The Prey

     The screams cascade over me. The prey suffers; I delight in it. 

    This particular prey is horrified. This isn't there first time here; it's just there first time on this side of the hunt. I scan the maze again and see the flowing outline of their cowering form. This makes me feel even more manic than I already am. I slither my way toward him and hear his screams caress my ears. It isn't long before he sees me. "Who are-?" I throw a dagger straight into his left thigh. Through his agony, I can hear the metal tear through flesh and graze bone. "Wai, this dagger. Have you been the one hunting in me this-?"

    "In this Oblivion?" I chuckle. He nods frantically. "Yes. You are correct. I have been."

    "Why?" He screams.

    I grin at his frantic state. "You hurt someone I care deeply about. One who gave me a reason to stay alive beyond my mortal coil."

    "Who could I have hurt-?" I throw another dagger into his other thigh. He screams again; I cackle. "What is wrong with you?"

    "Well, like I said, you hurt someone I care about." I murmur her name to myself. "But unlike her, I will hurt you in return in any way she thought to. You will feel her pain as your own, her wrath as your suffering, her anger as your-"

    A burst of light shatters everything. It blinds us both as the darkness cracks and falls away. The floor gives underneath us but we don't fall. We both seize in confusion. I come out of my shock and see we are where I first called my prey; the park across the street from her house. I can barely find the energy to move when I feel someone's searing breath and vengeful gaze down my neck. I hear the prey sob behind me, followed by a calm, priestly voice next to him. I know what has happened and I can't be more miffed about it than I already am. I collect my emotions and say, "Way to ruin my fun, Renegade."

    "You think this is fun, Ms. Dayspring?" The Dominion breathes on me. "Sending an unsuspecting, Forlorn Era soul into your Oblivion is 'fun' to you?"

    I cross my arms, but keep my head pulled away. "When she wishes them to suffer, then yes."

    "You think she wanted this one to suffer?"

    "Yes. M-"

    "Don't bother reasoning with her, Renegade." The prissy Queen calls to the Dominion. "Our Creator doesn't need our in-fighting. Not now."

    I feel the Dominion seethe against the Queen. "Fine. Your words hold truth. Let's take him to his residence. We will deal with this one later." Before I can argue, I sense them disappear with my prey. I'm not that bothered; I know he's under his special protection again. 

    Lucky him.