The Hidden Realm: Slipping Into Shadows (Book 1)

Chapter 6: Monster

The hours of the day flew by, as I dreamed of a life where I didn't have to be Queen of Shadows. Where my responsibilities vanished and I was free. Free to be who I wanted, with who I wanted, and do whatever I wanted. Absolute freedom. I thirsted for it now more than ever.

But here I am. Stuck in another one of these dreadfully boring meetings. I couldn't help but black out the meaningless chatter as my coven discussed events of the court. So much blabbering. None of it important, most of it just petty issues and gossip. Empty promises and threats. At times, I felt like inflicting pain to create my own silence. Sometimes I felt like plucking the strings of their vocal cords with my fingers. Strumming so hard the strings snapped. Or grabbing their tongues from the seams and ripping them out one by one. And sewing their mouths shut with needle and thread. Just to make sure the job was done. Then peaceful quiet could be present.

I had finally grown tired of this useless bullshit. I decided to leave. The loud sound of my metal chair scraping against the beautifully polished black marble floor caused the coven to snap their black eyes towards me. They felt disrespected. Good. You could feel the wrath in the room. It gave me a sense of pleasure to know that I was pissing each and every one of them off.

Their eyes were fixated on me. Like I was the star of the show. And guess what? I am the god damn star. I rose slowly meeting each gaze as a challenge. Threatening each and every soul that hid behind their eyes. Let me remind them who they're dealing with. "Now that I've got your brainless attention. Listen up. As much as I enjoy your company, I don't really have the patience to hear another word from your insignificant mouths," I said with much dissatisfaction in my voice.

Shock filled the room. And the hissy fits ensued. They were so bothered by my statement. They couldn't believe how unprofessional I was acting. But I didn't care. They act like fucking animals. That isn't professional either. I smiled in triumph as I witnessed the looks of disappointment and rage masking their faces. But before I left, I decided to piss them off a little more.

"Also, please don't forget how much I loathe each and every one of you. May you all choke on your weaknesses and disloyalty," I said laughing wickedly drifting across the floor. I kept walking as if caught in a current, not really sure where my legs were taking me. Turning my back towards those mongrels was the best feeling I've felt in months.

As I rounded the corridor I got a strange feeling. The hairs on my arms began to rise, as if static were in the air. I picked up my pace and found the library doors welcoming me as if knowing my need for protection. The black mist danced off my fingers and shot towards the door, throwing it open with no effort. As I entered the grand library, I felt safe. I leaned back on the door waiting for my heart rate to slow down. So much adrenaline, so fast. The air no longer had a sense of threat. I felt safe among my favorite literature from fae and human alike.

I felt the sudden urge to delve into a new world and read. I began walking through the stacks. My sharp nails grazed the spines of the books, searching for a book I have yet to delve into. For the first time in years, I felt peaceful as I walked around this vast knowledge humming my favorite haunting tune.

But that all changed within seconds. A floor board squeaked behind me. Warning me. I was no longer alone. I made the mistake of dropping my guard. How foolish!

I spun around faster than a strike of lightning. It was Celeste. A witch from my council, confronting me. How cute. I must've struck a nerve. A big one. Her eyes looked explosive with fury. Her deep crimson hair flowed down her breast. Her looks were nothing short of lethal. She was a volcano and she was ready to erupt. Her fingers twitching, revealing her claw like nails.

The audacity of this vermin, challenging me. For her to think she has a chance, is nothing short of ironic. It's been a while since I was fed a good old-fashioned fight. Unfortunately for her, I was starving.

My eyes turned into slits, and a low menacing sound rumbled deep inside me. The black mist of my magic began to swirl around me like a cloak, waiting for my command. "You really want to do this?" I asked with a voice forged in hellfire. "Yes," she said passionately as she ran towards me.

Celeste swung her arms up and large icicles shot from her fingertips. I swiftly dodged each shard, and launched my deadly magic at her knocking her to the ground with a loud thud. Stupid bitch.

That wasn't as fun as I'd hoped. Perhaps I'll have to create my own. No movement existed as she laid there. It was as if her body was lifeless. But there she laid, somewhat alive. Mangled. Her legs and arms going in opposite directions. I could tell she was in pain and I needed to make her feel more.

I lunged onto her body and a blood curdling scream escaped her lungs. Our black eyes met as my hands wrapped around her throat. And then I squeezed. Applying so much pressure, digging each one of my black razor-like nails into her elegant neck. One at a time. Each one more painful than the last. Blood gushing and pouring down my hands like a water fall creating my very own silk gloves. It was a beauty of Biblical proportions.

I began enjoying this way too much. And I savored every moment of it. "I should kill you right now. Unfortunately, I have a soft spot for the retarded," I said with menacing pleasure. She gargled and coughed up blood trying to speak. "Don't speak!" I asserted, squeezing more.

She began to gasp for air. Eyes rolling back. Clawing at my hands on her throat. Now that I had her like this, I didn't know if I could stop. My blood lust was unquenchable.

But all of a sudden, my rage began to dissipate. A gasp sounded by the door, and I froze. I slowly lifted my face to meet the gaze of Kato. He was staring back at me with horror written plain on his face.

I was covered in blood with eyes blacker than that of midnight. My hands on the neck of a woman, and my fingers digging into her flesh. What he saw was nothing short of a monster. It hurt me immensely to see his face like that. I don't know who's more scarred, him... or me.

I released my nails from her throat and slipped off her disgusting body. I tried to compose myself but I could feel his fearful eyes watching me. Heavily. I didn't know what to do. No matter what I did, this memory will forever be etched into his brain until his dying day. This horrific sight. I looked to him again as if to try and validate my actions, but he dropped his head low and backed away from the library door. He retreated from the animal that was unleashed. He ran away from my true nature. And it killed me.

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