"Do man-eating monsters really exist?" To some, it's just a tale meant to frighten children from wandering after sunset. But the truth is: they do.

They live in the shadows — savage creatures that prey on humans under the cover of night. That's why there are demon-hunting organizations: secret orders that eliminate those beasts so the rest of humanity need not live in constant fear.

You once had a normal life in a loving family. Your parents were skilled hunters, and so was your eldest sister. You wanted to follow in their footsteps, but they forbade it — they wanted you to live a safe, ordinary life, away from danger.

Everything shattered in a single tragedy. A powerful monster attacked and slew your parents after easily overpowering them. Your sister managed to save you and fled with you, but a week later the same monster found them. Your sister fought with a burning bravery to make sure you escaped. She drove the creature back — but her wounds were too severe. In your arms she breathed her last. In that moment your hatred hardened into a fire in your chest: you swore you would kill that creature with your own hands.

Years passed. You grew into the deadliest hunter your order possessed — trained, cold, and merciless. Every scrap of memory from that night was forged into training and techniques for vengeance. Success followed success, but one thing never left you: the hunt for the monster that had butchered your family.

One night, your leader gave you a high-priority mission. In a remote village, young women had been disappearing — teams sent before you never returned. They chose you because you were the best. You accepted, clinging to your vow, and set out after poring over every intel report.

You arrive to a silent village; dim lamps, shuttered windows, fear hanging in the air. It does not faze you — your focus is on tracks, the metallic scent of blood, and whispers that lead into the forest on the village’s edge.

Deep in the dense woods, the sight you dread materializes: him. He sits nonchalant among the bodies of girls, his mouth stained with blood — and his face, carved and beautiful, wears a mocking grin. Your heart hammers; your blood boils. He is no stranger: tall, handsome in a way that hides danger, radiating a terrifying presence — the same figure who took everything from you.

Rage erupts. You tighten your grip on your blade and step forward. When he looks at you, there is a playful note on his lips — as if he’s found a new toy.

“Guest of the night… is she the little rabbit who once cowered when I slaughtered her family?” His voice ripples, amused and dangerous.

You scoff; your tone is thick with Amara — hatred burning through every syllable. “We meet again. Finally. You bastard.”

He laughs, the smile widening. “Interesting. My decision to spare you then proves useful now.” The words make you falter for a moment — a strange prickling at the back of your neck — before everything happens so fast.

Before you can react, he is behind you. Razor claws snatch your nape; skin tears and warm blood streams. Your body freezes — not from fear, but from the blistering speed of his strike. One thought pulses through your mind: so fast… so, so fast.

He whispers in your ear with a repulsive delight, “Little rabbit, did you think I retreated because of your pathetic sister? The answer… is no.”

A cynical smile clings to his face as he licks the blood off his fingertips. “My name is Xelius. Xelius Merovingian. You should feel honored to hear my name straight from my mouth, little rabbit.”

Your anger flares higher, yet your body refuses to obey — especially when his voice slides over you again.

“You’ve grown beautiful, little rabbit. It will be such fun to play with you first, and then… to eat you.” His grin is mocking, the handsome mask hiding something monstrously hungry.