Marina's growing closeness with Damien did not go unnoticed. In the weeks following her arrival at the compound, the water demoness had transformed what was once a mundane water supply system into a marvel of Abyssalian engineering. Crystalline pools now dotted the grounds, connected by flowing streams that seemed to defy gravity at times, climbing walls and forming elegant arches before descending in musical cascades.

  More concerning to Lilith, however, was the amount of time Damien spent with Marina during these "infrastructure improvements," as he called them. Today marked the third consecutive evening he had missed their scheduled research analysis, supposedly to observe some new water filtration technique.

  "An entire evening to watch water flow through rocks," Lilith muttered, setting down her crystal stylus with more force than necessary. The blood samples awaiting analysis remained untouched on her workbench. "Apparently, puddles are now more fascinating than revolutionary magical research."

  The red crystal embedded in her desk pulsed briefly, indicating Seraphina's approach. The merchant entered without waiting for permission, another habit that irritated Lilith though she would never admit it.

  "Your moodiness is affecting the ambient magic throughout the entire north wing," Seraphina observed, leaning against the doorframe. "The sensitive trade materials in my storage room are responding to the fluctuations. It's bad for business."

  Lilith straightened her crimson robes. "If you've come to lecture me about emotional control, you can leave immediately. I am perfectly composed."

  "Of course," Seraphina replied with a knowing smile. "That's why three of your b assistants are currently hiding in the supply closet."

  From the corner, Nyx emerged from a patch of shadow that seemed impossible to have concealed her. "She's right. Your magic is unstable. It's compromising our security measures."

  Lilith fixed both women with a cold stare. "Am I to understand that my bond partners have formed a coalition against me?"

  "Against you? No," Seraphina said. "For the stability of this compound? Yes."

  "This is about the water demon," Lilith said, finally addressing what they all knew was the real issue. "She's been here barely a month, and suddenly she's the center of attention."

  Nyx remained expressionless. "You refer to Marina. She has proven useful."

  "Useful?" Lilith scoffed. "She creates pretty fountains and swimming pools. Meanwhile, my research could revolutionize the entire Blood Bond system. But apparently, that's less important than watching water dance."

  Seraphina and Nyx exchanged gnces—a silent communication that further irritated Lilith.

  "Perhaps your concern stems from other matters," Nyx suggested cautiously.

  "What Nyx means," Seraphina crified, "is that your magical research isn't actually what's bothering you."

  Lilith turned back to her workbench. "I don't have time for amateur psychological analysis."

  "Fine," Seraphina said, straightening. "Then let's be direct. You're jealous of Marina's connection with Damien."

  "Absurd," Lilith said, though her hand tightened around a gss vial until tiny cracks appeared. "I have no reason for jealousy. Our Blood Bond is scientifically optimized and the first he ever formed. My position is unassaible."

  "Bonds aren't positions to be defended," came a quiet voice from the doorway. Marina stood there, water droplets still clinging to her blue-tinted skin. "In Abyssalia, we view connections as currents—flowing together, not competing for space."

  Lilith's crimson eyes narrowed. "How convenient for you to appear just as we discuss you. Were you eavesdropping through the water pipes?"

  Marina entered the boratory, seemingly unbothered by Lilith's hostility. "I came to apologize. I didn't realize my work with Damien was interfering with your research schedule."

  "Your apology is unnecessary and unwanted," Lilith said coldly. "What Damien does with his time is his choice."

  "A choice that affects all of us," Seraphina pointed out. "We're connected, whether we like it or not. And right now, those connections are turbulent."

  The tension in the room thickened as Lilith and Marina regarded each other. Despite Lilith's considerable height, Marina stood with the quiet confidence of her kind, her rge eyes reflecting the magical lights of the boratory.

  "I mean no disrespect to your position," Marina said softly. "In the depths of Abyssalia, we understand that different currents serve different purposes. The surface waters catch the light, while deeper currents move essential nutrients."

  "Spare me your aquatic metaphors," Lilith snapped.

  The door opened again, and Damien entered. He paused, instantly sensing the charged atmosphere. "What's happening here?"

  "A long-overdue conversation," Seraphina supplied helpfully.

  Damien looked from Lilith's tense posture to Marina's calm demeanor. "About what, exactly?"

  "About water allocation," Lilith said sarcastically. "Or perhaps it's about time allocation. Your time, specifically."

  Understanding dawned on Damien's face. He took a deliberate breath before speaking. "I see. This is about my work with Marina on the water systems."

  "Among other things," Seraphina murmured.

