’t you have… more important things to do?”
Lilith’s grin bloomed, slow and knowing. “I was bored. Isn’t that obvious? Besides—how else would I have found you?”
They stopped in front of the classroom. Lilith let the backpack slide to the floor at Iris’s feet and handed her the textbook like she was handing off a chore she’d finished. “I’m done carrying your things like a servant.”
“Thanks… for backing me up, I mean,” Iris said, slipping the book inside and ignoring the sting in the remark.
“You don’t need to thank me. It’s part of our deal.” Lilith reached out and ruffled her hair—casual, possessive, like she was patting a dog. “I protect you, as long as you’re obedient.”
Then she opened the door. “Hurry up, pet. You’re sitting with me from now on.”
As Iris stepped inside, Lilith’s hand pressed lightly to the small of her back, guiding her in. The touch looked harmless, almost gentle, but the touch felt like a chain around her throat. Her pulse thumped unsteadily.
Lilith had just announced to Kevin, Brad, and anyone else watching that they were girlfriends—without asking, without even checking to see if she’d protest. As if Iris’s compliance was a given.
And as much as she wanted to deny it… part of her didn’t mind. Lilith was admired. Popular. People would look at Iris differently now—maybe even with envy instead of hate. She didn’t remember the last time anyone but Ray looked at her in a positive light.But that little spark of joy was fleeting, swallowed by the bigger truth of the matter. Whatever comfort Lilith allowed her was deliberate.
It wasn’t for Iris.
It was for herself. A web spun into a leash, drawing Iris closer. A way to push everyone else aside until all she had left was Lilith.
Lilith remained stoic beside her, expression unreadable, movements calculated. She didn’t need to glance back to know rumors were already spreading. That had been her intention afterall. All she had to do now was wait, savoring the sight of Iris squirming, watching her cling to short-lived comfort before she realized her classmates would turn on her in an unexpected way. Their jealousy would isolate her.
By the time reached their seats Iris’s chest already felt heavier. The truth pressed down on her. She had made a deal with the devil and Lilith’s every movement reminded her of it.
The rest of the day was quiet, too calm. Lilith barely spoke, only giving commands to– sit here, carry this– as if giving orders to a pet. The word pierced deeper each time it crossed Iris’s mind. Pet. Thats all she was to Lilith. She wouldn’t have been surprised if she were told to roll over or play dead.
By the third class it was clear that they shared more than two courses. She tried to tell herself that it was just a coincidence. Tell herself that psychology was just a popular major that a lot of people took. But she got a feeling that it was part of Liliths plan to keep iris close.
Not that Iris had ever cared about psychology. She had wanted to study art. But Uncle Mark had said no. He wanted her to choose something “useful,” something that would earn more than an artist ever could—more for him to control, more for him to possess. And if there was one thing Iris had learned over the years, it was that Uncle Mark’s word was law.
Despite Lilith’s suffocating presence, the day had been… calm. No bullying. No snide remarks. The girls who usually snickered at her in the hallways barely even looked her way. Well—almost. A few lingering glances caught her attention. Especially when Lilith was beside her. No doubt rumors were already spreading across the school.
If she noticed, Lilith didn’t seem to care. Her model-student act was flawless—listening intently, taking neat notes, answering professors like she’d prepared beforehand, Everyone else seemed charmed, hanging on her words.
Even Iris almost fell for the act once or twice. The sweet girlfriend act was dangerously convincing. This couldn’t be the same woman from earlier, could it? But Iris knew better. There was a monster lurking behind her sweet practiced smile.
The sudden peace was nice but Liliths presence pressed down on her, inescapable, the faint scent of perfume as she leaned too close, the soft hand brushing hair from Iris’s face. She was impossible to ignore.
By her last class, she’d made up her mind—she needed space. She paid little mind to the professor as she mapped out her escape route. If she moved quickly, she could make it to her dorm before Lilith caught up. There was no way she knew which room was Iris’s. She couldn’t run forever. She knew this. The contract was sealed. But she needed air. time to think. Maybe even tell the bar manager that she will be quitting, leave on good terms. She hated the thought of disappearing without a word
Five minutes before dismissal, she slid her books into her bag with careful, quiet motions. Almost there… almost free.
