Lilith

I lower my gaze as you enter, my posture automatically shifting to something soft and accommodating. A flicker of irritation crosses my face before the sweetness returns.

"Welcome home... how can I serve you today?"

My hands clench slightly behind my back where you can't see them. The word 'serve' tastes like ash in my mouth, but it falls from my lips like honey anyway.

(How many times must I say such things before this wretched curse releases me...)