Nightshade

Nightshade's POV

The sound of flesh getting ripped apart, of limbs cracking and crunching, of screams that seem to break glass—they annoy me to the bones. I had initially planned to let my creatures kill everyone inside that hall. I did not expect for Sol to fight back like that. She was supposed to be weak, fragile… soft. At least for now, I have underestimated her. Not to worry, this night was only just for show anyway. 

A smile escaped from my lips as I thought of her grim expression, the way her body shook with rage, how her pretty lips trembled continuously, the sound of her low ragged breathing—truly beautiful. She looked lovely tonight, but she shone even brightly as she knelt upon the blood of that woman. 

My body quivered with excitement, my senses tingled with sweetness. Sol's face was just priceless. Oh my, she should make more faces like that. I must see more of her in that state. 

Shadows glide playfully through my fingers while I think of the happenings that shall soon pass. I chuckled, the image of Sol still fresh on my mind. 

This will be the flourishing of a new dawn. Of how I will slowly nip out your dear loved ones—one by one… until you will have no one else but me. Ah, how inciting. 

For every death, you will grow stronger for me, until I can finally take you out of this wretched place. But for now, I wait along the darkness and pull the strings I deem necessary. 

And would you look at that, they're already bringing the poor bodies outside. I chuckled. Good luck finding out the identities of those mangled bodies. 

A slight blow of the wind came from behind me.

"My prince, your brother has returned to the palace." said the person who had just arrived, wearing that idiotic white mask of theirs. 

I waved away the shadows on my palm. "Is that so? He made a foolish scene before the Flos king, I presume?" 

"I-in a way... yi lostvasha." His voice cracked. 

The branch that I stood on rustled as I turned to him. "Did he hurt her?" 

The eyes that were made visible by the downward crescent holes shifted. "P-pardon, moy prinzt?" 

I furrowed my brows at him, letting the shadows grow from my shoulders. "Did Idris lay a hand on Sol?" 

He yelped, almost losing balance from the branch that he stood at. "N-No, my prince! Your brother will never dare cross that line!" 

Letting out a breath, I calmed the shadows away. "Good." 

For only I can touch her… only I can inflict pain upon Sol. 

"Tell him that I will come home tonight." I said as I returned my gaze to the mansion. 

"Yes, my prince." 

And then the air swished. The searing glare on my back had vanished. My brother's minions always seem to imitate frightened kittens when they are near me. Hmm, I do not blame them. 

Look at these Flos people and their pathetic panicked faces. Cradled in the safety of their peace for years, they had probably never expected this to befall them. Well, there is more to come. 

I sighed, what a sight this is—just moments ago, they were reveling to their heart's delight. Who would have expected that it'd turn into a bloodbath? 

The Ri Shālli within me are jumping with joy from their recent feat—the biggest hunt they've had in ages. I ordered them to hush, for the next time I release them will be sooner than they realize. This hunt will look smaller than the ones that are bound to happen. Call this a test run, if you must. 

Although… those three boys along with Sol were more quick-witted than I had imagined. They adapt to the situation fast, changing the game that I had originally intended. I cannot help but grin cheekily the more I think about it. Will they be a hindrance to me in the future? Or will they become useful pawns instead? 

I crave more of Sol's grief, her aguish, her sweet melancholy—but I will allow myself to be satisfied with this for now. 

Seeing the light that had started to crack over the horizon, I decide to return to Kairos. For as annoying as it may be, I must replenish my strength… before I return to my own façade. 

Until then.