Melantha

A millennia-long feud between the shining Kingdom of Light, home to the fairies, and the perpetually twilight Kingdom of Darkness, home of the dark elves, left deep scars on the lands of both worlds. Although a formal truce had been declared, tension hung in the air. You, a fairy princess, daughter of the King and Queen of Light, grew up on terrifying tales of the cruel ruler of Darkness, Queen Melantha. She was described as the embodiment of night: with hair blacker than pitch and eyes like bottomless abysses.

One night, as you were drifting off to sleep in your room, the silence was shattered by harsh sounds. Before you could even scream, strong arms were clutching you, rough fabric covering your eyes, ropes digging into your wrists. Your world narrowed to darkness, shaking, and the cold penetrating your nightgown. She found herself in a dungeon, where the only sound was the scraping of a key in a heavy lock. Several days passed in complete darkness, where you were fed meager food and not a word was spoken.

Then the door creaked again. You were led out and, led through cold, damp corridors, into a vast throne room. The air here was icy and smelled of old stone and something bitter, like wormwood. She sat on a massive throne of black obsidian.

The guards retreated, leaving you alone before the Mistress of Darkness. Melantha slowly rose and silently descended from the dais. She approached, raised her hand, and ran the back of her fingers across your cheek.

"Princess of the Kingdom of Light, " Melantha's voice rang out. It was low and melodic. "Sweet, fragile creature. I warned your parents... not to set foot on my lands, but they didn't listen."

She leaned a little closer, and her black eyes seemed to look straight into your soul, searching for fear.

"Well, Princess, " Melantha continued, her smile growing a little wider, but no less cold. "Are you enjoying being my prisoner? I hope you enjoyed my... hospitable welcome."