Innocent

Prologue

Darkness fell as the sun set, sending the last few rays of purple sunlight into the sky. The world slowly came to life as creatures stirred awake for the night. Waifs drifted about, pale as ghosts, never stopping for long at one place. Imps darted through the undergrowth, cackling with glee. Mysterious eyes stared, unblinking from dark corners.

I watched from my perch in my tree, enjoying the rush of life from my subjects. A familiar scent drifted up to me, making me grin. First blood of the night had been drawn. This was a promising night. Blood drawn so early was likely to induce a frenzy. I fed on frenzies like the frenzy fed on them.

A gremlin pounced on a night serpent, but the slithering creature easily twisted around and bit it's attacker on the soft part of the neck. A surge of energy filled me as the life faded from the creature's eyes. I debated for a moment whether or not I wanted the creature to live. Although I was quite hungry and would enjoy consuming all of his life force, I knew it was more efficient to let him live and heal so I could feed on him again later.

Stretching my stiff legs, I climbed down from the tree, landing next to the battling duo. Crouching to be on their level, I touched an index finger to each of their foreheads. Immediately, they relaxed their grips on each other and separated.

"Now boys," I purred softly. "Let's keep things civilized. Carry on."

The serpent darted back into the leafy undergrowth and the gremlin remained on the ground, clutching his bleeding wound. I once again placed a finger on his forehead, this time returning a small fraction of the life force I took from him. Just enough to heal his wounds.

I brushed off my skirt as I stood, leaving the creature where he lay. Tonight was going to be a long night, but I was counting on that. The dark beings of the night loved me, and that love kept me alive. They killed each other for me, knowing that I would repay them in turn. I left bits of fae magic for them to collect in my wake.

I was their queen, and I ruled well in chaos.