A Silent Protector

Lilith waved at Apollyon from the top of the large rock structure near the waterfall. She wanted him to join her, and with a swift step, Apollyon instantly appeared beside her.

Lilith extended her arm toward the waterfall. "Look at how big and beautiful it looks from up here. You can still see the rainbow. Isn't it stunning?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with joy and wonder.

Apollyon always found a profound sense of peace in this place, and sharing it with Lilith only deepened that feeling. The serenity of the waterfall, combined with the vibrant rainbow, filled him with an immense pleasure. "Yes," he replied, a soft smile on his face.

"Let's sit here for a while," Lilith suggested, her voice filled with contentment. She hung her legs over the edge of the large rock structure, letting them dangle freely. Apollyon sat next to her and let her enjoy the sight.

"The place where I lived in the downside of the mountain was also peaceful like this. But it's more magical here," Lilith remarked, meeting his gaze.

"I know. I used to be there when you were young, living alone by yourself," Apollyon stated, peering into her eyes. He recalled how the young Lilith would have to take care of her meals all by herself and at night, she would be scared of the dark.

"When? I never saw you," Lilith stated.

"Lilith, I couldn't give you a proper protection when you were a little girl. For two years, I did that, not letting anyone find out about whereabouts," Apollyon revealed to her.

Lilith recalled how she would find baskets of food outside her house—fruits, vegetables, and even meat. "Were you the one who always left edible things for me outside the house?" she asked, curiosity and gratitude in her voice.

Apollyon hadn't intended to reveal this secret, but now that the truth was out, he saw no reason to hide it. "Yes," he admitted.

"You did it for two years, Apollyon!" Lilith asserted. "And then you disappeared. I missed you and thanked that mysterious person in my prayers every day."

"I wish I could have kept you in a better place," Apollyon murmured, regret evident in his tone.

"Where did you disappear to for eight years?" Lilith then asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and hurt.

"I got engrossed in the kingdom's work. And when my mother visited me, I stopped coming to your house. I didn't want any of the devils to find out about you," Apollyon explained truthfully.

"Oh," Lilith said softly, processing his words.

"I came to see you when you were nineteen. Do you remember the night of that huge storm? It was the most vicious one in many years. I was worried about you. I sneaked out of the palace to make sure you were safe. And that was the moment when I fell for you," Apollyon confessed, his eyes holding the deep love for her.

Lilith remembered that night vividly. The storm was so fierce, and the darkness so overwhelming, that she feared for her life. Her entire room was pitch black until she noticed a soft, steady light emanating from the small room adjacent to hers—a lantern glowing brightly against the storm's fury.

"Was that you?" Lilith asked, her voice filled with wonder. "You used magic to keep the light of the lantern on, didn't you?"

Apollyon hummed in acknowledgment, a small smile playing on his lips.

Lilith lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't believe you were always there to protect me," she murmured. Lifting her gaze to meet his eyes, she asked, "Then, why did you choose to bring me to the palace when I turned twenty?"

"Because the kingdom was finally stable. I wanted everything to be peaceful when you entered my palace," Apollyon stated, his voice firm yet tender.

Touched by his words, Lilith leaned in and kissed his lips, a gesture of gratitude and love. Smiling at him, she said, "Thank you for everything, Apollyon," her voice filled with genuine affection.

She hugged him tightly, closing her eyes and feeling a profound sense of security in his embrace. The sound of the waterfall and the presence of the man who had silently protected her for so long made her feel truly at peace.