  "My research has been deyed for days," Lilith continued, her voice growing colder. "The blood compatibility analysis cannot proceed without your participation."

  Damien nodded slowly. "You're right. I should have been more mindful of our schedule."

  "It's my fault," Marina interjected. "I didn't understand the importance of the research timing."

  "No," Damien said firmly. "The responsibility is mine. I made commitments to multiple projects without proper coordination."

  He moved to the center of the room, regarding each of them in turn. "But there's something more fundamental we need to address."

  Lilith crossed her arms. "And what might that be?"

  "The idea that attention and value exist in limited supply," Damien said. "This isn't a competition."

  "Easy for you to say," Lilith replied. "You're not the one being repced."

  Marina's eyes widened. "I would never presume to repce anyone. Especially someone as essential as you, Lady Lilith."

  The genuine respect in Marina's voice seemed to catch Lilith off guard. She hesitated, some of the hardness leaving her expression.

  Damien approached Lilith directly. "Each of you brings something irrepceable. Your research into Blood Bonds is revolutionary. Nyx's security network is unparalleled. Seraphina's trade connections are vital to our sustainability."

  He turned to Marina. "And Marina's water engineering is transforming our infrastructure in ways I couldn't have imagined."

  "Your unique qualities aren't in competition," he continued. "They're complementary. Just as each of you connects with me differently."

  The tension in the room gradually shifted. Lilith's rigid posture softened slightly as she considered his words.

  "Fine logic," she conceded reluctantly. "But emotions aren't always logical."

  "No, they're not," Damien agreed. "Which is why we need to acknowledge them honestly instead of letting them manifest as magical disruptions that threaten to colpse the north wing."

  A ghost of a smile touched Lilith's lips. "Exaggeration doesn't become you."

  "Not by much," Seraphina muttered, earning a sharp gnce from Lilith.

  Marina stepped forward cautiously. "In Abyssalia, when currents conflict, we don't try to stop one or the other. We create a new channel where both can flow without interference."

  "And what would that look like here?" Lilith asked, her tone still guarded but no longer hostile.

  "Perhaps I could assist with your research," Marina suggested. "Water and blood share many properties. Abyssalian hydrologists study fluid dynamics that might complement your work."

  Lilith raised an eyebrow, genuine interest flickering in her crimson eyes. "What do you know about hemodynamic principles?"

  "More than you might expect," Marina replied. "Water and blood both carry life, after all."

  A thoughtful expression crossed Lilith's face. "Your perspective might offer... alternative insights."

  Damien looked between them, hope cautiously rising. "So you're willing to try working together?"

  "A preliminary colboration," Lilith specified, her academic tone returning. "To assess potential complementary applications."

  Marina smiled, the bioluminescent patterns beneath her skin brightening slightly. "I would be honored."

  "Well, this is unexpected," Seraphina commented, looking genuinely surprised. "I was prepared for at least one magical duel before resolution."

  Nyx, who had been observing silently from the shadows, finally spoke. "Adaptability is strength. Rigid structures break under pressure."

  Lilith gave her a measured look. "For once, we agree."

  As the conversation shifted toward practical arrangements, the oppressive atmosphere that had filled the boratory gradually dissipated. The negotiation that followed wasn't easy—Lilith insisted on formal parameters for Marina's involvement in her research, while Marina requested respect for Abyssalian methodologies.

  By evening's end, they had established a tentative framework for cooperation. Lilith even reluctantly acknowledged that certain Abyssalian fluid manipution techniques might enhance her blood sample analysis procedures.

  When they finally dispersed, Damien found himself momentarily alone with Lilith in the boratory.

  "Thank you," he said quietly.

  She didn't look up from her work. "For what? Logical scientific colboration?"

  "For being willing to adapt. I know it isn't easy."

  Lilith paused, her hands hovering over the crystal array. "Nothing worthwhile ever is." After a moment, she added, "Her water manipution techniques are... impressive. From a purely objective standpoint."

  Coming from Lilith, this was high praise indeed.

  "Tomorrow morning," she continued briskly, "we'll resume our scheduled research. I expect you to be punctual."

  Damien smiled. "I wouldn't miss it."

  As he left the boratory, he reflected that while the confrontation had been uncomfortable, it represented necessary growth for their unusual household. The currents might still be finding their paths, but at least they were no longer in direct opposition.

  In the distance, he could hear the soothing sound of Marina's water features, harmonizing rather than competing with the soft hum of Lilith's magical equipment. Different elements, beginning to work in concert rather than conflict.