Lilith straddled Ethan, her crimson eyes locked onto his as her soft fingers traced the outline of his jaw.
She could feel the tension in his body, the hesitation that still lingered in his movements. But she didn't rush him.
Instead, she leaned in, pressing her lips against his in a slow, deep kiss.
Ethan stiffened at first but quickly melted into it. Lilith moved with deliberate slowness, her lips teasing his, her hands gliding up to his shoulders.
It wasn't just a kiss—it was a silent promise, a claim, a moment they both knew had been building for far too long.
His grip on her waist tightened instinctively, pulling her closer. He could feel the warmth of her body, the way she fit perfectly against him, like she belonged there.
Lilith smiled against his lips, sensing the shift in his body. "Relax, Ethan," she murmured, her breath warm against his skin.
"Tonight is about you."
Ethan swallowed hard. Her words sent a shiver through him, but he wasn't sure if it was from her touch or the sheer weight of the moment.
She didn't stop.
Her lips moved to his jaw, then his neck, slow and teasing, as her hands traced his chest.
The soft glow of candlelight flickered around them, casting golden hues on her skin, making her seem almost ethereal.
Ethan's breathing grew heavier. Every movement, every touch, sent heat coursing through him.
His senses were overwhelmed—not just by Lilith, but by the way she completely dominated the space around him.
Then, suddenly, a wave of warmth surged through his body.
It wasn't from Lilith. It was something else.
Ethan stiffened, his breath hitching as an intense heat spread through his veins.
And then—
Ding!!
A familiar voice rang in his mind.
[Congratulations, Master, on receiving your First Awakening Gift!]
Ethan's body froze, his mind barely processing the words.
The warmth intensified, spreading through his muscles, his bones, his very core. It wasn't painful, but it was powerful—like his body was suddenly adjusting to something it was always meant to be.
Lilith noticed the change instantly. She pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing. "Ethan?"
Hearing her call him out, Ethan wanted to respond, but he was stooped.
This is because the system continued.
Ding!!
[Since this is your first step as an Incubus, I've prepared a special gift to help you handle what's ahead.]
A surge of energy flooded his senses, and for the first time, Ethan felt it—the change.
His vision sharpened. The dim light in the room was suddenly clearer than ever, every detail now crisp and vivid.
He could see the fine strands of Lilith's hair, the faint rise and fall of her chest, and the flicker of candlelight reflecting in her crimson eyes.
His hearing heightened. He could pick up the soft rhythm of Lilith's breathing, the distant crackle of the flames in the lanterns, and even the faint rustle of the wind outside.
His body felt different. Stronger. Lighter. Like his muscles had been rebuilt into something more refined, more powerful.
Then came the final notifications.
Ding!!
[You have received Incubus Physique (Stage 1)!]
[A permanent upgrade that enhances stamina, strength, and endurance. You will no longer experience exhaustion, and your recovery speed will drastically increase.
Additionally, your charm and your body's natural resilience have been improved.]
Ethan inhaled sharply. His fingers twitched, his grip tightening instinctively. He could feel it. This wasn't just a notification—his body had actually changed.
Ding!!
[New Passive Ability Unlocked: Endless Stamina – Your energy never runs out, ensuring peak performance at all times.]
Ding!!
[New Passive Ability Unlocked: Reinforced Core – Your body is now optimized for strength, endurance, and adaptability.]
Ding!!
[New Passive Ability Unlocked: Perfect Match – Your body will always adjust to your partner, ensuring complete compatibility at all times.]
Ethan let out a slow, steady breath, feeling power course through him.
He clenched his fists. His body felt alive in a way he had never experienced before. His heart was still racing, but not from nerves—this time, it was something else entirely.
Lilith narrowed her eyes, studying him. "Something feels different about you, Ethan."
Ethan looked at her, and for the first time, there was no hesitation in his gaze.
A slow grin spread across his lips. "You have no idea."
Lilith tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "Then show me," she whispered.
This time, Ethan didn't hesitate.
He moved.
With newfound confidence, he pulled Lilith against him, his lips crashing into hers with more intensity than before.
This wasn't just him responding—he was taking the lead, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her flush against him.
Lilith let out a small, pleased hum, clearly enjoying his shift in energy.
She smirked against his lips. "Well, well… looks like someone's feeling bold."
Ethan exhaled a chuckle, his hands sliding up her back. "You started this," he murmured.
"I'm just keeping up."
Lilith let out a soft laugh, pleased by his words. "Good."
She pressed her forehead against his, her eyes locked onto his.
"Because I'm not stopping."
Ethan felt his pulse quicken, but this time, it wasn't nerves—it was anticipation.
And for the first time in his life, he wasn't just following along.