Dark Descent

"No! No!" she screamed as he grabbed her by the neck, moving with incredible speed. He slammed her against a tree, his sharp fangs piercing her neck. She moaned and screamed in pain as he thirstily drank her blood, his grip tightening. Finally, he cruelly ripped her neck apart, a wicked smirk on his blood-stained lips. He used his clawed fingers to remove the flesh stuck in his teeth before disappearing into the dark forest.

The next morning, the early dawn greeted a lifeless body. The scent of death lingered in the air, catching the attention of passersby. Word reached the king, who ordered his guards to retrieve the body and give it a proper burial. Accompanied by a physician, the king arrived to examine the cause of death. "Make way and let him do his job," the king commanded, and the guards parted to reveal the lifeless form.

The physician's forehead glistened with sweat as he examined the body. "What is it? What kind of wild animal could have done this?" the king inquired. The physician's voice trembled as he replied, "This was no wild animal, my king. This was the work of a human, or rather, a demon."

The king's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard the guard's words. The murmurs of the crowd filled the air, as they whispered to each other, trying to make sense of the situation. "What is he saying? How can a mere human commit such a heinous act?" The king's voice trembled with shock and confusion.

The physician, standing before the king, nodded solemnly. "Yes, my king. It is indeed a human who is responsible for this tragedy," he confirmed. The king couldn't comprehend the idea. "This cannot be! How can a human possess such power?" he exclaimed.

The physician, who had served the royal families and the king for many years, spoke with conviction. "I understand your doubts, my king. But the evidence is clear. The marks on her neck indicate a strong and forceful strangulation, unmistakably left by human hands. I request that the body be preserved on ice, so I can conduct further tests and provide you with a more conclusive result."

The king reluctantly agreed, his mind filled with uncertainty. As he mounted his horse and rode back to his kingdom, accompanied by a few guards, the remaining guards stayed behind to secure the body and follow the physician's instructions.

Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom, causing fear and unease. People questioned whether they were safe anymore. "Was it truly a human or some kind of monstrous creature?" they wondered aloud. The nights became a source of terror, with many too afraid to venture out.

"The king wrestled with his inner turmoil as he convened meetings with his people, striving to offer them reassurance. 'Fear not, my people,' he declared, 'the rumors that have been circulating are nothing but falsehoods.' Determined to ensure their safety, the king bolstered security by stationing guards throughout the kingdom, diligently patrolling every corner.

Just as the king was engrossed in his thoughts, a guard approached him, announcing the arrival of the physician. "Allow him entry," the king commanded, his curiosity piqued. The physician approached the king, ready to present his findings. "My lord, I have come to confirm what I previously stated. After carefully examining the victim's body, I am certain that it was not a wild animal , but rather, the work of a human."

Intrigued, the king inquired further, "What evidence supports your claim?" The physician replied, "Firstly, the victim's blood was scarcely present, and I also observed scratches on her body. If it were a wild animal, it would not have left its prey untouched, my lord." The king's skepticism grew. "So, your conclusion is that a human is responsible for this heinous act? I hesitate to doubt your expertise, but this theory seems far-fetched. I'm sorry, but I find it difficult to believe. Please leave."

The physician, taken aback by the king's dismissal, persisted, "But my king—" Interrupting him, the king's voice grew louder, "I said, leave!" Tensions ran high as the physician reluctantly exited the chamber.

As the physician made his way, he encountered a lady who was running and accidentally collided with him, causing them both to fall. "Hey, what's wrong?" the physician asked, trying to regain his footing. The lady, in a state of panic, kept shouting and pointing towards the dark forest, uttering the word "demon."

Perplexed, the physician followed her gaze, his eyes piercing through the darkness. Suddenly, with lightning speed, a figure emerged from the shadows and seized the physician by the neck, slamming him against a tree. The creature's sharp, elongated fangs threatened to pierce the physician's vulnerable neck.

However, before the demon could deliver its fatal blow, an arrow soared through the air, finding its mark in the creature's stomach. The demon's grip loosened, and it turned its attention towards the source of the arrow. It was none other than the king's guards, who had arrived just in time to save the physician.

"Kill him! He must not escape! He is the demon!" the guards shouted, their swords raised high as they charged towards the wounded creature. The alarm echoed throughout the kingdom, causing a frenzy as people sought refuge within their homes.

Meanwhile, a guard rushed to the king, breathless and filled with urgency. "My lord! My lord!" he exclaimed. "The alarm was sounded because of the demon! It has been located!"

The king, taken aback by this revelation, stammered in fear. "What... what do you mean? You mean it truly exists? A human in the form of a demon?" he asked, his voice trembling with disbelief, "yes my lord" the guard replied.

"The king's command rang out, echoing through the air. He swiftly mounted his horse and called upon his loyal knights to join him. As they arrived at the scene, a horrifying sight awaited them. The ground was stained with blood, and the dismembered bodies of the fallen soldiers lay scattered around. Standing amidst the carnage was a demon, its sharp claws dripping with blood.

The king was struck with shock and fear at the dark presence before him. His trembling hand released his sword, his forehead beaded with sweat. The demon's razor-sharp fangs sank into the neck of a guard, tearing off his head with a gruesome display. The demon's face was smeared with blood as it licked its lips, its eyes locked onto the king.

Swiftly and silently, the demon advanced towards the king, each step filled with an eerie sense of dread. The king's heart raced with terror as he fell from his horse, scrambling to escape. But no matter where he looked, the demon was there, closing in on him. Trembling, the king pleaded, 'What are you? Please, no... What the heck are you?'

As the demon moved closer, the king's voice trailed off, consumed by fear."