Daughter of the Crows

Greed

A dark cloud hung over the entirety of the earth. Molted black feathers cascaded from the heavens onto the broken road where a young girl stood. Her hair blended with the fallen plumages revolving around her. Her dark silhouette was thin, as though she had the small bones of a bird. And her eyes were red. Not the bright red of cherries, or the rosy red of a newborn's cheeks. No, her eyes were savage. They were pools of blood gleaming at the thought of a fresh kill.

Crows hovered over her as guardians.

"Queen!" they called, "Queen, Queen, Queen!"

A wicked smirk played upon her crimson lips. Their screeching cries of worship empowered her. She outstretched her arms to them, palms up, begging for more. Power surged throughout her body. Every squawk and every caw...it was intoxicating. She wanted more. She needed more.

"Daughter," a deep voice warned, "Do not be greedy. Have you brought nothing to share?"

"Of course, Father. How could I be so selfish?" she knelt down with eyes gazing shamefully at the cracked stone. He bent to observe his child closer.

"Look at me." He commanded.

Slowly her gaze shifted to bask upon his gothic glory. From neck down he was human. From above the collar of his suede black suit, there was the head of a crow with four narrow slits of obsidian for eyes. Even when hunched over he still radiated power. His icy palm caressed her cheek.

Instantly the deep intensity of her eyes grew dull. All she had worked for, the dozens she had murdered, all splendor, stolen from her in a single touch.