Golden eyes flicked down to notice the man’s hands were trembling slightly and although Lilith did not acknowledge it, his compliment did not fall on deaf ears. [i]That’s right, be in awe of me. It’s about time something got to you. You’re finally starting to get it, the fact that you might just be in over your head. [/i]Her smile grew, Lilith no longer afraid to show her fangs.

“There is nothing human about me, dear, but if it comforts you to believe I’m more than just an animal, you may continue to think of me as such.” Crossing her legs and inspecting her nails, the fox intentionally made herself look as nonchalant as possible before continuing, “As for the hearts, I eat them, naturally. What else would you expect an animal to do with them?” There could be no mistaking the bitterness in Lilith’s tone every time she said the word ‘animal.’ She had no problem admitting what she was, but she did resent the demeaning connotation the word held for humans. They thought they were so high and mighty but it had not always been that way. Humans used to have respect for the powers an animal could hold. The fox spirit’s heart longed for the admiration and fear her very existence used to elicit. She craved a world where she could be known for what she is and respected for it. Her ego demanded the world come to worship her. She was the most powerful creature alive and the world would soon learn that, but first she needed a human form so that she could properly set the stage. After that, it was just a matter of time…

Looking up at Aleks through her dark lashes, Lilith finished answering his questions, “I need one thousand human hearts in order to become a human. I've eaten 297 so far.” She paused yet again, letting the number sink in. Aleks was steadily regaining his composure, but she expected this to catch him off guard. There was no way the young man was expecting a number that high even if he had suspected her to have more than 2 victims.

“As for your end of the deal, I can give you almost anything your heart desires. Wealth, power, intelligence, a long, healthy life… All you need to do is swear on your soul that you will help me get the hearts I need and your wish is my command.” She knew it sounded a bit too good to be true, but she wasn't lying. As long as he held up his end of the deal, a contract with the fox spirit could be very profitable. It seemed a curious trait for such a mischievous animal, but kitsune were true to their word. They kept their promises and were usually reliable in paying back a debt if you were lucky enough to find a fox indebted to you. It was only when humans grew too proud or failed to deliver on their promise that making a deal with a fox proved disastrous.