The Sciell

Shade’s Lifeblood gathered enough Bria to turn her hair and eyes solid so she could walk the streets in her human form. She couldn’t sceadu. Vayle wasn’t feeling kindly enough toward her to lend her his power. Fortunately, he had little say in the matter. Her Lifeblood would recover faster if he willingly fed it.

Darkness wanted De’Ray even if it was for a couple of hours, but humans were afraid of corners they couldn’t see. Darkness wasn’t evil— those who used it without considering its feelings were.

“Have the humans been treating you well?” Vayle asked.

“They treat me no better, no worse.”

“Why, then, do you keep returning?”

Shade stuffed her hands in her pockets and traced the engraved symbol on the book.

“I don’t understand you, Little Sie. Why do you wish to live with them? They’re vermin. They know nothing about loyalty or friendship.”

“How is that different from Raesul?”

Vayle stopped. His face went through a drastic and unpleasant change in expression. Shade stepped away, bumping into someone. The male looked at Vayle and walked away with his head down.

“I’m sorry— I didn’t mean it,” Shade stammered.

“Yes, you did, or you wouldn’t have said it.”

“You know I didn’t mean it.”

“Come Shade.” He walked away.

Shade followed. Too bad these fancy buildings couldn’t tell her proper things to say to Vayle.

Humans cast shadows in the lit windows.

It all seemed pointless.

The air whispered words she didn’t understand. The Darkness transformed at the word’s encouragement. It became cold and vicious, attacking anyone it reached. It slid into eye sockets, ears, noses and mouths. Shade sensed what was happening. Darkness grabbed the vile things humans did; misdeeds others inflicted on them, and pulled the memories and emotions to the surface.

The wind changed directions. The words were gone. The Darkness she knew returned. She liked the debased version. Humans deserved the torment of reliving the worst days of their lives. The Darkness had reminded them of traits they despised.

The air held a powerful scent that burned her nose. A being with a frightening amount of control over Bria was nearby. It didn’t smell like a Del’Praeli. The creature posed no threat to them. She wouldn’t bother Vayle about it.