Veronica.
I glared disdainfully at the dried, lifeless body on the ground, blood dripping from my hands and lips like a gruesome waterfall. Steam floated through the frigid air, a stark contrast to the icy chill within me.
I had just finished feeding from another shifter being, yet their blood did little to quench the hunger brewing inside me. The darkness within me brimmed just below the surface, its presence a constant, gnawing ache. My throat felt parched, barely any sign that I had just consumed so much blood.
I hated it. I hated it so, so much.
With a click of my tongue, I turned on my heels, walking away from the secluded corner, leaving the lifeless body behind. My face remained properly covered in the hooded robe I wore, shielding my identity from prying eyes.
As I stepped into the night, the shadows seemed to writhe around me, as if sensing the darkness within. I needed to find another culprit before the night ran out; otherwise, the hunger would overtake me, and I’d be forced to go on a killing spree in order to satiate it.
As exciting as losing control might sound, I didn’t want to be discovered by the shifter kings just yet. Their interference would only hinder my plans, and I was yet to figure out just how I would get back at them, most especially Lienna. Her meddling had become a thorn in my side, and I longed to see her suffer.
But that couldn’t happen if I didn’t find a way to put the darkness inside me under control before it overwhelmed me. The constant hunger was exhausting, and I needed a more substantial fix to satiate it.
I required someone bigger and stronger, whose blood or essence I could drain to sustain myself for a longer period. Scanning the crowded street, I spotted potential prey, but none seemed worthy of my attention.
That was when I noticed the tavern, its sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The rustic building seemed to pulsate with life, its patrons spilling onto the street. Curious to learn about the latest gossip and rumors while searching for a suitable target, I crossed the busy street and pushed open the heavy wooden door.
The tavern’s warm, rowdy atmosphere enveloped me, a stark contrast to the cold darkness within. I made my way through the crowd, ensuring my face remained hidden beneath the hood. Finding a secluded spot, I settled into the shadows, observing the patrons.
My seat was situated next to a round table of nobles, who were clearly inebriated and speaking boisterously among themselves. Their laughter and shouts filled the air as they spilled beer from their tankards. Their conversation was mostly nonsense boasts of conquests and exaggerated tales until one noble lowered his voice and began to speak more sneakily.
“Oi… Did you hear?” he whispered, casting furtive glances between his companions. The others leaned in, their faces lit with curiosity.
“What?” one of them urged, his voice barely above a whisper.
The noble glanced around the tavern, ensuring no unwanted ears were listening. “There are rumors of a rebellion happening soon,” he revealed, his words dripping with conspiratorial excitement.
My interest piqued, I listened intently, my senses heightened. Rebellion? That was a development I hadn’t anticipated. Was there really someone out there that wanted the heads of the shifter kings? Intrigued, I listened in for more information.
“A rebellion? Who in their right mind would want to plan such a thing against the shifter kings?” another noble asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
The noble who began the tale leaned in closer, a conspiratorial glint in his eye. “Well, apparently one that they banished a long time ago. I recall his name is Oberon.”
Everyone’s eyes widened, and a strange silence suddenly surrounded the table as they glanced at each other. Oberon? I wondered, my brows furrowing. I hadn’t heard that name in a while, but I knew he used to be close to the shifter kings… until he was banished.
Is this what he was up to all this time? A devious smile began to grow on my lips. He’ll be perfect.
“Oberon? That man is still alive? What is he, out of his mind?” One of the nobles snickered, and the entire table broke into laughter.
But one noble’s voice cut through the amusement, somber and cautionary. “Let’s not take this lightly, gentlemen. Though we trust that our kings would protect us, unexpected things are still bound to happen.”
Some hummed their agreement, while others clicked their tongues in disapproval. I realized they were still talking, so I continued to listen in, gathering every scrap of information.
Unfortunately, they didn’t reveal much more about Oberon’s plans or whereabouts. They soon reverted to discussing unimportant topics, their laughter and chatter grating on my nerves.
Disgruntled, I tuned out of their conversation and began my search for a suitable prey to feed on tonight. None seemed satisfactory enough too weak, too old, or too sickly.
Just when I was about to give up, one of the nobles stood up, asking permission to excuse himself. “I need to attend to nature’s call,” he said, chuckling.
Allowing him to walk out of the tavern, I immediately followed after him, making sure to be discreet. The darkness within me stirred, sensing potential prey.
I trailed behind the noble, my senses heightened as we walked into the night. The streets were quieter now, the only sound being the distant laughter from the tavern and the noble’s stumbling footsteps.
He was drunk, perfect. My smile grew wider, and I quickened my pace, the hunger within me growing more urgent. The noble stopped at a nearby alley, unbuttoning his breeches. I approached him silently, my presence masked by the shadows. He never even saw me coming
I waited till he was through and about to return to the tavern before jumping out of the shadows where I was hiding. The noble’s eyes widened in surprise, and he jumped back, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword at his side.
“Hey! What the hell are you doing, scaring me like that?” he snapped, his face reddening with anger. “You know I can have you punished for it!”
But I remained unfazed, my expression neutral. I took a step forward, and with a fluid motion, I removed the cloak from my head, letting my dark hair cascade down my back.
The noble’s eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of recognition. Then, his gaze drifted to my face, and his eyes widened further. I could see the spark of lust within them, a spark that seemed to ignite despite the danger he sensed. It didn’t matter what species they were; men always reacted the same. Their desires clouded their judgment, making them vulnerable.
I stalked up to him, my movements deliberate and calculated. Grabbing him by the collar, I slammed him against the wall with a strength that surprised us both. His gasp was cut short as he tried to push me away, but I didn’t budge.
“What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?” he yelled, struggling against my grip. But I was beyond reason. The hunger within me had taken over, and I could smell the sweetness of his blood.
Flashing him my dagger-like teeth, I smiled, and my fangs lengthened. His eyes widened in terror as I sank my teeth into his neck, rupturing the vein and drinking from him.
Gurgling sounds bubbled from his mouth as his life force ebbed away. His struggles weakened, and soon, he went limp, all life drained from his body. Once I’d had my fill, I let go of his lifeless body, watching as it slipped to the ground. I cleaned the blood from my lips with the back of my hand, feeling the satisfaction of a fed hunger.
This would sustain me for now.
My thoughts turned to Oberon. It was time to find him before the shifter kings did. The rebellion offered the perfect distraction for my own plans.
With renewed energy, I vanished into the night, leaving the noble’s lifeless body behind. The shadows swallowed me whole, and I became one with the darkness.
Oberon, I’m coming for you.