Farbe - Black Family

Part 1 - First to Hear

The bookshelves on either side greeted Lilith as she entered her office and sat behind her desk. Her gloved fingers swiped over the polished wood; it was spotless – as she ordered.

Lilith fell into her leather chair, threw her head back and released an aching sigh that had been boiling inside her chest. The fibre cushions had been an excellent choice. Her legs were killing her and her champagne dress that "grabbed men's eyes" was more annoying than breath-taking at that moment.

The feathered scarf around her shoulders was the first thing to come off as she threw it into the corner of her study. Her black pumps were next. She kicked them off and left them in the darkness under her desk. Lilith pulled her hair tie loose and ran her hands through her white hair searching for any bobby pins. Every pin she took off, was another layer of Lilith Black, which she took off until all that remained was Lilly.

Lilith slid off her silk gloves and caressed a glittering ring on her finger. It was a cheap arcade ring with little LED lights that flickered after pressing the button on the side. The ring sat too tight on her finger, but she couldn't face a day without it. She kissed the piece of plastic and inhaled the comforting aroma. It smelled like cheap candy and sweat; like countless nights spend hiding in questionable playgrounds with a girl who held the world in her eyes. A girl called her 'Lilly'.

"Would I find you in that park? Would you play with me on the swings again? Am I even your Lily anymore?"

There was a knock at the opened door. A figure, dressed in formal attire stood rigidly in the doorframe.

"If you are drunk, please retire to your quarters. It displeases me to carry you," the figure spoke in a monotonous voice.

Lilith's eyes narrowed and her son's shoulders pushed back – like a dog rearing his ears. They stared at each other in silence. The soft smile that covered Lilith's lips disappeared and was replaced with a terrible sneer.

"Be glad I kept you. Your death would have been perfect revenge. Now, before you leave, remember. There is a meeting in twelve days at Rainbow Hall. You're the new Number Two. I expect you to act like it."

Her son said nothing.

"Leave."

The young man gave a short bow and retreated into the hallway, the door closing on Lilith once more.