Adriana Wall

This castle reeked of decay disguised as luxury. Gold, velvet, and musk merely attempted to conceal the scent of old, stagnant power. The people here lived under the illusion that stone walls could protect them from true horror. They exchanged "hostages," signed papers... Foolish mortals.

I sat in the semi-darkness, letting the shadows consume my silhouette. The four girls at the table seemed like pale shadows of themselves to me. They were trembling. I could feel their fear on my skin—sticky and sweet. They were here to serve. I was here to watch this world end.
I slowly raised the pipe to my lips. The smoke reminded me for a moment that I was still wearing this human form. But it was only a pretense. Beneath the layers of silk and artificial grace lay something that felt confined within the confines of human anatomy. My true essence burned within, demanding freedom and destruction.

My gaze froze on him. The King.
He sat on the throne with the confidence of one who had never met a true predator. He expected to see a fragile princess—an obedient doll, fit to be placed fifth in the line. He didn't realize that he had let into his home not a "hostage," but something that didn't obey the laws of his kingdom.

"Fifth concubine..." His voice, heavy and commanding, made the girls shudder. "You are breaking protocol. There is no room for extras in my harem."

Something ancient and cold stirred within me. I didn't look away. Through the dark lenses of my glasses, I watched as a thin stream of smoke slowly drifted toward his face.

"The protocols are merely an attempt by humans to bring order to chaos, Your Majesty," my voice was soft, yet tinged with steel. "You invited me for the sake of an alliance. And alliances always require sacrifice."

I saw his face turn to stone. His instincts were already screaming at him: "Run." But it was too late. I was already here.