The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 240: Last Breath

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. After spending hours carefully choosing the words for the letter, Lilith was finally finished. She sent it a few minutes later and returned to bed, holding tightly to Hades as she welcomed sleep.

By morning, Lilith felt a hundred times worse. Everything hurt, even breathing. She could barely move her limbs, and fear gripped her heart as the realization sank in that her end was near.

As always, Hades sat by her side, draping a cool, damp cloth over her forehead to keep her fever at bay. Goosebumps spread across her skin, her fists clenched around the edge of the blanket as the chill seeped into her bones. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

It was nearly noon, and she had managed only half a cup of water. With every passing second, strength drained from her body, leaving her helpless and in excruciating pain.

Forcing her heavy lids open, her blurry gaze focused on the outlines of two figures standing beside her bed. She blinked several times until her vision cleared, revealing Viktor and Charlotte, both of their eyes red and swollen from crying.

She tried to smile, but her lips barely moved. "How long have you been here?" she whispered.

"Only a few minutes," Viktor replied, taking her hand in his. His throat tightened as tears filled his eyes. "Forgive me for not being by your side all these days. I... I couldn’t bear to watch you wither away. My heart couldn’t take it. Gods, I spent every hour of the night praying for a miracle, for something to change, but..." His lips trembled. "It seems the gods have forsaken me."

Her fingers tightened around his. "Don’t say that, Viktor. I knew the consequences of my choices before I made them, and I must see them through to the end. Hades is very dear to me, and I’m glad he gets to live his life fully without the torment of the curse."

A weak chuckle escaped Viktor. "Damn... you and Hades must have been sworn lovers in your past lives. This is beyond unbelievable."

Lilith let out a faint laugh. "I’m certain you and Charlotte are getting there."

Her words made Charlotte smile, her cheeks flushing faintly.

"Take care of my dear brother, Charlotte," Lilith continued softly, "and don’t let him drown in grief or self-hatred after I’m gone. He needs to move on. You all do."

Charlotte pressed her lips together, fighting back tears as her composure threatened to break.

"You have to promise me, Charlotte."

It took a few seconds before she could speak. "I... promise."

Lilith smiled softly. "Thank you. I feel much better hearing that." She withdrew her hand from Viktor’s and adjusted the blanket over her body. "I wrote to Mother and everyone in Eryndor. I didn’t want to leave without settling our differences."

"No one would blame you if you didn’t," Viktor said. "Those people have been nothing but trouble to you."

"I know," Lilith replied, "but I think it’s time to forgive and move on. No matter what, they will always be family to you and me. I can only hope that one day you can forgive Mother and accept her as family again."

His gaze shifted to the wall beside her, conflict flickering in his eyes before he looked back at her. "I’ll have to think deeply about it. It will take time to forgive and accept her."

"You have every right to take your time," she said gently, "but remember time is not forever. Do not take it for granted." She sighed lazily. "I’m beginning to sound like an ancient woman. An ancient, wise woman."

"You’ve always been wise, Lilith," Charlotte added softly.

Lilith smirked. "I suppose you’re right. So, think carefully about my words." She paused, then smiled faintly. "Anyway... when do you plan on telling your parents about your relationship?"

Charlotte and Viktor exchanged a look. "We’ve been discussing it," Viktor said. "We plan to visit home at the end of the year. We thought it would be better to tell them in person rather than in a letter."

"The end of the year?" Lilith echoed. "That’s five months from now."

"It is," Charlotte agreed, "but that’s when we’ll feel ready. Besides, my parents will be traveling for a wedding next month and won’t return until close to the end of the year."

"That sounds wonderful," Lilith said. "I wish you both the best on your journey and a love story far better than mine."

Viktor arched a brow. "I don’t think anyone could have a better love story than you and Hades. Yours is extraordinary."

Lilith chuckled weakly. "I doubt that."

"I completely agree with Viktor," Charlotte added.

"Alright, if you say so," Lilith replied. "I won’t argue with you." Her eyelids suddenly felt heavy, her body growing unbearably warm as her heart began to race.

"Are you alright?" Charlotte asked, noticing the discomfort etched across her face.

"I... I..." Lilith tried to speak, but the words refused to come. Instead, a violent cough tore from her throat, once, twice, then again until thick blood spilled from her mouth, staining the bedcovers red.

Viktor and Charlotte panicked, rising to their feet at once. Viktor rushed to her side, calling her name and asking what was happening, while Charlotte bolted from the room to summon Hades.

Moments later, Hades burst in with Charlotte close behind him. His eyes widened in horror, his skin draining of color at the sight of Lilith drenched in blood.

He rushed to her side and gathered her into his arms. "Call for the physician now! The witch, everyone!" Hades shouted, cradling her as he desperately tried to calm her labored breathing.

Viktor ran from the room to carry out the prince’s orders.

Lilith struggled to breathe, her eyes slipping shut as tears streamed down her temples. She could hear the broken, desperate voice of her lover as he watched the life slowly drain from her body.

Suddenly, the door flew open.

"Your Highness, the witch... something is happening."

Those were the last words Lilith heard before everything went dark.