There, standing behind a tree, was a young girl. She looked to be somewhere around Damon's age, peeking her head cautiously from behind the trunk where she hid in an attempt to avoid Damon and Lilith's gaze.
There was a small tear welling in her eyes, and she looked haggard. Her clothes were torn in several places, and the fabric that still clung together carried smeared patches that revealed how worn and poor she was.
It was just a frightened young girl.
Damon glanced at Lilith, who nodded at him before she cautiously stepped forward. Her movements were measured, careful not to startle the child.
"Hello," she said softly, waving with a thin smile.
The girl's lips quivered. She swallowed, fear trembling in her voice as she whispered, "Hel...jello."
She seemed so harmless... so...
Her head flew off her shoulders. Blood sprayed across Lilith's face. She froze, her eyes wide as she turned sharply toward Damon in shock.
