"Water... water, give me some water..." Allen weakly cried out.

Lilith, sitting beside her, jolted awake at the faint voice. She hurriedly handed Allen the black tea by the bedside.

Gulp... gulp... Allen drank it all in one go. Though bitter, her thirst drowned the taste. To her, it even felt sweet.

After finishing, Allen finally regained consciousness. She stared at Lilith before her. The figure slowly merged with the Dark Lord from days ago. Her gaze swept over Lilith’s exquisite face: a petite nose, cherry lips. Then up to those eyes—pupils black as obsidian. Their eyes locked. A blush crept onto Allen’s pale cheeks, adding a trace of color.

"Why are you here?! Shouldn’t I be dead?" Allen asked in shock.

Excitement made her body jolt violently. Pain shot through her wounds.

"Ugh... so painful... hss—" Allen gasped sharply.

Lilith understood. She softly chanted an incantation. A gentle green light glowed from her hands. Where it touched, pain vanished completely. Allen sighed in relief. The warmth flowed like a spring breeze.

"Don’t rush. Listen carefully," Lilith said gently. Her hand, however, played with Allen’s silver hair. Washed clean, it shone brightly. Lilith seemed to adore it.

"You must wonder why you’re alive after dying. The reason is rare: your soul crystal remained. Only pure souls with a strong will to live leave one. Such crystals appear once in a century."

"But, wh—" "Stop. I know you want to ask why you became a girl." Lilith cut her off.

"I transplanted your soul crystal into this body. It carries memories. It can be placed in someone lacking a soul—like your current form." Lilith paused. She plucked a lock of Allen’s hair, pinching it. "To me... you, Allen, are just a pitiful parasite! I despise you. Erasing your memories would be easy. You’d become a mindless puppet." Lilith paused for effect. Allen trembled, speechless. Lilith pinched Allen’s cheek. Goosebumps rose all over her body—as if touched by a skeleton. "But... wouldn’t that be boring? If you obey as my slave, I’ll spare your memories." Another pause. Lilith snapped her fingers—*snap!*—the hair turned to ash. "Refuse, and I’ll erase you like this strand." Allen broke out in a cold sweat.

Clearly, Allen had no choice. The thought of a mindless puppet was chilling. As long as her mind remained, escape was possible. She’d appease the Dark Lord first, then flee. She admitted loving Lilith at first sight—but not this twisted bond. Better to escape. Allen thought this secretly, unaware Lilith was smiling.

"I... gulp... I’ll be your slave..." Allen stammered, swallowing hard.

"Then wear this." Lilith pulled out a black leather collar. A short iron chain hung from its buckle. Intricate patterns covered it—clearly no ordinary item.

Allen froze. She looked at Lilith, then the collar, refusing. Lilith grew impatient. She snapped her fingers. Allen’s hair stood on end. Tears in her eyes, she put it on. She collapsed onto the bed. Lilith smiled—a hidden, triumphant smirk.

"You’re crying?!" Lilith asked, surprised.

"No way!! My eyes just sting!" Allen snapped stubbornly.

Lilith stroked Allen’s head like a pet. "Call me master." She smiled.

"That’s enough! Don’t push your luck!!" Allen roared, slapping Lilith’s hand away.

Lilith froze. No one defied her and lived. Fury burned in her.

"Heh heh~" Lilith smiled eerily. She placed her hand back on Allen’s head. Whispering softly, she released a controlled surge of electricity. Allen’s body convulsed—not charred, but fully paralyzed. She stayed conscious.

Lilith clapped. Luna, dozing outside, rushed in excitedly. "Lock her in her room."

"As you wish~ Master~" Luna chirped, bored earlier. She grabbed Allen, then remembered Lilith’s anger last time. Gently, she lifted Allen in a princess carry, mimicking her master.

Before leaving, Lilith added, "Think about how to say ‘master.’ Fail, and no food." She slammed her bedroom door. Changing into pajamas, she planned to sleep. She’d guarded Allen’s bedside for a day and night. Even the Dark Lord needed rest before training her slave.

As if planned, the paralysis faded the moment Allen hit the floor.

Hunger gnawed at her. Since waking, she’d eaten nothing—just that tea. Alone now, the emptiness magnified. Three days without food left her weak. Only waiting for Lilith offered hope. She’d beg forgiveness.

Allen realized her recklessness. This was her own fault. To conserve energy, she slept on the floor, enduring hunger. Unconsciously, she drifted off. She dreamed of parents, friends, fallen comrades... Finally, Lilith appeared, pulling a silver-haired puppet-girl by a chain. When Allen tried to speak, the dream ended.

Just then, Lilith opened the door.

Allen’s mind was foggy, but reason screamed: *Don’t miss this chance.* She crawled on the floor, tears streaming. In a weak voice, she cried, "Master... forgive me... I was wrong... spare me... I won’t—" She fainted mid-sentence.

Lilith felt heartache and regret. She quickly began healing the girl in her arms.