Nyomi was walking along the outskirts of the Manor, listening to the occasional ghostly voice from within. Nowadays, she stayed outside during the night, pacing around the borders when she couldn't sleep. Which was often. Sometimes the ghosts got too close or the sounds woke her up. Or she was just too restless to sleep. After so many years of living like this, she had learned to sleep during the day. Many of the buildings were empty and dark enough during the day she could manage to find a cozy spot to make up for what she was missing. It wasn't an ideal setup, but it was the best she could do. She'd rather be awake during the day than the night. Strangers could easily sneak in during the day while she was asleep. At night, the ghosts were plenty protection. Let them devour anyone stupid enough to come close. In all the time the Manor has stood here, it should be common knowledge among the other creatures that it exists and it is always hungry to add to its collection of souls. Be they living or dead.
Maybe that was how all the stallions had been getting past her lately. No one but her was in a position to scare them away during the day. But she was asleep, now, for most of it. And there just seemed to be more and more children being born. Fortunately, most didn't stay long. Or they were forced to the borders of the territory out of fear of either her or the other inhabitants. That was fine. They could stay there. No one else had a place here like she did. If only they'd just die out there. Such as that wolf brother of hers. How had he survived? Did it matter? He was almost as messed up as her, now. That was almost as good as dead. She enjoyed watching him suffer. Why should all her siblings have good lives and she be denied that? Where would she go if she left the Manor? There was nowhere for her. It was unfair.
And those other two who refused to leave. Two from the latest birth. They seemed sane. Fine. Just dandy. She seen them from time to time, luring their mother out to talk to her. What were they doing? They were smart enough to stay away from her. They should just leave. She especially wanted them to leave. How dare anyone be happy in her presence!
Ice_Dragon_Demon