Lilith: Telosma's Kiss/Memory

Narration
I walked on to the brightly lit stage.
White feathers gracefully fell on the lovely dress, the crystal laurel gave off a brilliant reflection...
But my gorgeous face put them all to shame.
Under everyone's gaze, I held the microphone and slowly spoke a with a tinge of sentimentality.
Lilith
Thank you for loving me, Starheaven. It is a dreamlike bliss for me to win the Starheaven Swan.
I'll be going to the capital tomorrow for the Queen's election. Regardless of the outcome, I'll never forget you all. Love you all!
Narration
The crowd's cheers overshadowed the music. I scanned every familiar yet strange, obsessive face below the stage.
Excited Judge
I'm very honored to witness the crowning of the most beautiful Starheaven Swan ever, Lilith!
You'll be the most stunning queen of Ninir!
Narration
I held my hand out for him to kiss.
I remember him. When "Ashley" tried to sign up, he shooed me away and paper-cut my forehead when he threw the forms back at me.
Envious Women
One morning, I was sipping tea while reading the morning paper.
The biggest news was that the tenure for the Queen of Ninir was coming to an end.
Narration
I smiled at them.
They had long forgotten about that ugly duckling they tread on, picked on, and ridiculed since she was little.
These scum who treated Ashley like garbage were now jostling to kowtow before me. I felt the rush of sweet revenge.
Player Selection
▸ I feel very sad.
[Player]
I feel very sad at the pain you went through.
Narration
Pain? How can beautiful people experience pain? Pain is that disgusting Ashley who's long burnt to ashes.
I'm Lilith. We're two different people.
▸ Getting back at your bullies?
[Player]
Do you still seek revenge against those who bullied you?
Narration
Why would I? They love me now. It's human nature to embrace beauty and shun the ugly, so how could I blame them?
It's revenge against fate. It tried to deny me everything that I can now effortlessly get.
[*Scene background fades to black then to darkened stage*]

Narration
I returned backstage, where there was no light and the tall, wonderful devil awaited in the shadows.
The silent voice only magnified the lure in his eyes and voice.
Demon
Welcome back, my dear lady. Did you enjoy the night? How about the dress? Makeup? Passionate reception from the crowd?
Will you be happy with the Starheaven Swan crown?
Narration
He already knew the answer.
For a long time, he was always there for anything I wanted: beauty, power, the spotlight that plain ole Ashley craved.
He's disgustingly empathetic.
Lilith
I don't think so. The love of a small town will never be enough for me.
Narration
The demon actually showed contentment upon hearing that.
Demon
How about becoming the beloved Queen of Ninir?
Lilith
You can make that happen?
Demon
Of course. I can make any of your wishes come true.
Narration
I smiled and said nothing. I just took his hand and let him lead me into the darkness.
I knew full well he was hiding his contempt for me. He thought he could see right through me. He thought he could manipulate me.
But he was wrong. I'm no puppet. I'm no longer poor little Ashley, who had to beg for everything. I'm Lilith.
Could an insignificant demon really give Lilith all she wanted?
[End transcript]

### Chapter 2: What I Want

Narration
The third night in the capital, the demon took me a big mansion downtown.
It was a magnificent building featuring intricate landscapes, glistening pools, and elegant sculptures,
showing off affluence and status simply unimaginable in Starheaven.
I maintained composure, and examined my surroundings. Meanwhile, the devil was looking at me with his piercing eyes.
I knew what reaction he was expecting from me.
Any ordinary person would be in shock and awe.
But not Lilith. We sauntered through the huge flowery courtyard to the main door without a word.
Demon
This is the new life I have prepared for you, my lady.
Narration
I strolled through the main door into a lavish hall. Handsome uniformed servants lined both sides and bowed to me.
Servants
Welcome back, Miss Lilith.
Narration
One of them took my heavy coat. I could sense the stiff nervousness coming off of him, so I turned towards him and smiled.
Lilith
Thank you.
Narration
He paused, blushing, and wanted to speak before locking eyes with the Demon.
The Demon was behind me, smiling, but the extremely chilly kind.
The servant suddenly changed his expression, bowed in haste and retreated back in line. No one dared to even peek at me again.
Demon
Follow me, my lady. Your "parents" await you.
Lilith
Okay...
Narration
I frowned, but still followed him up the lavish stairs and through a long corridor to the study.
Mr. Glay is a Ninir legislator. Mrs. Glay is a doctor.
They have an officer son and daughter about the same age as me named Lizzy.
Lady
Oh, you're finally back, my adorable daughter Lilith! I missed you so much! Your room is ready. Should I take you?
Man
I signed you up for the election already, my dear Lilith. We will support you as always.
Narration
I examined their eyes devoid of emotion, and turned to the Demon.
Lilith
What's the meaning of this?
Demon
You'll need a new identity for the election, my lady.
Your father is a prominent official, and your mother is a very influential movie star.
They'll take care of your election and daily needs, with conditional love, of course.
Lilith
Love?
Narration
I yanked my hand back and shoved "my mother" down.
She got back up right away without blinking an eye, still smiling gently and kind.
Lilith
How can these puppets offer me love?
Player Selection
▸ How could you tell?
[Player]
Puppets? How could you tell?
Narration
Why don't you ask Ashley.
You'll become sensitive too, if you have always been living in hatred.
▸ Isn't that dangerous?
[Player]
Is it prudent to confront the Demon like that?
Narration
I've already gone too far to fear anything.
As for the demon, I grossly overestimated him, given the farce he just pulled.
Narration
I glared straight into his eyes and began shouting.
Lilith
Servants who fear me and soulless puppets for family? Is this the best you can do? Are you kidding me?
I want genuine love, from the bottom of the soul! I want everyone to lay by my feet, offering me their heart!
Demon
It is my fault. How would you want it, then? I shall redo this for you.
Narration
The Demon bowed deeply, yet with another inscrutable smile, and avarice in his eyes.
Lilith
Heh, you like to know people's desires, don't you? Is it because then it's easier to manipulate them?
A shame what I truly want, you can never give.
Narration
He did a double take, showing anxiety and displeasure for a fleeting second.
I switched to a smile as I thrust a card in his hand.
Lilith
I have my own target I'm going after. But you will help, right?
Demon
This is...
Narration
He seemed perplexed by the business card.
Demon
I can give you more, whether it's money, prestige, or looks, so why...?
Lilith
Watch me if you want to find out. I promise you'll dig it.
Narration
I was sure my smile was both sweet and evil at the moment.
The demon stared at me with doubt and disdain. Unable to hide his excitement, he was eagerly seeking fun, as well.
Demon
As you wish, My Lady.
[*Scene background fades to black then to city street at night*]

