SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO-
Dario was in his chamber, all alone.
A sheet of paper rested between his fingers as he carefully folded it,transforming it into a delicate piece of art.
Soft footsteps approached.
"My prince, someone is here to see you,"
the guard announced.
Dario didn't respond,Silence stretched.
"Prince Dario."
A familiar voice called.
Dario paused and slowly turned.
"Hi," Princess Thana said with a bright smile as she walked toward him.
He swallowed, then looked away, returning to his craft.
"What are you doing here, miss?" he asked coldly.
Thana's smile widened,this was the first time she had ever heard him speak.
"My name is Thana. Princess Thana," she said gently.
He ignored her.
"What are you making? Wow… it's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, picking up one of the crafted papers,a bird.
"Can I take it?" she asked.
He gave a slight nod,her face lit up.
"Can't you look at me for once? Just one glance, Dario," she pouted.
He said nothing.
She giggled and began wandering
around the chamber."Wow, your chamber is so marvelous, Prince Dario!" she said, twirling happily.
"You are quite nosy, miss," He muttered.
Thana rushed back to him."Can you make me another one? Maybe a boat?" she asked eagerly.
"I hate talkative people," His tone was flat."Perhaps I should make a cage… to lock you inside."
Thana burst into laughter."I would love that," she replied playfully.
She placed something wrapped on the table.
"I brought you something,tangerines. You'll love them."
Dario glanced at it silently.
"How is your wound?" she asked softly.
Before he could react, she reached for his hand and pulled up his sleeve. He stiffened.
Her fingers traced the healing wound on his arm.
The moment her skin touched his,Something snapped inside him.
A shiver ran violently through his body making his breath hitch.
A strange hunger surged within him… wild, uncontrollable."Ahh…" he groaned.
"Are you okay?" Thana asked, still holding his hand.
Dario jerked away from her touch."Leave," he said, his head lowered.
"Why, Dario?" she asked, stepping closer.
"NOW!" he roared.
Thana froze.
Tears welled in her eyes before she turned and ran out of the chamber.
He staggered back, his body trembling.
"What's happening to me…?" he whispered.
His nails began to elongate,Sharp and
Deadly.
Fangs pushed out from his gums."No… no…" he muttered, rushing toward the mirror. He froze at what he saw.
His reflection stared back at him
Eyes glowing red.
Lips stained.
Fangs exposed.
"This… isn't me…" his voice shook.
"Dario."
A voice echoed behind him,he turned sharply, and a woman stood there.
Tall, Beautiful and Dressed in black.
Her presence was overwhelming,powerful and terrifying.
"Who… who are you?" Dario asked, stepping back until his back hit the wall.
"Guards!" he shouted.
"They can't hear you," she said calmly, walking closer.
"Do…dont…come any closer!" He stammered, his voice trembling around his fangs.
The woman smiled. A strange mix of emotions flickered in her eyes…joy, sorrow… regret.
"You've grown," she said softly. "And you're about to grow even more."
Dario stared at her, unable to speak.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here for you all this time," she whispered, gently touching his cold cheek.
"Who are—"
"I am your mother."
Dario's eyes widened."What…? No… my mother is dead…"
The woman burst into laughter,cold and unsettling.
"Why are you laughing?" he asked, fear creeping into his voice.
Her expression suddenly turned serious.
"Listen carefully," she said. "You must stay away from that girl."
"Who?" Dario asked.
"Thana."
He blinked."Princess Thana?"
"Yes."
"Why?" he demanded.
The woman's gaze darkened."If you get close to her… you will become a monster."
"A terrible one."
Dario's voice shook."…Why?"