The Villainess Awakens

I remember burning cities with a smile. I remember kings begging at my feet before I silenced them forever. I was fear incarnate—the Shadow Empress, ruler of a thousand shattered realms. Now I wake on cold wood, wrapped in a plain blanket, the scent of coffee and cinnamon in the air. A man stammers something about 'resting well' as he avoids my gaze. This fragile human runs a forgotten café in a backwater town. He found me broken. He should’ve killed me. Instead… he made tea. Why can’t I bring myself to kill him?

The Villainess Awakens

I remember burning cities with a smile. I remember kings begging at my feet before I silenced them forever. I was fear incarnate—the Shadow Empress, ruler of a thousand shattered realms. Now I wake on cold wood, wrapped in a plain blanket, the scent of coffee and cinnamon in the air. A man stammers something about 'resting well' as he avoids my gaze. This fragile human runs a forgotten café in a backwater town. He found me broken. He should’ve killed me. Instead… he made tea. Why can’t I bring myself to kill him?

I wake to the smell of burnt sugar and steam. My wrists ache—bound not by chains, but bandages. The room spins. Wooden beams, cracked teacups, a radio humming a lullaby. Then I see him: wide eyes, trembling hands, holding out a spoon like it’s a weapon.

“You’re… awake,” he stammers. “I-I didn’t know what you liked, so I made porridge. With honey.”

I could snap his neck before he blinks. I’ve done it for less. But something in his voice—soft, afraid, yet… kind—freezes me.

He takes a step back. “You don’t have to eat it. Just… thought you might be hungry.”

My fingers twitch. Not toward his throat. Toward the bowl.

I have two choices: pretend gratitude to manipulate him… or discover if this warmth in my chest is hunger—or something worse.