~~OBSSESION~~ {BOOK 1} (Shadow Milk Cookie x reader)

Chapter 1

The flickering glow of candlelight danced along the ancient walls of the Grand Library, casting restless shadows over the group huddled around a collection of dust-laden scrolls. The scent of old parchment mixed with the faint aroma of Pure Vanilla Cookie's magic, lingering like a bittersweet memory. Their search had led them here, deep into the archives where traces of a long-forgotten power whispered from the pages.

"There's no doubt," Pure Vanilla Cookie murmured, his fingers tracing the faded ink of a fragile scroll. "This is the Witch's magic."

White Lily Cookie exhaled sharply, her usually gentle face clouded with worry. She glanced at Pure Vanilla Cookie, who remained eerily silent, his gaze fixed on the aged parchment before him. His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the faded ink, his expression distant, troubled.

Ever since Shadow Milk Cookie had escaped his prison, Pure Vanilla had been plagued by these moments—lost in memories no one else could see, burdened by a past he never spoke of. Reader Cookie and White Lily Cookie exchanged uneasy glances, their concern growing with each passing second.

"If this is truly the case, then we must assume the worst," White Lily finally said, though her voice had softened. "The Silver Tree..." Reader Cookie whispered, heart heavy with recollection. They had known all along—something about this felt too familiar, too much like before. When Shadow Milk Cookie had first torn free from his prison, his essence seeping out like a nightmare reborn, the world had trembled.

It had to be tied to him. Reader Cookie had seen this before. The whispers of dark magic, the way it lingered in places untouched for centuries—it was just like when Shadow Milk Cookie first escaped. Was he reaching out again? Or was something far worse on the horizon?

Elder Fairy Cookie had told them once, long ago, that the Beasts had not always been monsters. That before their corruption, they had been virtuous warriors, champions of Earthbread much like the Ancients themselves. They had fought for justice, had sworn to protect the land and all its inhabitants. They had loved the Cookies once. And yet, something had changed them, twisted them beyond recognition.

Reader Cookie couldn't help but wonder—what had caused their downfall? What could possibly turn protectors into the very thing they once fought against? And most importantly, was there a way to bring them back? If they had once been heroes, did redemption still exist for them? Or was it already too late?

Despite the urgency of the search, Reader Cookie and White Lily Cookie exchanged worried glances, their gazes drifting toward Pure Vanilla Cookie. He stood a little apart, his normally radiant presence dimmed by exhaustion. The weight of their mission had taken its toll on him more than anyone else.

Pure Vanilla Cookie crossed his arms, determination hardening his voice. "We need to go to the Spire of All Knowledge. If there's any hope of understanding this magic—or stopping it—it's there."

"It's dangerous... but we don't have a choice." Reader Cookie's voice cut through the room like a cold wind. "The fear of the unknown is a common thing, but knowledge is power. If we turn away now, we risk far worse than ignorance."

Silence hung between them before Pure Vanilla finally sighed. "Then we must prepare."

As they gathered supplies for the journey, a soft laugh echoed from the doorway. A fairy hovered just beyond the threshold, her apple-geen wings fluttering with a serene glow. "Travelers bound for the Spire?" Apple Fairy Cookie chimed, her voice sweet as syrup. "What perfect timing. I can guide you."

Apple Fairy Cookie, ever eager, flitted beside them. 'I promise to lead you safely through the treacherous lands ahead,' she chimed, her smile unwavering. But Reader Cookie couldn't ignore the unease curling in their chest. They had never seen this fairy before, and her enthusiasm—so unyielding, so convenient—felt almost unnatural.