The stone tile clicked gently, as the great ebon raven strode slowly along it. Talons scraping softly along the ground, slowly lowering himself to his throne. The creature didn't turn his glance toward me, instead slowly bending a finder. The slightest beckoning sign.

I stood, slowly lifting myself. Standing for a moment by his side as I breathed heavily. A quick glance outside one small window, the sunlight slowly fading across the horizon. I swallowed deeply, shifting awkwardly as his beak lowered to my ear. "You're a nice girl, aren't you? So quiet. A helpful servant around the palace. But I think you could be a little bit.... More. A little different for me. You can see the sun going down, don't you? The darkness is warm and gentle. It'd be nice to feel it... Wrap around you. Feel the darkness embrace you and wrap around you."