Damon remained silent for a few seconds after her last sentence.
There was no provocation there. No trap.
Just truth.
He relaxed his posture slightly, resting his forearms on his legs, and let out a slow sigh.
"So…" he finally said, with a tired half-smile. "I think it's fair to start the right way."
He turned slightly in bed to face her better, maintaining a respectful distance.
"My name is Damon. Just Damon."
She observed his face for a moment longer than necessary, as if memorizing every detail. Then she nodded slightly.
"Lily," she replied. "That's the name I chose to use among humans… and allies."
"Nice to meet you, Lily."
"The pleasure is mine," she said, and this time the smile was simple. Almost shy.
There was a brief, comfortable silence. The rare kind that doesn't need to be filled.
Lily was the first to speak again.
"I am a faithful follower of Lilith," she said bluntly. "Not just out of devotion… but by choice."
Damon tilted his head, attentive.
