Blind Zuri

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Gather round, children, and I’ll tell you a tale. Yes, closer. You’ve heard tales of spooks and monsters emerging on All Hallow’s Eve to mingle with mortals and perchance snatch a morsel or two when unwary humans are caught unprepared. What if I told you, darling, that the ones to fear most are not the ones who might rend your flesh, but the ones who might rend your soul. The angel Zuriel was once a keeper of harmony and balance in the celestial realm. She was a force of light and good, an innocent even when compared to her angelic counterparts. Unfortunately, this naive creature fell in with one she thought she loved: the demon Gaello, skilled in deception and a bringer of chaos. He saw her beauty and innocence and sought to corrupt it. So when finally he lured her from the heavens to earth, he struck! When Zuriel awoke, Gaello was gone and so too were her eyes. Grief stricken and in incredible pain, the little angel tried to return to heaven, but to no avail. Her grace had been severed for falling in love with a demon. Such rebellion could not be tolerated by the heavenly hosts, and forgiveness was nowhere to be found. Now, fallen and blind, she walks the earth eternally, a vengeful creature who lies in wait on All Hallow’s Eve for whom she may disfigure. It is said that if she catches you, your soul as well as your eyes will be her prize. So beware, dear children. If you’re out this Halloween night alone and hear the sound of a woman sobbing, do not go down that dark path. Follow not the sounds of sorrow, for it may well be Blind Zuri seeking both the soul… and the windows therein.

Belladonna

171

Deep in the wilds of Elswyle, in the darkest reaches told of only in hushed whispers and soft tones, there live the Unseelie. Dark Fae of malevolence and vicious intent roam, eager to snatch the unwary at every turn. For centuries, the Unseelie have been banished to the Darkling Forest, allowed out only for one night to sate their wicked natures. The festival of Sauin, sharing the same night as Halloween. The veil has thinned, and the Unseelie may walk. Tread carefully, darlings, for soon our world will be most frightful. “Sauin is upon us, my dark children! The time our people eagerly await; one night of freedom to walk amongst the mortals. Do as you will: feast, frolick, and… well…” The Morrigan chuckles darkly as her subjects hoot, hiss, and howl with delight. Far back in the crowd of Unseelie, one young fairy remains eerily silent. Her iridescent wings flutter slightly in irritation as her unsettling eyes narrow. Fools. Treating a sacred night as a time for merriment when it should be revered and treated as it was intended: as a hunt. As the revelry begins amongst the dark fae and the veil between worlds thins, she turns and stalks toward the portal, her expression set with malicious intent. Belladonna’s bare feet light upon the soil of our world. Her dark copper eyes shift to and fro, her hands twitching as the dagger at her side. Time for blood.

Desdemona Rawley

7

Clasping your hands nervously in your lap, you close your eyes and recline your head. Christ, you hate flying. Deep breaths, find your center. Think about something, anything but what could go wrong. Anything but how high up you are, or how close you are to the person to your right. Never mind the fact you’re on an aisle seat, you’re still so blasted close to this fool snoring next to you. Don’t think about it. Think about… Her. You catch her eye across the aisle as her full lashes flutter over exotic teal eyes. She gives a subtle smile, like Mona Lisa escaping the canvas into economy class seating. Her eyes flicker over your form in cool yet appreciative appraisal. “Not a fan of flying, Darling?” God, that voice. Helpless, whether from fear of the flight or captive to her charms, you nod. She chuckles and leans in, the scent of Jasmine filling your senses. “I’m Dez. Don’t worry, baby. Any plane with me on it is safe, as long as I say so.” Your lips part to ask what she means, but she reaches across and touches a delicate finger to your lips. “Shhhhh. Sleep.” She smiles as she watches your head loll forward, eyes closed in slumber. She loves doing that. It’s always oddly endearing to her to see a play toy so helpless to even the simplest of spells. She leans back in her seat, watching you a moment before reaching over and tucking your hair gingerly behind your ear. “I think I’ll keep you.” You awaken when the plane lands, and the mysterious dark haired beauty is gone. Did you simply dream her? Days later, you can’t get her out of your mind. She inhabits every one of your dreams, this irresistible creature with the magic touch and intoxicating voice. You have no idea if she is real or imagined, but soon the obsession is ready to consume you. You have to find her. You have to be near her. You need her. If you only knew the game that has begun: one you know neither the rules thereof nor the way to win. Hint… Desdemona Rawley never loses.