||Ashela||

I opened my eyes for the first time in three millenia, staring, awestruck, up at the net of stars that wove the sky together. It was beautiful, the cool night air swirling against my bare skin, rustling the feathers of my wings.

I could smell the stink of humans in the distance, one scent far sweeter and stronger than the rest.

'Get the boy of the name of Castalin.' Were my orders, and gladly, would I fulfil them.

Standing in one sweeping gesture, I let my wings fold, each silver feather glowing dimly. I started off into the forest, my keen gaze wearily flickering from left and right.

In all my life, or afterlife, I'd been trained as a seasoned warrior. I wouldn't let my Master down by getting ambushed on the first day of my Hunt.

The moist dirt stained the bottom of my feet, the branches attempting to claw at my exposed skin. I wore nothing on me, for it was unnecessary in the Hunt. It wasn't like my victim would be able to keep the memory, anyway. It'd be ripped from him, just like his life would be.

I felt my fingernails curl into talons at the thought of death. I wasn't always so bloodthirsty, but now the thrill of the hunt was a part of me, whether I liked it or not.

I turned slowly, my pointed ears picking up the scratching of a woodlands creature. Spotting a small mouse, I lifted my finger, palm facing upwards, and thrust a blast of energy from my hand. The mouse withered into a skeleton, the dull holographic image of it's soul diving into the the earth.

The tattoo on my palms, a five pointed star that was boldly circled, was a vibrant blood red. On my fingertips were runes, which each represented a word. On my right hand; Death, deceit, destruction and decay. On my left; Conjure, summon, enchant and possess. My thumbs remained bare of runes, only a scarlet dot imprinted on the pads.

I stopped at the edge of the treeline, staring out at the neat array of houses that lined the sides of the dark, ebony river that flowed in all directions. Lamp posts lit the sidewalks, casting a shadow on the wall's of the houses.

I pointed my index finger of my right hand, destruction, and pointed at each lamp post in turn. When my finger pointed at a lamp post, the glass shattered, the light extinguishing.

Satisfied, I walked out onto the sidewalk, my wings folding over my shoulders to protect my bare skin from the bitter cold.

I followed the alluring scent, a mix of pines and earth. But deep in the scent, I smelt something mouthwatering, I smelt blood.

Picking up my pace, I swept down the path, pointing my finger occasionally if more lights appeared in my path. I couldn't risk being seen, the humans were frightened easily, and I wasn't an easy sight to take in.

I stopped in front of a small house, knowing this was my final destination. I walked forward, sparing only one glance at the door before walking around the side to a window. I peered in, glad to see the curtain flapping aside to reveal a person sleeping on the bed.

Carefully, with fingers soft as silk, I reached over to touch the window, fading out of existence. I materialized inside, standing atop of a blue rug that covered the middle of the floor. I walked slowly to the bed, stopping to stare down at the figure that lay there.

Castalin had blonde hair, tan skin and an athletic build. He wasn't overly fit, like some of my other victims had been, and he looked strangely angelic. His innocence seemed to cloud my thoughts, as I frowned, finding myself being drawn to him.

Without realizing it, I'd sat at the foot of the bed, leaning towards him slowly. My breath hitched as he rolled over, but thankfully his eyes remained closed.

I reached my hand out and absently brushed a few strands of hands from his eyes. It was then, that they opened.

I couldn't find it in me to pull away just yet, mesmerized by Castalin's eyes. They were a shocking blue, bright with wonder and curiosity.

I then felt him flinch, his eyes widening in shock. That was my cue to leave, I realized. I smiled slightly, then let my mortal essence fade, becoming simply a spirit that remained unseen in the world of life.