Dario was in his chamber all alone, playing with paper, turning it into beautiful little artworks.
"My prince, someone is here to see you," his guard announced, but Prince Dario ignored him. A few seconds passed.
"Prince Dario," a familiar voice called, making him turn around.
"Hi," Princess Thana smiled as she slowly walked towards him.
He swallowed and continue what he was doing.
"What are you doing here, Miss?" he asked.
Thana smiled. It was the first time she heard him speak.
"My name is Thana… Princess Thana," she said, but as usual, Dario ignored her.
"What are you doing? Wow, it's so beautiful," Thana said, taking one of the crafted papers — it was a bird.
"Should I take it?" she asked. Dario nods and her smile widened.
"Can't you look at me for once? Just spare a glance at me, Dario," Thana pouted. Dario ignored her_focused on crafting.
Thana smiled and looked around the chamber.
"Wow, your chamber is so marvelous, Prince Dario," she said, twirling around.
"You are so nosy, Miss," Dario muttered. Thana rushed towards him.
"Can you make me… another one of these bird crafts… maybe a boat?" Thana demanded.
"I hate talkatives. I'll probably make a cage… to trap you in," Dario muttered.
"Hahaha," Thana laughed.
"I'd love that," she said.
"I brought you something — a tangerine. You'll love it," Thana added, dropping the wrapped fruit on the table. Dario glanced at it.
"How is your wound?" she asked, taking his hand and pulling up the sleeve of his garment.
Dario was surprised by her boldness.
She moved her hands, tracing his healing wound. The instant her skin touched his, Dario shuddered. Something stirred inside him — aggressive, hungry, unexplainable. He lowered his head.
"Ahhh…" he groaned slightly.
"Are you okay?" Thana asked, still holding his hands.
Dario pulled away immediately.
"Leave!" he said, keeping his head lowered.
"Why, Dario?" she asked, trying to approach him.
"Now!!" he yelled. Thana froze, a tear slipping down her cheek as she ran out of the chamber.
"What's happening to me?" Dario muttered, feeling his nails elongate, his fangs pushing through.
He touched his mouth and ran to the mirror.
What he saw made him shudder.
His eyes were red, his lips blood-colored, fangs sharp and visible, nails long.
"This isn't me… what's happening?" he whispered, trembling.
"Dario," a voice called from behind. He spun around immediately.
A woman stood before him — tall, beautiful, dressed in black, radiating power. Her eyes were a color he couldn't comprehend.
"Who… who are you?" He asked, stepping back until his back hit the wall. Fear held him frozen.
"Guards!" he called.
"They can't hear you," the woman said, moving closer.
"Who… who are you… don't come closer…" His voice faltered because of the fangs.
The woman smiled — a mixture of happiness, sadness, and regret. The little boy was afraid of her.
"You are all grown now… and about to grow even more," she said softly.
Dario remained silent, staring at her.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here… all this while, for you," she said, touching his cold face.
"Who… are…" Dario started.
"I'm your mother," the woman said before he could finish.
"Huh?" His eyes widened in shock.