In a time where Kings ruled the land, existed a place closest to the sky. These mountains soared through the clouds and raindrops became their seas. On the day, the village was called Erana, for it was closer to the rays of the sun.And on the night, the village was called the Goblet of the Night Hallows, where every part of the village was bathed in moonlight, hence the awakening of the creatures in the dark.These creatures crept slowly into the darkness... watching, looking, grinning cunningly into the villager's frail bodies. In each of their homes, a creature watched from their windows.This was an unusual time.Kings were treated less than Counts.The Kings were crowned as mortals. They lead, they judge, they make the decisions.The Counts were awakened as immortals. They watch. They devour. They live for entertainment. And one can destroy a nation.The King of Chesterfawn was the ruler of the continent. He conquered cities and his opponent with the hilt of his mighty sword, forg

After hearing about her mistress' critical condition, Asty could not contain the uneasiness within herself. A few days ago, she and Lady Rosellia were chatting about the village boys and their favorite quotes. Heart heavy, Asty made her way to Lady Rosellia's mansion. She would through the village's center, and as soon as she stepped within the vicinity, all of the villagers' eyes were fixated on hers. At first, she tried to ignore their judgmental expressions, and no matter how she tried, she could not stop overhearing their conversations about her. She continued to reject their critiques, her eyes straightforwardly looking forward as she averted her gaze from the other women in the proximity.Asty did not want to hear their childish rumors."Look! It's the woodcutter's daughter!""She has bright orange hair, yet everyone in the village has dark hair.""Is she a countess?""A

Mrs. Pickinns hurriedly grabbed a bundle of keys from her wooden office desk, while the two subjects watched her with anxiety in their eyes."Mrs. Pickinns?" Asty gently called out. "Do you want us to help you find the right key-""Hush, child!" one by one, she tries on the different shaped keys on the warehouse doorknob. It was where she had promised that the unfinished samples of outfits were stored.Asty looked down and reached for the envelope. She examined the smooth texture of the paper and confusion was evident in her bright, orange eyes.Her fingers could feel the paper from the inside. But she was scared to open the envelope. She didn't want Lady Rosellia to be upset about her seeing the contents of what she had in store for the Duke.But at the same time, Asty was doubtful whether Lady Rosellia really placed a message inside or not. It would be a disappointment if the Duke opened it and th

 "Both of you look nervous." Asty and Noelle smiled at Mrs. Pickinns. "Mrs. Pickinns, I feel like I'm gonna throw up," Noelle confessed. "I don't feel so good." Mrs. Pickinns rolled her eyes. "Noelle, for the love of God, grow up. You are a grown man and yet the thought of a ball scares you." Noelle waved his hands in the air. "But Mrs. Pickinns, I have never been to a Ball!" "It's just music and dancing. Once Asthenosthene delivers the envelope to the Duke, we can leave." Asty's eyes were focused outside of the carriage. Her eyes fixated on the nearby trees that darkened their trail. Her lips were pursed in a straight line as she recalled what her mother had told her when she left her. "Asthenosthene, you must return no matter what." The thought lingered on her mind. Asty's mother ha

BEFORE THE BALL, WOODS OF ERANA From the far distance, just above the humongous sea of trees stood three silhouettes engulfed by darkness. Even as the full moon shone from beyond, they can never be fully seen. It was like, somehow, the light never truly liked them, as it never dared reach to illuminate their skin. But somehow only their eyes could be distinguished from the far sight. As the palace sentries spot them from afar, they fled with their lamps and soiled their pants, leaving their spears falling onto the hard ground. Frightened as they recognized their silhouettes, they did not dare waste a second and immediately bailed. They knew that interacting with them was up to no good.  "They really fear us." a female voice croaked. "Is the Palace really holding a Ball?" another voice chimed in, it was more of a hoarser and chilling tone. "I heard every Count and Countesses