The stars and the moon hanged high as I leaped rooftops in Idelia. Like a figure moving through the darkness, looking for prey. As I landed on an edge of a rooftop, I looked below my piercing gaze locked onto an open alley way.


    Ah what do we have here? I remarked.


    Below a group of bandits surrounded a cart which was covered with a tarp. The dim light of flickering lanterns filled the alley way. As their shadows bounced off the walls.


    My favorite kind of prey! Rats? Smugglers? No…no… Slavers! My lips curled into a grin.


    “Are we missing any other merchandise?” the leader asked, his voice softly echoed. His fingers brushed the tarp as he let out a small chuckle.


    "N-No boss!" One of the men quickly answered stammering.


    “Good I’m glad” he replied, his long black hair went pass his shoulders. His skin was pale as limestone.


    Then one of the lesser rats decided to use there tongue.


    “Boss! We could find more merchandise for the seller at the Aca---“


    Before the bandit could finish his sentence, he was quickly cut off.


    A wet thud.


    The bandit staggered back, as he grabbed the stump where his arm had been. Blood sprayed across the cobblestone walls.


    “AGHHH”


    The leader sheathing back his sword sighed with annoyance. He reached down grabbing the bandit’s hair and yanked his head back until their eyes locked.


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    “We will never approach the Academy!” he hissed, his tone was cold. "If my father finds out, we are both good as dead! How do you not understand?”


    The wounded bandit swallowed a sob as he begun to nod.


    But above them I lurked watching in the darkness.


    Oh, his father? Huh, now this is interesting!


    The bandit leader let out a sigh, as he shook his head. His gaze suddenly sharpened.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    He turned quickly, his tattered dark green robe swaying behind him. “One of you heal his wounds” he barked. “We leave for the buyer immediately”


    Quickly one by one the bandits departed on horses. The cart creaked as the wheels hit the cobble stone pavement.


    However, I remained unseen following behind them.


    I could strike now


    It would be quick and simple. A clean massacre. I could slaughter them all before they even realize my shadow has engulfed them. Then I would only need to wring the slave master’s location from their last breaths.


    Or….


    I smirk trying to contain a smile. I could follow them and enjoy a feast.


    Let the filth gather in numbers. When they feel the most secure—where they believed they have achieved victory. That’s when I’ll strike.


    Eventually the bandits turned into the main road. The vast city of Idelia surrounded them as they stayed on path for several minutes.


    Are they going out of the town? I muttered.


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    They then swiftly turned down an alley way. I watched as the leader motioned for the caravan to head straight through the brick wall. The bricks rippled like water as the caravan vanished, as if swallowed.


    Ah, illusion magic?


    I jumped off the rooftop landing in the alley below. Time to see where this den leads.


    The moment I stepped through the brick wall, reality of the den bent around me. The room was massive, carved into the underground beneath the kingdom. Rows upon rows of cages lined the walls and ceiling. The iron bars glinting under the torch light. The air was thick with the sound of shuffling feet, and talk from the bandits.


    In the middle of the room stood the bandit leader, and opposite of him was the slave trader. A greasy middle-aged man, draped in silks, his fingers adorned with rings which was obnoxious for his role. He reeked of greed someone who thought his position in the underground made him invincible.


    I should end them both now.


    No. where is the joy in that? I need to make my grand entrance.


    Slavery—how repulsive—how disgusting. The idea of another person being forced against their will to be looked upon as mere currency?


    But I understand the premise. Supply and demand. The strong profiting from the weak. Just like my old world.


    It was law of nature for a society. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t control it from the shadows.


    I stood in the darkness listening.


    The bandit leader smirked, “It’s here. Just as requested”. He kicked the cart, making the tarp rustle. Something—no—someone whimpered.


    The slave trader licked his lips as he clapped his hands together. “Ahh wonderful. A fine job indeed my old friend. Your father would be pleased.”


    The bandit leader tensed.


    For a sudden moment I saw a flicker of annoyance. No Fear.


    “Oh, I forgot that’s a rough spot for you my deepest of apologies” the slave trader replied. “I meant no offense” He bellowed out a laugh.


    The bandit leader joined. Their laughter filled the den filling the empty place with a nasty melody.


    … I joined them


    A slow chuckle flew from my lips. Then it grew.


    Deeper. Louder.


    Until my laughter engulfed the room.


    The den which was filled with laughter froze.


    The air turned thick and heavy with a natural silence. The bandits’ hands drifting toward their weapons. The slave traders face paled, his once greedy grin turned into something worried.


    Then I stepped forward.


    From the abyss of the darkness, I emerged.


    My red eyes gleamed beneath the hood of my cloak, burning like fire in the dark. The black skull covered my face, its empty grin reflecting the torchlight.


    Slow steps.


    Boots tapping the cold stone floor.


    I could feel their fear. I was like a monster which has found its prey.


    How delicious.


    I titled my head ever so slightly, my voice dripping with amusement.


    “Don’t stop on my account”


    My eyes locked on the bandit leader and slave trader.


    “Go on. Laugh.”