The Hunt and The Fool

Nightfall didn't bring weariness—it fueled me. I'd spent the day swatting off an annoying human, chasing away a meddling Devran, and capping it all with some much-needed fairy-watching. Now, it was time for real food.

I stood poised in the glistening moonlight, ready to hunt. It had to be menacing—a challenge. Too easy to pick off some dainty pixie or an unpredictable mage. Too powerful to risk a fairy queen. No, I needed something dark, evil, and predictable. A villain, in other words.

But I cannot feed on my own kind. That's just creepy—even for a Dark Fairy. And it would attract unwanted attention. Nothing seems to kill us, maybe except pure light magic, or so I've heard. That's the price—and the prize—of being "superior."

If you wonder why I target villains, here's the truth: maybe, after killing enough of them, I'll find solace. Redemption, perhaps, for being born a Dark Fairy.

I hate being a Dark Fairy. I did not choose this. I hate that survival means feeding off others' essence. But if necessary, that's what I must do. So yes, I'm predatory. But I choose not to be a monster—by feeding on monsters.

The darkness of their minds, their powers—my nourishment. Simple.

I'm picky. Fortunately, my dark woods are vast enough to suit my tastes.

I dropped from the apple tree, landing soundlessly in the thickening fog. My eyes locked onto the still lake before me, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the dark water. Curly black hair framed my face; my grey eyes glinted lighter in the dimness. A fleeting vanity flickered—but then my stomach growled.

Vanity could wait. Sustenance could not.

Up ahead, there he was again—the meddling human. Lost? Returned? I chased him off hours ago, yet here he stood. But it wasn't just him.

Behind him, a lone female vampire stalked, eyes glimmering with hungry intent. Now, that was suitable prey.

The air grew colder, thick with that electric tension before a hunt. Shadows stretched, cloaking the ground. Fear made the chase sweeter.

I materialized before the vampire, a shadow made flesh. Her eyes widened; her breath hitched. The human walked on, clueless.

"Well, well. Hello, vampire," I drawled, voice mockingly calm.

She froze, tension radiating like electricity. A low growl rumbled, fangs gleaming in moonlight. Shadow tendrils curled around her ankles like serpents.

"And who might you be?" she hissed. "Dark Fairy. Plenty to hunt here. Let me go."

"Why would I do that? Would a fisherman release his catch just because it asked nicely? No. That's not how it works."

"Veravos…" recognition flashed in her eyes. "So, it's you."

"Well, well. My reputation precedes me," I smirked, lips curling, eyes cold. "But you, vampire, offer nothing for your freedom."

"Humans are fair game," she insisted, narrowing her eyes. "He wandered too far into the dark. It's not murder—it's gravity."

I expected that. They all say it.

"Wait, you're actually trying to save him?" She laughed bitterly. Absurd.

"I'm no savior," I said coldly. "Just a predator who feeds on others of my kind. And you, dear, are in my woods. It's my nature."

Her body stiffened, the weight of my words sinking in.

I summoned dark mists that twisted around her, shadow stretching and sucking inward with a sickening pull. She screamed, eyes glowing embers. Terror palpable—I savored every second.

Dark energy surged through her, draining life force—delicious. Her strength faded, body weakened. She struggled in vain.

Dinner is dinner.

She collapsed, shriveled and brittle, like a desiccated corpse, then disintegrated into the night.

With a flick, I bent air to my will, vanishing into shadows, hunger sated, satisfaction complete.

The human returned, stopped cold seeing me over the vampire's remains. My eyes gleamed—cold, unblinking stone—as they met his.

"You monster! What have you done to her?" he shouted, horrified.

Seriously? You were about to be drained dry, and I'm the monster?

But fine. Reputation matters.

"You severely underestimate my patience, human," I said, stepping closer.

Goosebumps rippled his pale skin. Fear suited him.

"Need I remind you? I'm a Dark Fairy. It's night. I'm starving."

Shadows stretched from poison apple trees, curling like knives.

He raised his sword—shaking—but it crumbled into sand.

"That's it? That's all you brought?" I snorted, enjoying his horror.

"Let me tell you why no human returns from these woods," I whispered. "Because none live long enough to tell the tale. I will be your education."

He looked like a deer trapped in a thousand moonlit snares.

I tilted my head. "Ah. This is where you run."

He bolted.

Of course, I didn't chase. Too much effort. Let him run. I had more important matters—feeding on monsters or napping. Both satisfying.

Stepping from the woods, cool night air scented with damp earth, I gazed at distant silhouettes of Love Fairy and Light Fairy Kingdoms, glowing faint against the night.

I wondered how the night looked from their castles—until a familiar presence interrupted my thoughts.

Devran.

I hoped he'd pass, oblivious to me. Wishful thinking.

I slipped behind my favorite tree, shadows pressing rough bark into my back. Barely a breath before he neared.

"Feeding on villains for dinner again?" Devran's smug voice cut the night.

Patience fraying, I muttered, "You again."

"Look at these kingdoms and beyond, Veravos," he pressed, unfazed. "One day, they'll be ours. Love Fairy Kingdom Monday, Light Fairy Kingdom Tuesday... maybe human Wednesday. So much food."

Here he goes again.

"What about February 30th?" I asked, throwing him off.

He faltered.

"There is no February 30th!" he yelled, mock outrage.

I smirked—he wasn't as dense as I thought.

"Veravos, feeding only on villains is limited. You could have so much more," he pressed.

I heard you the first time.

"I have a code, a moral one," I said steady. "We're predators already; we don't need to be monsters too. We can change fate."

Devran laughed, mocking. "That's why no one takes you seriously."

"Oh, did you miss the vampire?" I snapped. "A crush?"

He annoyed, "No, you misunderstood."

"It's dead. I'm a Dark Fairy. So are you. No need for sentimentality."

Heavy silence.

Devran sneered. "I know what you're doing. You're stubborn. Queen Judorah won't like this. Join us or fight us."

I didn't flinch as temperature dropped.

"Careful, Devran. It's nighttime, and you're in my woods."

He gave a final glare, then retreated.

I wasn't like other Dark Fairies who fed on random prey's shadows. It wouldn't satisfy me.

Feeding on monsters fit my code—and tastes better.

Now that Devran was gone—hopefully forever—I soaked in the quiet moonlight.

Then, movement caught my eye: a group of Love Fairies flitting toward the Light Kingdom.

Light Kingdom guards waved at them excitedly.

I narrowed my eyes.

What the hell is going on? The Light Kingdom, so strict, suddenly welcoming Love Fairies?

Suspicious.