A/N: This is a new idea I came up with. I know this chapter is short, but I want to get a sense from you guys if there is an interest in me continuing this.

Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah I don't own anything

The Dark One

Chapter One

Our land is special. We have magic here and it is an everyday part of life, but it comes with a price.

Many years ago our land and the lands surrounding us were taken over by a powerful king. No one knows what he truly is or even what is name is. To us he simply goes by the dark one. He is a very strict ruler, but one whom is very fair and he broke piece to our lands. Since he reign we have had no wars, no famish and our people are happy. He has price though. Every five years all the eligible young women of marrying age are offered to him for his selection. He comes down to our little village and chooses five girls to take back with him to the palace. No one knows what becomes of these girls because they are never seen again, but the families are left with a massive dowry and the honor that they were chosen. We call this the reaping and tomorrow is the next one.

"Sookie will you quit your squirming. You need to look clean and fresh for the reaping!" My Gran was currently pulling my hair harder than she should into an intricate knot on my head. I was currently wearing my prettiest blue dress with lace and some ribbons. Gran worked hard on it all winter just for the reaping.

"But Gran, I'm too young for the reaping anyway. Why do I need to dress up so? Why can I just wear my play clothes?"

"Hush up child. It is your last summer as a child. Next year you will be an adult, so you need to start acting and dressing like one." Gran had finished my hair by now and was adjusting my dress again, brushing away imaginary wrinkles and lint. "Now you look perfect. Come on we must head to the square, the ceremony should be starting soon."

Gran carefully place her hat upon her head and grabbed my hand with her left. For the past ten years it has just been Gran, myself and Jason. Jason got married last summer to a young girl from the next village. Crystal was not the girl my Gran had expected for Jason, we were both surprised that Jason settled down, but then again we welcomed Jason Jr. into the world that winter.

As we near the square, most of the village was already in attendance. There was a large platform built specifically for the reaping. Each of the eligible girls stood up there in their finest dresses and shoes, nervously awaiting the Dark Ones arrival and the ultimate outcome of their fate. There was a definitive static energy in the air. Everyone was nervous for the Dark Ones arrival, but excited to know there would another five years where the village would want for nothing. I stood towards the back with Gran, still holding her hand. Today felt different, somehow I knew things were about to change.

"I feel it too sweet heart, I feel it too." Gran turned to whisper this is my ear. I guess I wasn't the only who felt it.

As the minutes ticked by the air began to shift and we could all feel the subtle crack of magic in the air. Slowly from the edge of the village we could see the brigade of carriages coming towards us. Each one was pure black pulled by equally black horses and led by men in armor and helmets. The procession slowly and came to a stop right next to the platform. Everyone waited with baited breathe as the Dark One emerged from his carriage, the largest of the group. He stepped out and surveyed the village; we all of course quickly bowed to him. As much as he scared us, we owed him a lot and respected his kingship.

"Rise," was all the Dark One said to us. He made his way to platform moving with a grace that a man his size shouldn't be capable of managing. No one ever saw the Dark One's face, he was always shrouded by a large robe, the only thing we did know about his looks was his height. Surely he stood well over six feet tall. He slinked past Arlene, a loud red head, he paused, pointed and Arlene was carted towards a carriage at the back of the caravan. He walked past two girls before pointing at both Dawn, who we thought would end up with Jason, and a particularly shy girl by the name of Arabeth who immediately broke into hysterics. Arabeth had to be carried to others by one of the armored men. As the Dark One made his way to the end of the line he chose his last two girls, Amy and Anne who happened to be twins, he paused. In that moment I knew my world was about to change. The Dark One raised his head and immediately turned it towards me. Before I could blink he has rushed through the crowd, everyone parting to let him pass and he was standing immediately in front of me before I could take a second breathe. In his haste his hood had fallen off his head and I was looking up at the most beautiful man I had ever seen. Long blonde hair surrounded his well chiseled face, but his eyes were what caught me the most. They were the most haunting pair of blue eyes I had ever laid my eyes on and they were currently staring back at me. No one in the village moved a muscle. I didn't even breathe before…

"You. I want you."