Lilith stepped into the fitting room and began changing. She struggled briefly with the leather belt's clasp. She tried pressing the runic latch, but it wouldn't budge. Her Ether—her innate power—wasn't designed for mundane locks.
Frustrated, she raised her voice.
"Clara! Come here," Lilith called from the fitting room, her tone firm and commanding, as if addressing a Sentinel.
Clara, who had been folding fabric near the counter, froze. "Do you need something, Lilith?"
"Yes, come help me with the belt," Lilith replied, no hint of hesitation in her voice.
Clara blinked, uncertain. It wasn't common for customers to ask for help inside the fitting room—but her professionalism won over her shyness. She stepped inside carefully.
The moment she did, her heart kicked hard in her chest. Lilith was standing there, wearing only the dark fitted pants while holding the shirt against her side. The pale smoothness of her skin under the amber light, the sharp contrast of her crimson eyes—it was all too much.
The enchanted leather hugged Lilith's shape perfectly, every curve outlined with intimidating precision.
Lilith, seemingly unaware of the effect she had, gestured calmly.
"It's the belt. The clasp—something's off. I can't lock it."
Clara swallowed hard and approached. "Right… it's a low-rank rune lock. Keeps thieves from unclasping it during combat," she managed, though her voice came out thinner than usual.
She reached around Lilith's waist, fingers brushing the cool metal. For a heartbeat, she could feel the warmth of Lilith's body radiating through the soft fabric. Her breath faltered. She aligned the runes, pressed the latch—and it clicked shut.
"There. Done," Clara said quickly, stepping back before her pulse betrayed her.
Lilith glanced at her through the mirror. "Thank you, Clara. You're very efficient."
Clara nodded stiffly. "Try the shirt now," she said, keeping her eyes on the floor.
Lilith slipped into the gray charcoal blouse, the fabric accentuating her silhouette in a way that looked effortlessly regal. When she finally stepped out to the large mirror, Clara followed.
"It looks perfect on you," Clara said softly, her voice carrying a faint tremor. "It really brings out your figure."
Her eyes lingered longer than they should have, tracing every movement of Lilith's reflection before she caught herself. A strange warmth spread through her chest—a feeling she couldn't quite place. "Why am I reacting like this?" she wondered, an uneasy confusion curling in her stomach. "I've never… felt this about a woman before."
Lilith caught her gaze in the mirror and smiled faintly.
"Thank you for the compliment, but if you keep looking at me like that, I'll start blushing," she teased, her tone smooth as silk.
The store went completely silent. Clara's heart skipped a beat. She turned bright red, bringing her hands to her face.
"Haha!" Lilith laughed, light and genuine. "Relax, darling. I'm only teasing."
Clara lowered her hands, still flushed but secretly relieved. "I'll… I'll prepare the bill and wrap everything up," she said quickly, retreating toward the counter—her thoughts a quiet storm of embarrassment, curiosity, and something she didn't dare name
"You're a really nice girl, Clara. Thanks for the help," Lilith said, her tone warm but effortlessly confident. "I'll come back another day so you can help me build a proper wardrobe—something truly impressive."
Clara's smile widened, her eyes shimmering with admiration. There was something more than professional satisfaction in her expression—something soft, unspoken.
"Thank you, Lilith! Please do come back. I'd love to help you again!" she said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement she hadn't meant to reveal.
Lilith smiled back, giving a graceful wave before heading toward the counter. She reached into a worn leather pouch and pulled out a handful of silver coins—old mint from her homeland. Clara didn't even flinch at the foreign design; the shine of the silver was proof enough of its worth.
As she wrapped Lilith's old clothes and handed her the new set, Clara found herself stealing one last glance at the woman's crimson eyes and calm, self-assured smile.
When Lilith turned and walked toward the door, Clara stood there for a heartbeat too long, her pulse refusing to settle. Why does she make me feel like this? she thought, confused but oddly exhilarated. It's just another customer… isn't it?
Lilith pushed the door open and stepped out, the soft chime of the bell marking her departure.