Narration
The devil brought the rainstorm down that night.
I changed into very plain clothes, found the house with a fireplace that lit up the dark street, and knocked.
Man of the House
Who is it... Are you alright?!
Lilith
Sorry to bother you, but is there a hotel nearby?
Man of the House
It's very far from here. Please get out of the rain and come inside.
[*Scene fades to black then to living room*]

Narration
He hurried me inside. The hostess kindly wiped the rain off me with a thick towel.
A tall boy took my luggage next to the fireplace to dry.
They were my target, the kind, compassionate Glays. Mr Glay is a Ninir Parliament representative, not very rich, but clean and enjoyed a modest life.
Mrs. Glay is a compassionate doctor. Their eldest son Luke has just enlisted in the military. Then there's...
The cute girl who handed me a warm glass of milk with nothing but care in her eyes.
She's Lizzy, the youngest girl in the family, same age as me.
Lizzy
Drink it to make yourself warm.
Narration
I gratefully took the neat pink cup and sipped. It was milk sweetened with honey, and as warm as her hands.
Lilith
Thank you, I feel very warm already.
Narration
The hospitality kept the coldness of the night at bay. The Demon turned himself invisible and observed in silence.
[End transcript]

### Chapter 3: What I Want:

Narration
It was 10 o'clock, when they were about to bed down for the night.
Instead, they relit the candles and brought out a feast for me.
Mrs. Glay served me food, with a mix of embarrassment and apology in her voice.
Mrs. Glay
I'm so sorry, Lilith, this is all we got for leftovers. You fill up while I make new dishes.
Lilith
Oh, this is enough, ma'am! It will certainly fill me up.
Narration
The mild, quiet Mr. Glay suddenly chimed in.
Mr. Glay
You're scrawny and have been out in the downpour. We don't want you to get sick, so eat up and turn in early.
Narration
He pushed a plate of freshly sliced oranges and a big glass of hot water to me, and stood there as if to make sure I finish it.
Luke
You're going to scare her like that, father. This is not the Parliament, you know.
Narration
Luke gently shoved Mr. Glay back down the couch, turned and grinned at me.
Luke
Lizzy has always been rather fragile, so my father tends to take it more seriously.
Luke
It's like we just have another Lizzy with you here. We'll treat you just like family, so make yourself at home.
Narration
Lizzy was right next to me. She looked at me and winked a playful wink.
Lizzy
Can I sleep with Lilith tonight?
Luke
You're not going to take up all the space, are you?
Lizzy
The bed is big and we're both skinny! Are you coming, Lilith?
Narration
That's the bliss and generosity you feel when you grow up surrounded by love.
Narration
I nodded in gratitude. I picked up a fork and put it right back down, then spoke softly.
Lilith
Thank you. I feel jittery because I've never been so happy before!
Lilith
Thank you for taking me in.
Narration
It was perfect...
Noble status, prosperous life, blissful relationships, loving parents, adoring siblings, and boundless, genuine, love.
The Glays accepted me from the get-go and never doubted the story I made up.
Player Selection
▸ Why?
[Player]
How come they never suspected anything?
Narration
Didn't Luke say it was like they got another Lizzy in the house?
Stealing people's hearts is actually very simple: just figure out what they love. For the Glays, just look at their daughter.
▸ Is that what the Demon granted you?
[Player]
Is it the power that the Demon gave you, to deceive?
Narration
You don't need special power to do that.
Stealing people's hearts is actually very simple: just figure out what they love. For the Glays, just look at their daughter.
Pure, kind, beautiful, and innocent. As long as I acted like her, the Glay family couldn't help falling in love with me.
Narration
When it was time for bed, Lizzy and I put on matching white nightgowns.
We laid down face to face, and smiled sweetly at each other.
Lizzy
We finally have the chance to talk for a while! I...
Luke
Lizzy, quit gossiping with Lilith. Some of us are trying to sleep!
Narration
Her brother's teasing voice came from outside the door, and the little girl stuck out her tongue, a bit embarrassed.
Lizzy
It's still tomorrow. Will you still be here tomorrow?
Narration
