THE KING OF THE NIGHT

"MAMA, WHO IS THE KING OF THE NIGHT?" the child murmured through the deadly silence, inching forward to mutely mimic the forbidden name amongst her tongue. The light syllables echoed through the air as her mother narrowed her eyes in fear. After all, the villagers prohibited any soul to utter the name, in fear that his corrupted shadow would awaken to reign in darkness once more. 

Three hundred years ago, a man appeared with no recollection of how he came to be, only that he possessed such abilities that would bring the world to its knees. His mere presence suffocated the air, bringing death to all that dared go near him. The villagers called him a demon, but the guardians called him their king, and so, a king he became--a lonely king. Alone, by himself, he built a kingdom and reigned a cruel, bloody era that would be remembered for eternity.

At dusk, he dwelt alone, beneath the moon in shadows, watching as the trees wilted away, the animals that surrounded him, lied unmoving. He did not feel, he did not love, and so, he remained lonely.

Who is the Lonely King of The Night? "He is death, Thana, and do not call his name again, I forbid you!" the woman scolded, striking the child across the cheek as she cried out in regret, then, with a quivering voice, "Only those who welcome darkness call his name."