My prey had taken refuge in a metal hut. I had only hunted them for fifteen minutes and I counted myself lucky. There was no way out of there now.

Though short it had been a dangerous journey, navigating the slick black ground that randomly spat fire. Luckily, gouts of flame were almost always preceded by ticking noises or the smell of sulfur.

I crept closer. Once I was standing over the hut I realized that it was no match for me. I ripped off the roof and dropped it, howling in pain. It was hot! I nursed my fingers knowing I had made the right choice. I was going to do as my father had done and steal their power using an ancient ritual.

“I thank those that give up their lives for me. I hunt you because I respect you and I grow in power because you are powerful. Now your strength is mine.” I prayed over the ritual sacrifices.

Grabbing a quivering artichoke, I ripped from it its still steaming heart, and stuffed into my mouth. I swallowed the hot meat, feeling it infuse my entire body.

The power was mine.