Terrific beginning to a story! (I say beginning in hopes there will be more, though I agree this works as a standalone that fires the imagination.) In just a couple of thousand words, you've introduced us to a new world and given us insight into the culture and the creatures that inhabit it. Most importantly, you've given us characters to care about - I would be intrigued by these two main characters even if they weren't Spike and Buffy, and would want to know their story. That is good storytelling. I'm sure we've all picked up dozens, if not hundreds, of books that we abandon early on because the author fails to engage us.

I am engaged.

Would love more should you are to continue. And thank you for this.

Love the manip, too. I'm a huge fan of Royo.