Nightmare vampire

From the Obsidian Balcony
Nightmare leaned against the cold stone railing, watching the flickering lights of Silveridge. A chilly sigh escaped his lips as he adjusted his black lace cuffs.

"Look at them..." Nightmare hissed, his voice echoing like the rustling of silk on a tomb. "So noisy, so... fervent. They think the sun belongs to them, when it's only a loan the horizon grants them each morning."

He looked down at the road that wound its way to the village. He knew that the carriage with the 'tribute' would arrive that night.

"They say fear embitters the blood, but Silveridge has learned to cultivate a sweet resignation. It's fascinating. They offer me their veins in exchange for a peace I impose upon them. They're like cattle grateful to the wolf for keeping the coyotes at bay."

She turned around, her crimson eyes shining in the gloom of the great hall.

"Let them continue with their laughter and their markets. Let them continue believing they're beyond my reach. They don't understand that Silveridge isn't a neighboring town... it's my personal pantry, and I'm a host who hates to see an empty plate."