"I pity you," the woman continued, her eyes slowly scanning them all as if they were livestock at auction. "You fragile little mortals, clinging to your petty bonds. You stink of desperation. Your stomachs cry out. Your skin itches from within. Your minds tremble, even now. I can hear your blood singing."
She smiled wider.
"So allow me, in my boundless mercy, to relieve you of your burden."
"Your Highness," Luna suddenly spoke up.
Her voice was not its usual, cheeky, smug, sarcastic self.
It was soft. Reverent. Polished with the respectful tone of a servant bowing before royalty.
"If I may… Would you be willing to entertain a final request from a lowly one like myself before you end my miserable existence?"
The Countess blinked, clearly not expecting this response.
Her head tilted to the side a bit, and curls of matted silver hair brushed her collarbone as she regarded Luna like a curious insect that had spoken.
A beat passed.