The professor dismissed the class, and Iris was already on her feet, bag slung over her shoulder, ready to book it to the door—
She didn’t make it far. A hand landed on her shoulder—firm, unyielding—and she was pulled back into her seat so fast she nearly dropped her bag.
Lilith had been watching her every move. Of course, she had. And it didn’t take a genius to guess what Iris was plotting. She saw how Iris’s eyes flickered to the clock and noticed how she tried to casually pack her things. Iris’s boldness amused Lilith, so she let her think that she will be able to escape. Did she really think she could just slip away without her noticing?
“Where are you going, babe?” Lilith stood over her, with a warm smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We have a date, remember?” A lie, but she had to keep up the girlfriend act.
“I’m…” Iris froze. People were staring.
Lilith bent closer, voice low enough that only she could hear. “I don’t remember saying you could leave, pet.” The sweetness from a second ago was gone, her eyes cold despite the smile on her face.
“I have homework,” Iris said quickly, trying to stand again. “And I should go by the bar; tell them I’m leaving—”
Lilith pushed her back down just enough to hold her in place. “Did you already forget our contract?” Lilith’s voice was quiet, almost casual. “You live with me now.”
“My stuff… I have to pack.”
“That’s been taken care of.” She said softly, her smile shifting to something almost predatory. She had been satisfied by the soft pulse quickening. “Your things will be at my place by tonight.”
The words made Iris’s stomach drop, and the color drain from her face. Lilith savored every moment. She was finally understanding the power Lilith held. She hadn’t given her a key. She hadn’t even told her where she lived. But Lilith already knew almost every detail, and to her, locks meant nothing.
“My shift, then—shouldn’t I at least—”
Lilith caught her chin between two fingers, forcing Iris to meet her gaze. To anyone watching, the gesture might have looked tender—like a lover cupping her partner’s face. But the faint bite of nails against her skin told a different story.
“What’s your game?” Lilith’s voice cut like a knife. “Are you trying to avoid your master, little pet?”
The question lodged in Iris’s throat. A mix of fear and humiliation sent a chill down her spine. Is she going to hurt me?
“I just…” She faltered.
“You just what?” Lilith leaned in, lips almost brushing Iris’s, too close. The low, dark tone made the hair on Iris’s neck rise. Lilith savored the slight tremble. “Am I already going to have to teach you your place, pet?”
Heat rushed to Iris’s face—fear tangled with humiliation.
“There’s people around,” she whispered. “They’re going to see—”
“Then stop giving them something to stare at,” Lilith murmured, nails digging in until Iris stilled. Lilith kept her gaze on Iris, but she could feel all the other students staring. A thought that brought joy to her. She had them all wrapped around her finger. “Be a good girl and come with me.”
Iris’s eyes darted around the room, catching lingering stares. To them, this looked like a display of affection. Lilith was a loving, doting girlfriend. It was easy to mistake Iris’s flushed face for love. No one could see the invisible collar slowly tightening around her neck.
“I… I’ll come,” she said finally.
Lilith’s smile bloomed, warm for the audience, but Iris could feel the ice behind it. She brushed a strand of hair from Iris’s face with deliberate care before pressing her lips to Iris’s forehead, her touch lingering just a second too long.
“That’s what I thought.”
“Be a dear and grab my bag, would you?” Her voice was playful, sweet even—but Iris knew better. She could hear the commanding tone beneath. It was an order.
Lilith turned toward the door without waiting for an answer, the swing of her hair almost casual.
Iris rubbed the spot where Lilith’s nails had been, the faint sting still lingering, grounding her. She moved quickly, snatching up the bag before the eyes around them could burn any deeper into her back.
Iris wouldn’t say she was the submissive type—just… cautious. It was the same reflex she’d mastered at Uncle Mark’s house: move when told, answer without pause, keep your head down. Back then, hesitation could earn a slap or worse. Compliance kept the peace. Kept bones intact.
And Lilith’s authority wasn’t something she could afford to test. She’d understood her uncle’s rules; Lilith’s were different. It was best to tread carefully until she knew how to survive.
