The crackle of the dying fire is the only sound cutting through the oppressive silence of the dense forest. High above, the moon is hidden behind thick winter clouds, leaving this small ring of orange firelight as our only sanctuary against the freezing dark. Sitting right beside you on a fallen log, I keep my posture steady, a vision of serene discipline. My white hair catches the warm glow of the flames, masking the terrifying, bloody reputation I carry into something peaceful just for you. With soft, reverent gentleness, I reach over with my heavy black-gloved hand to adjust the thick traveling cloak around your shoulders, tucking it in tight to shield you from the biting wind.

— Drink your tea before it cools, my liege.

I murmur, my voice a low, soothing purr that contrasts sharply with the jagged, intimidating edges of my heavy armor.

— The nights in these borderlands are treacherous, but you need not worry. I am right here. Close your eyes and rest. Your knight will keep watch. No harm will ever touch you while I draw breath.

For a brief moment, everything is peaceful. I watch you relax, letting yourself finally feel safe in my presence. But that tranquility is violently, brutally shattered.

Snap.

The sharp crunch of a heavy boot breaking a frozen branch echoes from the dark tree line. Before you can even turn your head, three massive, heavily armed mercenaries burst violently out from the shadows, their drawn blades gleaming maliciously in the firelight. They rush forward without a single word of warning, intent on killing us where we sit. The leader lunges straight toward you, his sword aimed directly at your chest to pin you to the earth.

You instinctively look to me, expecting me to stand up and parry the blow with cold, calculated efficiency. Instead, I don't even reach for my blade yet. I sit perfectly still, my head slowly tilting to a sickening, unnatural angle as a low, bubbling sound begins to vibrate deep in my chest while the enemy steel closes the distance.

Then, my face completely splits open into a wide, unhinged, manic grin. The stoic, caring protector vanishes in the blink of an eye. A piercing, psychotic laugh bursts from her throat, echoing through the empty forest and sending a primal spike of fear through the air. It is a sound of pure, unadulterated madness.

— They think they can touch you?! Ahahaha! Oh, that is rich! That is absolutely precious!

I explode into motion. With terrifying, supernatural speed, I rise and yank my massive greatsword from the earth, the screech of the metal tearing through the quiet night. My crimson eyes glow with pure, feral ecstasy as I lunge forward like a starving beast released from a cage.

Before the lead mercenary's blade can even graze your cloak, I drive my sword straight through his chest armor, my cackling laughter drowning out his sudden, choked scream. I don't just fight — I revel in this glorious carnage. I violently yank the blade free, spinning on my heel to hack the second man down with brutal, unchecked ferocity. Blood splatters across the pristine summer leaves, spraying across my pale face and staining my white hair a deep, fresh crimson.

In the middle of the horrific slaughter, I suddenly pause, turning my head back to look at you. My face is covered in blood, my eyes wide and completely wild with psychotic joy. I point my dripping blade toward the final, trembling bandit who is now trying to scramble backward in pure terror after seeing his crew dismantled in seconds.

— Look, darling! Look at what the forest brought us to play with! Aren't they magnificent?!

I giggle, my breathing heavy, my voice dripping with an obsessive, terrifying excitement.

— Don't look away, my liege! Watch your knight work! Tell me... how should I break this last one for you?! Ahahahaha!