the dark night

Night fell upon the dark red forest, and the scent of damp soil rose with the falling raindrops. A young woman, around twenty years old, stood amidst the shadows, her black dress clinging to her body, drenched and heavy. Her eyes glimmered — cold, merciless, and sharp as a blade.

Her long hair, slicked back and glistening under the rain, was partly concealed beneath a pair of dark, feathered wings.

. She walked deeper into the forest, fury burning in every step, until she reached the edge of a cliff overlooking a small village.

With a slow, deliberate motion, she removed the wings that had veiled her hair. Then, as she descended the hillside, her form began to shift. Her youthful face hardened, her frame broadened, and before long she had transformed into a middle-aged man — about forty years old.

He continued walking until he reached an old antique shop at the edge of the village. After glancing around cautiously, he stepped inside.

Suddenly, the shopkeeper rushed forward, his face pale with shock.

“Darham! Where have you been? Everyone thought you were dead! Your wife was here just yesterday, searching for you!”

Darham’s voice was low and steady. “I’ll tell you everything, Thalham... but for now, just follow me.”

Thalham hesitated. “Wait — let me close the shop first. Just a moment.”

As Thalham disappeared into the next room, someone grabbed Darham by the arm and pulled him outside.

It was a young man — no older than twenty, handsome in a way that could melt hearts.

Before Darham could speak, the youth said coldly, “Why do you hide behind the body of a man?”

Darham’s eyes flashed. His form shimmered, and within moments, the young woman stood there again, her black wings unfurled.

“So… you’ve been following me,” she said with a dark smile. “Good. I need someone to witness what I’m about to do. Blacky, you’ll be my *bloody witness*!”

Her wings spread wide, swirling with power — ready to bind him. But suddenly, the boy’s long coat split open, revealing radiant white wings.

She laughed softly. “Ah… an angel. The finest witness I could ever have.”

She snapped her fingers, and the boy collapsed, unconscious. Her wings wrapped around him gently — like a cocoon shielding a newborn.Then, once again, she shifted her form back into Darham and returned to Thalham’s shop.

Pointing toward the dark forest, he said grimly, “That cursed woman… she’s back.”

Thalham stepped backward, swallowing hard. “Are you certain?”

Darham nodded. “I have a plan. But we must reach the forest before sunset.”

Without another word, Thalham followed.

As night deepened, the sound of cracking leaves echoed beneath their boots. When they reached the heart of the forest, Darham turned slowly, a smirk curling on his lips.

“So,” he said darkly, “don’t you want to *see* the witch?”

And before Thalham could react — Darham’s form shimmered once more, twisting, reshaping — until the woman with black wings stood before him again, her eyes blazing beneath the crimson canopy of the forest.

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