Nightfall doesn't bring weariness—it fuels me. I spend the day swatting off an annoying human, chasing a meddling Devran, and capping it all with some much-needed fairy-watching. Now, it's time for real food.
I stand poised in the glistening moonlight, ready to hunt. It has to be menacing—a challenge. Too easy to pick off some dainty pixie or an unpredictable mage. Too powerful to risk a fairy queen. No, I need something dark, evil, and predictable. A villain, in other words.
But I cannot feed on my own kind. That's just creepy—even for a Dark Fairy. And it would attract unwanted attention. Nothing seems to kill us, maybe except pure light magic, or so I've heard. That's the price—and the prize—of being "superior."
If you wonder why I target villains, here's the truth: maybe, after killing enough of them, I'll find solace. Redemption, perhaps, for being born a Dark Fairy.
I hate being a Dark Fairy. I do not choose this. I hate that survival means feeding off others' essence. But if necessary, that's what I must do. So yes, I'm predatory. But I choose not to be a monster—by feeding on monsters.
The darkness of their minds, their powers—my nourishment. Simple.
I'm picky. Fortunately, my dark woods are vast enough to suit my tastes.
I drop from the apple tree, landing soundlessly in the thickening fog. My eyes lock onto the still lake before me, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the dark water. Curly black hair frames my face; my grey eyes glint lighter in the dimness. A fleeting vanity flickers—but then my stomach growls.
Vanity can wait. Sustenance cannot.
Up ahead, there he is again—the meddling human. Lost? Returned? I chased him off hours ago, yet here he stands. But it's not just him.
Behind him, a lone female vampire stalks, eyes glimmering with hungry intent. Now, that is suitable prey.
The air grows colder, thick with that electric tension before a hunt. Shadows stretch, cloaking the ground. Fear makes the chase sweeter.
I materialize before the vampire, a shadow made flesh. Her eyes widen; her breath hitches. The human walks on, clueless.
"Well, well. Hello, vampire," I drawl, voice mockingly calm.
She freezes, tension radiating like electricity. A low growl rumbles, fangs gleaming in moonlight. Shadow tendrils curl around her ankles like serpents.
"And who might you be?" she hisses. "Dark Fairy. Plenty to hunt here. Let me go."
"Why would I do that? Would a fisherman release his catch just because it asks nicely? No. That's not how it works."
"Veravos…" recognition flashes in her eyes. "So, it's you."
"Well, well. My reputation precedes me," I smirk, lips curling, eyes cold. "But you, vampire, offer nothing for your freedom."
"Humans are fair game," she insists, narrowing her eyes. "He wandered too far into the dark. It's not murder—it's gravity."
I expect that. They all say it.
"Wait, you're actually trying to save him?" She laughs bitterly. Absurd.
"I'm no savior," I say coldly. "Just a predator who feeds on specific things that crawl in the dark. And you, dear, are in my woods. It's my nature."
Her body stiffens, the weight of my words sinking in.
I summon dark mists that twist around her, shadow stretching and sucking inward with a sickening pull. She screams. Terror rolls off her in waves. I savor every second.
Dark energy surges through her, draining life force—delicious. Her strength fades, body weakens. She struggles in vain.
Dinner is dinner.
She collapses, shriveled and brittle, like a desiccated corpse, then disintegrates into the night.
With a flick, I bend air to my will, vanishing into shadows, hunger sated, satisfaction complete.
The human returns, stops cold seeing me over the vampire's remains. My eyes gleam—cold, unblinking stone—as they meet his.
"You monster! What have you done to her?" he shouts, horrified.
Seriously? You were about to be drained dry, and I'm the monster?
But fine. Reputation matters.
"You severely underestimate my patience, human," I say, stepping closer.
Goosebumps ripple his pale skin. Fear suits him.
"Need I remind you? I'm a Dark Fairy. It's night. I'm starving."
Shadows stretch from poison apple trees, curling like knives.
He raises his sword—shaking—but it crumbles into sand.
"That's it? That's all you brought?" I snort, enjoying his horror.
"Let me tell you why no human returns from these woods," I whisper. "Because none live long enough to tell the tale. I will be your education."
He looks like a deer trapped in a thousand moonlit snares.
I tilt my head. "Ah. This is where you run."
He bolts.
Of course, I don't chase. Too much effort. Let him run. I have more important matters—feeding on monsters or napping. Both satisfying.
Stepping from the woods, cool night air scented with damp earth, I gaze at distant silhouettes of Love Fairy and Light Fairy Kingdoms, glowing faint against the night.
I wonder how the night looks from their castles—until a familiar presence interrupts my thoughts.
Devran.
I hope he'll pass, oblivious to me. Wishful thinking.
I slip behind my favorite tree, shadows pressing rough bark into my back. Barely a breath before he nears.
"Feeding on villains for dinner again?" Devran's smug voice cuts the night.
Patience fraying, I mutter, "You again."
"Look at these kingdoms and beyond, Veravos," he presses, unfazed. "One day, they'll be ours. Love Fairy Kingdom Monday, Light Fairy Kingdom Tuesday... maybe human Wednesday. So much food."
Here he goes again.
"What about February 30th?" I ask, throwing him off.
He falters.
"There is no February 30th!" he yells, mock outrage.
I smirk—he's not as dense as I thought.
"Veravos, feeding only on villains is limited. You could have so much more," he presses.
"I hear you," I say, steady. "I have a code—a moral one. We're predators already. No need to be monsters too. We can change fate."
Devran laughs, mocking. "That's why no one takes you seriously."
"Oh, did you miss the vampire?" I snap. "Was she a crush?"
He rolls his eyes, annoyed. "No, you misunderstood."
"Well, she's dead," I lower my voice, staring nonchalantly at him. "I'm a Dark Fairy. So are you. No need for sentimentality."
Heavy silence.
Devran sneers. "I know what you're doing. You're stubborn. Queen Judorah won't like this. Join us or fight us."
I don't flinch as temperature drops.
"Careful, Devran. It's nighttime, and you're in my woods."
He gives a final glare, then retreats.
I'm not like other Dark Fairies who feed on random prey's shadows. An ordinary human's darkness wouldn't satisfy me. Too bland.
Feeding on monsters? It fits my code—and besides, it tastes better.
Now that Devran is gone—hopefully forever—I soak in the quiet moonlight.
Then, movement catches my eye: a group of Love Fairies flits toward the Light Kingdom.
Light Kingdom guards wave at them excitedly.
I narrow my eyes.
What the hell is going on? The Light Kingdom, so strict, suddenly welcoming Love Fairies?
Suspicious.