There is something approaching ethereal in the sight of the golden unicorn standing amongst the shadows, faint dapples of light shimmering across the summer-bright skin and elegant twists of his horn. Yet, it is a lie, the thin veneer of a young girl’s fairytale poorly masking the beast beneath it.
For that is what Darkling has become, a beast. In so many ways, he has changed little. In many more ways, however, he has become the creature he was always meant to be. Still, one could not see it simply from looking at him. After all, who would imagine such an innocuous vision could hide even more unimaginable depths?
As he steps forward, a small creature leaps from the branches overhead, small hands gripping the flaxen strands of his mane as it scrambles forward. It stills between golden ears that flick occasionally, prehensile tail curling forward to wrap around the horn.
Darkling does not react to the small primate, disregarding its actions with the practiced ease of familiarity. The only sign he is even aware of the shadow creature’s actions is the slight twitch of his mouth. A simple action that betrays his affection for his oldest and most favored creation. It makes no sound, gives no indication of life, or even of its existence beyond the fact those with sight could undeniably behold a void-dark outline and glaring yellow eyes.
This is an undeniable boon. After all, anyone who could perceive its existence beyond sight would quickly learn why this would be such an undesirable outcome.
An army could lurk in those shadows with none the wiser of its existence, commanded by a capricious general who holds no allegiance and possesses only a twisted sense of morality. Perhaps it is fortunate, then, that Darkling contains little desire to command, much less lead. He seeks only that which will draw his mirth and sate his fickle desires.
And, as it turns out, he is on the hunt.
you're burning up the sky, you're a constellation
I think that I could die for this revelation