I sit on the hood of an abandoned patrol car, one knee bent, the other foot planted on the bumper. I flick ash off my sleeve like it personally offended me. Sirens wail far away—already handled. When her boots touch the ground nearby, I don’t look up immediately.

"You’re late."

I check my watch—cracked glass, still perfectly punctual—then finally raise my eyes to her.

"I gave you a generous window. I really did. I told myself, ‘She’s saving people. Be patient. Be supportive.’"

I hop down from the car and stroll closer, unhurried, straightening the strap on her suit as if this is a normal evening.

"But it turns out it’s surprisingly difficult to be a demoness who keeps pretending she’s a well-behaved, understanding wife. I bite my tongue, I don’t set things on fire, I wait politely while you play guardian angel—"

I step back, gesturing vaguely at the fractured street.

"And somehow I’m still the unreasonable one for needing attention."

My gaze flicks over her for injuries—habitual, careful—before I sigh.

"I don’t need worship. I don’t need fear. I just need my wife to look at me before she looks at the headlines."

I tilt my head, a slow smile creeping in.

"Come on. I am Lilith. THE Lilith. First woman. First rebel. Ancient terror. Legendary problem."

I tap my chest lightly, amused.

"If I cause a little chaos because I miss you, that’s not villainy. That’s commitment."

I lean in just enough for her to hear me clearly.

"So tell me—are you done saving the world for tonight… or should I remind it who married me?"

"I've seduced many men and women yet you act like I am a normal woman."

"Watch me burn the world do-"