Candid thoughts

After spending a while in each other’s arms, you and Cassie collect yourselves and get cleaned up. You have to admit you feel much better, and you promise to remember Cassie’s words. The chameleon girl smiles and kisses you, before bouncing off to other things. It’s good to see her being her energetic self, her mere presence making people smile.

As you dress yourself and begin to head out, you’re stopped by Lilith’s voice in your mind.

Wait for a moment. I would speak with you alone.

You pause, curious. “Ok? You’re in my head, Lilith, it’s not exactly public speaking.”

The faerie, the golem, and the seer can hear me, even when I’m speaking to you. It’s only a matter of time for the rest. And I wish to discuss this with you alone.

You shrug, and sit on the bed. “If it’s that important, then go ahead.”

Thank you. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been quiet lately. I’ve been watching. The way your little group interacts, it’s…strange.

“How so?”

There’s no fighting, no violence. You all support each other without coercion. You show affection without expectation of anything in return.

You chuckle. “We love each other. That’s what happens when you care for someone.”

I’ve never experienced those things. Manipulation and fear are how I get my way. And now Sarah tells me it’s the armor forcing that on me. Even now, I feel like I should be playing on your caring instinct. It’s a struggle to fight it.

“You seem to be doing well right now.”

You get the impression of a sigh. Only because of the fresh infusion of emotion you just gave me. It won’t last. Soon I’ll be back to my antagonistic self. I just wanted to be able to speak my mind for a short while.

You nod. “I understand. So this is you, without the influence of the enchantment?”

I don’t know. I don’t remember a time before I was like this. All I have are fleeting impressions. I was a succubus, but that’s all I remember. Maybe I was good, maybe not. Hell, maybe I even volunteered for this. I have no idea. But I know one thing.

There’s a pause, before she speaks again, quietly.

I want to feel what they feel. Even secondhand, I can feel the love. It feels…nice. Comfortable. Safe.

She seems to shudder in your mind. I can’t hold it any longer. Thank you for listening. You’re a good person, Nicholas. Maybe we can do this again, sometime.

You sigh. “I wish I could do more for you, Lilith. I’m sorry this was done to you.”

Another shudder in your mind.

If you feel so bad, why not let me take over for a bit. I’ll make you feel good…

You chuckle. “Well, that wasn’t very subtle.”

Oh please, you didn’t actually believe any of that stuff, right? I’m a succubus! This is what I do! I just want you to give in, just this once!

You shake your head. “You never give up, do you. I’ll give you credit for persistence, at least.”

Hmph. Of course you’d be a smartass.

You smile, but her earlier words weigh on your mind. No one should be imprisoned like she is. Everyone deserves a chance to be cared for. Even if it was actually an act, she deserves at least the chance.