"Ren!" Lilith exclaimed in shock, but Ren didn't answer. He stood there, glaring at Valen.
"If you smile, I'll kill you." He repeated coldly.
Valen stared straight into his eyes, immediately getting the message Ren was sending. They both knew that Ren wasn't bluffing. Valen's lips twitched again as he glanced at Lilith, before stepping back slightly. He paused, his eyes flicking to Lilith.
"Enough." Ren said, turning fully to glare at Valen.
Valen hesitated, then nodded and stepped farther back.
"And you…" Ren exhaled, turning to Lilith.
Lilith stared at Ren, her expression shifting between guilt and frustration. Her lips parted, but no words came. Finally, she found her voice. "I'm sorry."
"Lilith... how many times do I have to tell you?" His voice wasn't angry. It was tired. He took a step closer. "You can't keep using Soul Dominion like this. Every time you do, a piece of you disappears. How am I supposed to protect you if you keep erasing everything about you?"
