Tonight… something felt different.
The way they looked at him, the warmth in their voices, the way the air seemed heavier with emotions he couldn't quite name—it was overwhelming.
This wasn't just a family dinner.
It was something deeper.
And for the first time, Ethan didn't feel like resisting it.
As he tried to process everything, Seraphina stepped forward, her golden gaze softer than usual. She reached out, her fingers brushing his cheek.
"You've grown into a fine man, Ethan," she murmured.
Liliana smirked and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, her touch lingering. "And strong, too. I'm proud of you."
Lilith was the last to approach. Unlike the others, she didn't hesitate. She cupped his face gently, her thumb brushing over his lips.
"You've come so far," she whispered, her crimson eyes holding his.
Before Ethan could fully process the moment, Isabella clapped her hands, snapping the atmosphere back to normal.
"Alright, enough of the serious talk," she said with a teasing grin. "It's still Ethan's birthday. Let's cut the cake before we get all sentimental."
Lilith chuckled, nodding. "Yes, we should celebrate properly."
They led him to the center of the hall, where a magnificent cake stood waiting—smooth, velvety frosting, delicate sugary roses decorating its surface.
"Make a wish," Lilith said softly.
Ethan closed his eyes. He let the moment sink in—the warmth of their presence, the laughter that still hung in the air, the feeling of belonging.
Then, he took a deep breath and blew out the candles.
"Did you make a wish?" Seraphina asked curiously.
Ethan nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I did. But it's a secret."
Lilith smirked and motioned for him to make the first cut. As he sliced through the cake, soft music filled the room, the melody hauntingly beautiful.
A song composed by Lilith just for this occasion. Its lyrics spoke of love, warmth, and gratitude.
The four women swayed gently to the music, their movements effortless, each carrying a different kind of beauty. They danced together, celebrating the night in their own way.
Ethan watched, his chest tightening. This was his family. No matter what happened, this bond—they wouldn't let it break.
As the night stretched on, laughter and stories filled the space, turning the moment into something Ethan would never forget.
But eventually, fatigue set in.
Liliana stretched, letting out a soft yawn. "It's late. We should get some rest."
"Agreed," Isabella chimed in. "We've done enough celebrating for one night."
Seraphina smiled at Ethan, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Happy birthday again, Ethan. Sleep well."
One by one, they bid him goodnight and disappeared into their rooms.
Soon, only Lilith remained.
For a moment, silence settled between them. Ethan expected her to say goodnight as well, but she didn't move. She just stood there, her crimson eyes locked onto his.
Something about her gaze made his chest tighten.
Then, slowly, she took a step forward.
Ethan barely had time to react before she reached for his hand, her fingers sliding between his.
"Dance with me," she whispered.
Her voice was soft, almost teasing, but there was something else beneath it.
Ethan hesitated. "Now?"
A smirk tugged at her lips. "Now."
Before he could think of an excuse, she pulled him in. Her body pressed against his—warm, soft, dangerously close.
The music from earlier still played in the background, but Ethan wasn't paying attention.
His focus was on her.
The way she moved—smooth, deliberate. The way her scent filled his senses. The way her fingers trailed lightly over his back as they swayed.
"You're stiff," she murmured, lips close to his ear.
Ethan let out a breath. "Not used to dancing."
Lilith chuckled. "You'll get used to it."
She led him in slow, careful steps, her touch guiding, teasing.
He swallowed, the warmth between them pressing closer, shifting the air between them into something else.
Then, a thought hit him. The house was too quiet.
Lilith noticed the change in his expression and smirked.
"Don't worry," she murmured. "They won't hear a thing."
She flicked her fingers, and a soft shimmer rippled through the air.
Ethan frowned. "What was that?"
"A little illusion spell," she said, tilting her head. "It blocks sound completely. And with their rooms already soundproof, well…" She trailed off, her smirk deepening.
Ethan swallowed.
Lilith was still moving, her body close, her fingers tracing over his chest. She wasn't just dancing anymore. She was pulling him in.
"Let's celebrate properly," she whispered.
Ethan exhaled, unsure whether she was teasing or serious.
Then, before he could question it, she leaned in and kissed him.
Soft at first, like she was testing him. Then deeper, pulling him in.
Ethan froze for a second, his mind blank. But before he could think too much, he found himself kissing her back.
Her fingers curled at the back of his neck, pulling him closer. She tasted like wine and something sweet he couldn't name, and for a moment, nothing else mattered.
When she finally pulled away, Ethan was breathless.
Lilith smiled, her crimson eyes dark with something unreadable.
"I've waited long enough," she murmured.
Ethan ran a hand over his face, trying to gather his thoughts.
Lilith just chuckled, brushing a finger along his jaw.
"Happy birthday, Ethan," she whispered.
Then, without another word, she took his hand and led him to the nearest couch, and Lilith slowly straddled him, her red gown riding up her hips, revealing the smooth, creamy skin of her thighs.