Her eyes twinkled in the darkness. I watched quietly, smiled, and nodded. It made her very happy.
Lizzy
Good night, Lilith.
Lilith
Good night, Lizzy. Thanks for everything.
Narration
The innocent girl closed her eyes and went to sleep, and I looked straight at the demon as he whispered in the darkness.
Demon
Is this what you wanted, my lady? Are you satisfied?
Narration
The appellation was enounced in disdain. I knew this was an ultimatum, but I didn't plan on paying any attention to it.
Lilith
This is what I wanted. Now sit and watch quietly.
Narration
Early the next morning, the sun rose again. Mrs. Glay knocked on our door.
Mrs. Glay
Time to get up, kids.
Joey
Mom?
Narration
She sat up and rubbed her eyes before hazily looking at Mrs. Glay.
Narration
The kind lady's face went blank for a moment. Then she smiled as she gently stroked Lizzy's hair.
Mrs. Glay
Silly girl, I'm not your mother. You're at the Glay house.
Joey
...?
Narration
Lizzy didn't react. I stretched before getting up.
Lilith
Good morning, Mom.
Mrs. Glay
Good morning, my child. Your friend had a deep sleep and called me "Mom" when she got up.
Lilith
Really? Seems like we stayed up too late last night. Lizzy must have not slept well and mistaken you for her own mom.
Narration
I looked at Lizzy and smiled.
Narration
Poor Lizzy. She was stiff and pale. She tried to argue, but she couldn't say a word. The demon had already strangled her soul.
Player Selection
▸ What did you do to her?
[Player]
What's wrong with her? What did you do to her?!
Narration
You don't have to know, and you won't understand, anyway.
Just know from then on, I was the only daughter of the Glay family.
No one would love or remember her again. Not only her family, but everything she had now belonged to Lilith.
▸ How could you do that to Lizzy?
[Player]
How could you do that to Lizzy? She liked you!
Narration
So what? From then on, I was the only daughter of the Glay family, and besides, the whole world will like me.
No one would love or remember her again. Not only her family, but everything she had now belonged to Lilith.
Narration
I gave her a sympathetic embrace.
Lilith
Good morning, Lizzy.
Thank you for everything you've done for me.
[end transcript]

### Chapter 4: Bewitching Love

Narration
I told the Glays I was going to run for Queen.
They seemed only surprised for a moment, but then they agreed it was a great decision.
Demon
Lilith, my lady, my queen!
Narration
His eyes both twinkled with elation and demurred with humility.
Lilith
Hmm, am I not just Ashley from Starheaven and a puppet of yours?
Demon
I'd never dare entertain that notion.
The despair from that girl named Lizzy is far more palatable than a mansion full of shuddering servants!
Fiends can only inspire fear, but you destroyed souls with the love you took away. You are the true Demon!
Allow me to kiss the ground beneath your feet, and know that I, Nightbane, have pledged my allegiance forever and solely to you.
Narration
It was the first time I had heard his name, so he must be genuine despite all the babbling.
I won.
I was his puppet no more, but his lord.
I lifted his face in my hand and locked eyes with him.
Lilith
Don't try to satisfy my desires, dear devil. What I want, I'll get myself. As for you...
Serve me, and you shall be rewarded.
Narration
Enthralled, his eyes lit up with greed, he implored and submitted to me.
I laughed with joy and thirst like never before. I finally understood what Lilith was seeking all along.
Lilith
I want to be the Queen of Ninir, and loved by all.
Will you love me forever?
Narration
The looming deacon took my hand and kissed it with reverence.
Nightbane
I love you, and always will, my Lady.
Narration
Begin, then.
[scene fades to black then to on a stage]

Narration
I stepped onto the stage for the election campaign.
My brother took my coat, fixed the ruffled lace on my shoulder, and cracked a few jokes to help me relax.
Mom and Dad sat among the dignitaries in the audience, casting trusting eyes on me.
The dense crowd stretched all the way to the end of the road. They enthusiastically shouted for me.
Everyone was looking at me. I gently held the microphone and smiled as I raised my beautiful face to the crowd.
Come on, show your love. Soon everyone will surrender at my feet and worship their Queen Lilith forever.
[end transcript]