Secrets of the Solomons

(Chapter 3: The Butcher) 1. Fiona:

*20 September, 2024*

I spent the last week in my bedroom. Andros took care of the murders for me. It took a week for me to show courage and show my face in front of my family. I was relieved to finally be able to leave my room and face my family. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was time to confront the situation head-on. Just how long would I cry about the fact that I murdered someone for the first time? I have to get used to it. I must get used to it. I must find a way to live with the guilt and move forward. It's a heavy burden to carry, but I have to find a way to cope and continue with my life.

I took a deep breath and made my way downstairs. The servants greeted me with a bow as they walked past and worked. Whispering. I knew they were talking about me and about what I had done. I couldn't let it consume me; I had to stay strong and keep moving forward.

I walked into the breakfast room for the first time since jail and sat down. My three brothers glanced up, and my sister almost choked on her coffee. My eldest brother is in jail too, so I don't see him around. The three triplets look at me and scoff, "Look, who finally decided to show her face?" I ignored Luke's comments and focused on my breakfast, determined to not let their judgment affect me. After all, I had paid my dues and was ready to start fresh. My sister's eyes softened as she reached out to touch my hand, silently offering her support.

"Murderer," Luke mutters under his breath as he looks at me with disdain. "You mean your savior? If I hadn't done it, Dad would've gotten rid of you first, drug addict. And don't blame. I did it for my survival." I snap. Luke opens his mouth to retort, but the eldest of the three, Lucifer, cuts him off. "Watch your tongue, Fiona. We aren't just anyone on the streets. We have a reputation to uphold and cannot afford any slip-ups. And we are powerful and influential, and we don't respond kindly to disrespect. Speak with respect. We are your older brothers." Luke glares at me but remains silent. Lucifer's warning lingers in the air as a reminder of the consequences of crossing them.

"You forget your place in the social hierarchy. I am at the top, Lucifer. And the next time you try rebuking me as an older brother, make sure you were one in the first place." With a sharp tone, I assert my authority and remind Lucifer of his place in the family dynamic. Our positions are clear, and I will not tolerate any challenges to my status as the successor. He may be older, but I am the one who holds the power and control in this family. Lucifer's attempt to assert dominance will not be tolerated, and I will make sure he knows his place moving forward.

He gulps and looks away. Lucius, the youngest of the three, seems a bit hurt. I ignore it. If I am to be queen, I need to learn to be cold. I must establish my dominance early on to ensure a smooth transition of power. Lucius will understand in time that this is necessary for the greater good of our family. I must maintain the social hierarchy within the family if I am to be in control.

Before Lucifer can find something to say, my sister, the current eldest of us all, cuts him off and says, "Enough. Stop fighting before Mom comes into the room with breakfast. I will not tolerate any bickering at the breakfast table." Lucifer and I exchange a quick glance, both realizing the truth in her words. We may have our differences, but we must present a united front for the sake of our family's reputation. As we sit in silence, I make a mental note to work on my cold exterior, knowing that it is essential for my future.

"How did you even get away with it?" Lucius inquires. I smirk. It seems unreal. Just a few days ago, I couldn't eat because I was shocked by my newfound ability to kill without hesitation. I felt repulsed and disgusted by myself. Now I can smirk it off and even feel proud that I got away with it. The transformation is unsettling, but I know it's necessary for survival in our world. Lucius watches me closely, his eyes betraying a mix of admiration and fear. I realize that my cold exterior may be more effective than I initially thought. "I took care of it. You need not worry. No police officer will show up on our doorstep demanding I be arrested." I brush off the guilt that threatens to resurface, reminding myself that this is the reality of our existence now. Lucius nods in approval, a faint smile playing on his lips. My heart races with the thrill of power and control, knowing that I am capable of protecting us all at any cost.

Lucifer and Luke shrug. Both of them speak out at the same moment, but Luke stays quiet, letting Lucifer speak. "It looks like you've got it handled," Lucifer says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Luke remains silent, with a knowing look in his eyes that makes me wonder if he sees through my facade. I quickly changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on the uneasy feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. "Why would you let them arrest Abaddon? I understand why you did what you did with our father. But why him? He's our oldest brother."

My response is quick: "Because he attempted to assassinate me. He and Father had it planned and sent out some assassins after me while I was in prison." Lucifer's expression darkens, his eyes narrowing as he processes my words. "Abaddon has always been power-hungry," he mutters, his tone filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. I can sense the tension in the room rising as we all grapple with the betrayal of our brother. "But I never would've thought he would go that far to attack one of us." I nod in agreement, knowing that Abaddon's actions have shattered the fragile trust we had among ourselves. As we contemplate our next move, the realization dawns on us that our family dynamics have been forever altered by this act of treachery.

My mother walks in. With a happy smile. "Hello, my children," she says cheerfully, unaware of the turmoil in the room. I smile at her. So do all my siblings. No matter how much bad blood we all have with each other, we always come together for our mother. For her who saved me before I could kill myself. We may be divided in many ways, but our love for our mother unites us in a way that nothing else can. Despite the betrayal we have experienced, her presence brings a sense of peace and unity to our fractured family.