Lily’s heart raced as the sleek luxury car glided through the bustling streets. Beside her, Aunt Delilah sat with a satisfied grin plastered across her face, clearly pleased with the transformation ahead. 

“Today’s the day,” Aunt Delilah murmured, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Lily's new identity will rise from the ashes.”

Lily looked out the window, the blur of the city passing her by, her thoughts whirling. The world would never recognize her as Lily again. 

No more weakness. 

No more chains. 

Today, she stepped into her new life. Lianna wasn’t just a new name; it was a new identity, a new beginning. 

The car pulled to a smooth stop outside the glitzy Glamour Lounge — a luxurious salon that oozed sophistication. Inside, the air smelled like lavender and jasmine, a heady perfume that seemed to wrap around Lily’s body and sink into her skin. It was perfect. 

“Here we go,” Aunt Delilah said, eyes gleaming with pride. “Let’s make this transformation unforgettable.”

Lily stepped into the salon, her pulse quickening with anticipation. "The Glamour Lounge" was more than a salon — to her it was a temple of reinvention. As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, a sleek figure approached with a fluid grace.

 

Julian.

His black, angular hair swept back in perfect waves, contrasting sharply with his pale skin. He was dressed in an effortlessly tailored black suit, with silver accents that caught the light just right. His sharp eyes, framed by dark lashes, sparkled with an almost mischievous glint as he took in Lily's frame.

"JJ, my niece-in-law needs a dark transformation for her wedding later today. Can you make her dazzle?"

"She's a bit skinny, but miracles happen." Julian tutted, with a light shrug.

“I’m ready,” Lily said, pulling out a carefully drawn sketch from her bag.

Julian’s eyes widened as he took in the sketch.

"Lianna," Julian purred, his voice smooth like velvet as he read the name scribbled in the corner, and then nodded. “I see the vision already. I think we can make this happen.”

With a dramatic flourish, he motioned for her to sit, his fingers gracefully running through her hair as he began work. His movements were precise, every snip, every stroke executed with a meticulous touch that left no room for doubt — he was a master of his craft. The air around him buzzed with creativity, as if he were painting the future, one strand of hair at a time.

For hours, Julian worked with meticulous care. First, the auburn locks of Lily’s hair were washed out, the rich, deep darkness of her natural color emerging. Then, her eyes — green as emeralds but hidden behind the blue lenses she’d worn for so long — were revealed, her true gaze now staring back at her. The makeup, bold and elegant, accentuated her sharp features. 

But it wasn’t until the gown came that Lily truly saw the woman she had created.

The black gown flowed down her body like dark silk, the fabric shimmering in the light. The corset top clung tightly to her waist, pulling in her curves, while the long skirt billowed out, full of tulle and lace. It felt like she was wearing the night itself. And the feathered cape — black hawk feathers — draped behind her like an ethereal cloak, billowing and fluttering with every step. It was dramatic, powerful, and she loved every inch of it.

A mourning hat adorned her head, its netting covering the upper half of her face, drawing attention to her bright red lips. The overall effect was mysterious and alluring.

Julian handed her a dramatic fan made from black hawk feathers, its delicate yet powerful design an extension of her new persona. The oversized fan swooped up to cover half her face, casting a shadow that only added to the enigma. With the fan in place, she was transformed, her new life and persona unfolding like a dark, velvety cloak.

“Lianna is born,” Julian whispered as he stepped back, admiring his work.

Lily — no, Lianna — looked at her reflection, her eyes burning with determination. The woman staring back at her wasn’t weak. She wasn’t a pawn anymore. She was a queen in control of her destiny.

“Perfect,” Aunt Delilah said, her voice full of satisfaction. “Now, let’s go make an entrance, Lianna Black!”

"Lianna Black?" Lily whispered, turning back to look at her reflection in the mirror once more, finally seeing the woman she had always wanted to be. 

Lianna Black was born in that moment — a gothic beauty with an air of mystery and power.

But as they exited the salon, they realised that they had company.

Avery, Lily’s oldest stepsister, was standing just outside, staring at the sleek car that had just parked. Her eyes flickered with curiosity, taking in the mysterious, glamorous woman heading towards it. 

There was an undeniable sense of power that radiated from Lianna, and Avery — spoiled, entitled, and used to always getting what she wanted — was instantly intrigued on seeing her.

She strode over with her usual arrogance. 

“And, who do we have here?” Avery’s eyes narrowed, sizing Lianna up like she was some kind of rare specimen to be examined.  

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before. What’s your deal? That model isn't even in the black markets. You must have a lot of connections in ACE to earn it, don't you?” She smirked.

Lianna stood tall, her presence commanding. Her lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that suggested she knew exactly what Avery was thinking - and that she wasn’t going to give her anything.

“I’m Lianna Black,” she said smoothly, her voice low and full of confidence.

Avery blinked, obviously surprised. 

“Lianna Black?” She repeated the name, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Where are you from and why have I not heard of you before?”

Lianna didn’t flinch. She kept her posture upright, every movement purposeful. 

“Doesn’t matter,” she replied coolly. “I’ve been busy. And now, I’m someone who doesn’t answer to anyone.”

Avery’s curiosity peaked, but she wasn’t used to being dismissed so easily. She took a few steps forward, trying to maintain some semblance of control in the eyes of her entourage and minions nearby. 

“Really? You think you can just walk in here, looking like you own the place?”

Lianna tilted her head slightly, giving Avery a pointed look. 

“I don’t think,” she said, her voice calm but tinged with an edge of amusement. “I know I can.”

Avery’s expression darkened, the veil of superiority slipping as she struggled to understand what was happening. 

“There's something off about you. Don't you realise that I'm the social media celebrity here?” she demanded, voice rising slightly. “Who are you really?”

Lianna simply smiled, the mystery deepening in her gaze. 

“All in good time,” she said cryptically, turning to walk away. “But you’ll find out soon enough.”

Avery watched, frustrated and bewildered, as Lianna turned and walked toward the car, her black hawk feathered cape flowing behind her like a storm.

Just as she was about to call out again, Aunt Delilah stepped forward, the phone in her hand already poised to take the perfect shot. 

“Time to work that social media magic,” she said with a wink to Lianna. “Everyone needs to see Lianna Black.”

Lianna smirked, holding herself poised and powerful as Aunt Delilah snapped the picture. A quick flash of the camera, and the new face of power — Lianna Black - as born in the public eye.

As the car sped off, leaving Avery standing there, staring after them, Lianna let her thoughts settle. This was just the beginning. A new era was starting for her. The city wouldn’t know what hit it.

And Avery? 

Well, Avery was just a small distraction. One she’d deal with later.