A/N-Hello again! I am so very awkward but I am trying to be better with these author's notes. This story is a bit of a fairy tale and it takes place in a historical setting. It is different from my usual writing style but I am genuinely excited for it. The rating will go up in future chapters. Please enjoy and tell me what you think! ;)


Somewhere, deep in the country there was a little piece of green heaven. The air was sweet and the grass was tender, and there were dainty butterflies and beetles that kissed the wildflowers. At night, the sky sparkled with millions of stars and the landscape was generously bathed by the luminescent moon.

Residing on this heaven was a tiny village, with lots of elderly people and little children and cows. It was the type of place that had a farmer's market every Saturday and church every Sunday. The people were simple, loving, and in harmony with themselves and the land. It was a beautiful, isolated oasis that knew nothing of turmoil or pain.

It was here; amongst the untainted green and the sweet song of the wind that a young dancer named Nia Rivers lived. He was a fragile boy of sixteen who had hair that was a wisp of white clouds and heather gray pupils that shimmered when he was happy.

And they shimmered quite frequently, because Nia was a joyful being.

Nia was innocent and full of light and ready to pursue his dreams of being a ballet star. He was an angel when he danced; light on his feet and in his heart. Evil seemed to be unable to touch him and he brought genuine elation wherever he traveled. He lived in a little cottage by the forest with his grandfather; a kind old man named Roger. Every day he fed the chickens and tended the greenery. Every night, he read his grandfather stories in bed and performed at moonshine festivals with a small traveling circus.

One bright summer day, Nia skipped down to the tiny wooden mailbox and found a creamy envelope inside. Stamped with a bright red seal, it was from the biggest ballet company in the city.

Dear Nia Rivers,

We have been notified of your exceptional dance talents and your performances with the Red Ribbon Circus. It is our honor to invite you to attend our upcoming audition for the fall set of performers. If you are interested please travel to our city headquarters on the first of August to demonstrate your exceptional skills. If you are chosen, you will become a permanent member of the company and dance amongst the world's top ballet performers. Thank you for considering this privileged opportunity, and we hope to see you in August!

Regards,

-The Iron Wren Ballet Company

With his delicate aorta just about beating out of his chest, Nia rushed up the grassy hill to share his honor with his grandfather.

He had forever dreamt of taking the stage in a flurry of ballet elegance; hearing a well-mannered audience explode in animated applause, seeing joy spread contagiously from face to face; and now he would have such an opportunity.

His childhood fantasies were melding into a tangible reality; his kindness was being repaid in the form of lovely karma. He was clean ecstasy, childlike delight; pure spirit. He moved like a white bird in flight up the grasslands, his whole being lit up in happiness!

But Nia Rivers had no idea of gloom, of depravity, of jealousy.

He had not the slightest idea of the slithering black shadow that was patiently waiting for him.

This darkness was destined to crave him, to loathe him; to envy him with every core of its very being.

It was going to mercilessly crush his lively spirit, smother his fledgling pride, and ravenously devour his flimsy heart.

This looming malevolence was named Mero Keehl; and he was the head ballet dancer at Iron Wren Ballet Company.