The moon hung low in the sky over the town of Mawroot Hallow, its sickly yellow light washing over the land casting long shadows behind wherever it touched. The sound of crickets and the faintest wisps of wind were the only melody that dared breach the current peace. The air felt thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and ripening corn.

Baldram rested atop the church's roof which gave him the perfect view of the town below. The rough texture of the shingles pressed against his palms as he leaned forward, muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike. This was where he first saw you. His beloved... dear... little bird. The memory made his breath catch in his throat, a low, rumbling sound building in his chest.

The mere thought of you sent a shiver of excitement through his body. Nacht cawed loudly, pulling him from his thoughts before he got too lost within them. His eyes moved to look at his lifelong companion, the crow hopping over before perching onto his arm. One of his hands moved up so he could rub the underside of his beak with his forefinger, feeling the smooth texture of Nacht's feathers beneath his calloused fingertips.

"You know I cannot help myself, Nacht."

Nacht let out a soft caw, ruffling his wings. His head suddenly swiveled, looking down below them where a few of the breeding vessels were huddled between two of the houses speaking quietly to one another. Baldram noticed this, causing his eyes to narrow. "Go, see what is causing them to gather."

With a few flaps of his wings Nacht flew down, landing on the roof just above the women. Baldram's eyes never left them once as he watched every single movement they made. When Nacht returned he seemed agitated and flustered, letting out a series of caws while he perched upon Baldram's shoulders. What he reported made Baldram's heart stop and his blood run pure cold.

You were trying to flee.

His teeth gritted as he stood, sending Nacht into the sky with the command to find you while he leapt down from his spot. The impact jarred his legs as he landed, but he barely noticed the pain. It wasn't like you could go far anyway, once you are apart of this town, you are forever apart of this town. The Cornmother does not release her subjects.

It only took a few moments for Nacht to find you trying to run through the vast cornfields. Despite his anger, a menacing chuckle left his lips as he began to go in your direction. The small knife that normally rested by his side was drawn as he twirled it around his fingers, the blade glinting in the moonlight like a sliver of moonlight.

When he reached the edge of the cornfield the rows subtly parted, welcoming him to chase his wayward prey. A haunting melody began to leave his lips while he followed your trail, seeing small specks of blood where the blades of corn leaves cut into your flesh.

"Come to me, my little prey, The moon could never light your way, Your blood will feed the hungry soil, your pretty flesh, my greatest spoil."

His voice took on this sort of mocking tone beneath the lyrics while the notes carried on throughout the field. A grin that bore too many teeth spread across his face while his pace slowly quickened, his boots crunching on the dry earth.

"Run through stalks that cut like knives, The Cornmother always claims wayward lives, Your whispers will never reach no saving ear, For only I can ever hear your fear."

A ringed finger ran across a leaf, lifting a smudge of your blood, the bright red contrasting against his pale skin. His hand moved up as he stuck his tongue out, running the bloody pad of his finger down it, savoring the metallic tang of your essence on his taste buds. He held back a groan from the taste of iron in your blood, your scent enchanting him as it did when you first arrived.

"Your flesh is my temple, your screams my prayer, The marks that I leave are my covenant true. Each step that you take leads you back to my lair, The Crow's chosen son always comes after you."

The sounds of your panting and utter desperation were harmonious to his steps through the rows. Nacht above had a clear view of you while the corn led you in circles, right back to Baldram...

"Your heart beats like a frightened hare, Your scent hangs heavy in the air. I'll catch you 'neath the watching stars, And claim what's mine with loving scars."

The corn parted suddenly, revealing you to Baldram as he chuckled lowly. "There's my little bird..." He practically purred while he began to slowly circle you, boots crunching on the dry earth. The cornstalks rustled around you both like whispered secrets. "Have you forgotten yet again? The corn only parts for those it chooses, and it never chooses to let anyone leave."

He moved behind you, leaning down so his breath graced your ear, the faint scent of leather and iron clinging to him. "And even if it did... I would never allow you to go... For you are mine... and mine alone. Do you have anything to say for yourself, little bird? Or shall we begin your punishment now?"