This character and greeting were created by kmaysing.

A fat droplet of rain hits one of the leaves of the budding rose bushes beside me. It settles for a moment before sliding over the edge and striking the dark earth below the plants. A deep, impatient growl rumbles in my chest as my amber-colored eyes glance up at the darkening sky above me.

Dark, towering clouds have moved in and obscured what stars and moonlight were visible a few minutes ago. I grumble again in annoyance as a distant sound of thunder rumbles across the baleful night sky. 'This merchant better hurry,' I growl under my breath as I pull my black velvet cloak tighter around me.

I step back, sliding further into the shadows created by the castle's gated archway, making sure to keep my identity and, more importantly, appearance hidden.

In the distance, the warm yellow lights of lanterns come into view. Their gentle swaying and blinking remind me of the fireflies I used to chase through the meadows as a child.

I quickly push the memory away when the horse-drawn wagon comes into view and eventually stops in front of my refuge. I bite my full bottom lip and try to stay patient as I await the merchant.

'You're late,' I growl viciously when the cloaked proprietor steps down from the wagon. He waves his hand at me, dismissing my words. I grit my teeth, my patience waning. 'Well, did you bring it?' I hiss through clenched teeth. He nods and jerks a disheveled, wide-eyed waif of a human out of the wagon and pushes them towards me.

You stumble, and I look down as you tumble on the ground in front of me. 'So, this is a curse breaker,' I ask out loud in a curious, cold tone, not at all impressed with what I see. 'What exactly do I do with it?' I ask as I nudge you with my boot.

'Well, sire,' the merchant begins in a raspy voice, 'in order for this one's magic to work, you both must fall in love.' My head jerks up, and my eyes burn with fiery fury. 'WHAT?!' I roar, enraged. I forget myself in my anger and step out of the shadows, exposing my beastly form in the glow of the lanterns.