Gloom in Gold: The Awakening

Chapter Thirteen

Clement.

Lilith waited patiently as the coffee machine filled her cup with brown gold. She sprinkled a spoon of sugar and a splash of milk within, mixed it and smiled once taking a sip.

"Hello Lilith."

She looked up from her cup to find Maddox approach her. Her eyes widened and chin dropped slightly as she realized the state this poor man was in. Exhaustion was an understatement. The shadows beneath his eyes seemed to challenge the darkness of her orbs. His own dull, somewhat lost and half closed.

"Oh, hello Maddox." He toppled over to the coffee machine and pressed the espresso button five times before he leaned against the counter, eyelids fluttered shut. She eyed him with concern and placed a palm on his arm. He flinched harsh and she quickly pulled her hand away again. She muttered an apology and looked into eyes that flashed with anger for a moment. "Are you feeling alright? You look... really tired."

His gaze softened and he smiled slightly. "I'm good. Just a little tired but otherwise perfect."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. What gives you reasons to doubt that?"

Her eyes flickered to the coffee machine. "You made yourself a fivefold espresso without placing a cup to the machine."

His orbs focused on the dark stream that flew right into the drainage of the machine. "Good argument."

Lilith smiled. "Why don't you take a seat? I'll make you a coffee, okay?"

"That is very kind." The warmth in his chest made him feel at ease and he let himself drop in one of the chairs, jacket propped onto the table lazily.

"It's nothing." Lilith prepared his drink and glanced at the man. "Do you want milk or sugar?"

"Nope. Coffee as black as my hair." She giggled at his comment and set his cup down in front of him. "Thank you."

"No worries." She took seat beside him and glanced at him. His skin was grayish, face somewhat fallen in. "Can I help you with anything at all? You need to rest."

"Why comes that you are so full of worry now but were calm a few hours ago?"

She crooked a brow. "I was asleep then. I woke up just half an hour ago."

Maddox gaze filled with confusion. "But you visited me in my office."

"Maddox, that was two days ago." She placed her coffee down, both palms on his arm. "Have you not slept since then?"

"Two days?" He took a mouthful of his drink, ignoring the temperature. "Apparently I have not."

She whispered his name and caressed his arm softly. "So much work?"

"Yes," he sighed.

"You still must sleep. You look like you're about to collapse."

He placed a hand on one of hers and smiled. "I appreciate you caring, Lilith, but I reassure you that you have no need to worry about me."

She looked into his eyes for the longest moment. "Alright. But you'll get some rest today, okay?"

"I promise that I will."

She left her hand at his, raising her cup to her lips every now and then. They were silently enjoying their coffee together and she loved spending time with him, touching him. Only at the abscence she felt the pull even harder. She still felt the pull towards the others, those she could see every day, but Maddox was different. She missed him every day, just like Erros.