The Last Omega

Taken

You were collected on the last harvest. A very unusual one, at that. Still remembering that fateful morning, your mind goes far away from what you're doing at the moment. Sitting on your bed, it's early and you have some time to spare to get ready before the day starts. And you let your thoughts free.

That morning you were doing your chores as usual. In your small cottage, in the backyard, you have some goats that were under your care, and chickens. It wasn't much, but enough to bring food and some coins to your name. You went to the main square in the village you live in to sell some of the eggs collected early that morning. On your way, passing through an alley, you see a pair of yellow glowing eyes, in the shadows. Looking directly at you. You stopped on your tracks. You blink, trying to believe what you were seeing, and they are gone.

You felt a bit uneasy after that but continued on your journey. In the middle of the square were some merchants also. Buying and selling some goods. You went there to settle your cart and wait for customers.

An hour or so after, you heard the bells of the castle ringing. Your blood ran cold. All the villagers knew what was about to happen. The castle up the hill was looming over all. Its inhabitants are famous for their cruelty and unhinged behavior. The Countess that rules the village, with her dominant personality and dangerous aura were nothing to play with. And the more distance that you could keep from them the better. It is safer to stay away from their radar if they don't know that you exist.

Today apparently, you weren't so lucky. You didn't have time to run away. The bells were a signal that the Countess were on the way to the main square. Everyone there went quiet and nobody moved. An eerie silence falls. A few minutes later, the sounds of hooves approaching and the big carriage could be seen. The crest with a flower and two harpies crossed, was carved on the steel door, the House Dimitrescu crest.

She's here. You hold your cart hard, your knuckles going white with the force of your hands. The horses are massive beats. Pitch black with a shining mane, incredibly well behaved.The door opens, and a gloved hand comes out followed by the biggest person you've ever seen. God, she's huge. It's a stunning vision. In front of you, the Countess straightened her posture, looking around with the most golden glowing eyes. Gazing upon each face. She walks to the center, her cigarette lit between her fingers. She stops and takes a puff before speaking.

"Good morning everyone! I came to collect what is due."

Not a single pip from the villagers. They knew what she was talking about. Mothers and fathers now hold their daughters tightly, some girls trying to hide behind their parents bodies. Some run inside their houses and close the doors. Like it was even possible to run away from the Countess. When she really wants something, she always gets it.

She was still looking around smoking her cigarette. Then suddenly she locks eyes on you. You gasp and immediately hold your breath. With her yellow eyes, looking like two suns burning. You have seen those eyes before. In the alley. Was she there looking at you? You thought quickly. Her intense gaze takes notes of your entire being. Measuring you from head to toe. You felt exposed, vulnerable. You break eye contact and look down to your feet. She smiles. An unnerving smile.
She inhales deeply. Like savoring something in the air. Something that she likes apparently.

She walks in your direction. Her heels are the only sound. Loud and assertive. Each step with intent. She stops. Without taking her eyes from you, she says in her powerful voice, loud enough for all to hear it.

"Lucky for you all, I don't have a need for a full batch." Her smile is back again in full force. "This little one here is all I need."

Your panicked face makes her giggle. "Oh no" you said to yourself.