EPISODE 2: DIFFERENT

As Lilith walked into homeroom, she was greeted by a familiar voice calling out, "Hey Frida!" She turned to see her friends Nick and Mira waving her over to the seat they'd saved. Nick, with his blonde hair and bright blue eyes, sported a cool blue jacket and relaxed-fit brown jeans. Mira, with her sleek black hair, wore a stylish black hoodie paired with a crisp white skirt. Lilith's face lit up with a smile as she made her way over to them, slipping into the seat between her friends. "So, how were your holidays?" Nick asked, a smile of curiosity.

Lilith scanned the ordinary classroom, her expression darkening with disapproval. "Which they were longer," she replied grimly, before dramatically collapsing onto her table. "Coming to Soulwing High School as a student is incredibly stressful and psychologically taxing," she declared.

Nick offered a gentle smile and patted her head soothingly. "You poor thing." Lilith's gaze snapped up, her tone taking on a petulant edge. "Why are you treating me like a helpless child?" But as she spoke, she leaned into his hand, her voice softening to a childlike whisper, "Though I do like the head pat."

Mira couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. Just then, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Charles, entered the room, and the chatter ceased. The students' eyes fixed on him, sensing something off. Mr. Charles's usual warmth was absent, replaced by a grim, lifeless expression.

"Mr. Charles seems different," Mira whispered.

Lilith's response was laced with sarcasm, "You mean he isn't the happy, jolly man I hate so much?" But her attention wasn't on the conversation; her eyes were fixed on Mr. Charles's hands. The golden bracelet with a red gem, usually a staple on his wrist, was nowhere to be seen. A knowing smile spread across her face as she relaxed into her chair, her mind whirring with possibilities.

As the school day ended, Lilith gathered her belongings and bid farewell to her friends Mira and Nick, who invited her to the movies. "Sorry, I have plans," Lilith said, shouldering her bag. "Another time, no hard feelings?" Mira and Nick exchanged disappointed glances, but Nick smiled and said, "Nah, it's cool."

Outside the school, Lilith's brother Cuervo waited for her. "Ready to head home?" he asked. However, Lilith's attention was diverted by Mr. Charles, her homeroom teacher, walking out of the school building. "Actually, I'm going to hang out with some friends," she said, her eyes fixed on Mr. Charles.

Cuervo shrugged and walked away, leaving Lilith to follow Mr. Charles from a distance. Later that evening, Cuervo arrived home and found their mother watching a horror movie on the big screen TV in the parlor. "Good evening, Mother," Cuervo greeted respectfully.

His mother smiled warmly and asked, "Where's your sister?" Cuervo replied, "She's hanging out with friends," before asking about their father. "He's at an important meeting," their mother said. Cuervo nodded and headed to his room.

Meanwhile, Lilith continued to discreetly follow Mr. Charles, her mind racing with curiosity about his unusual behavior.

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