Fiends

Not too long ago, ominous shadowy figures began appearing all across the world. No distinguishing features could be seen on these things save their entirely white eyes and the eerily toothy grin which was permanently transfixed on each of them. These beings never spoke, never directly interacted with people or objects, and always appeared during times of strife or conflict between individuals or groups. These things could not be explained nor could we interact with them directly. These passive observers silently watched our world as we continued to exist, wage war, and expand.

In the very beginning, these creatures almost brought the world to an end as governments shut down, religious sects preached of the end times, and people out of fear huddled in their homes with friends and loved ones. But as time continued to pass, these beings continued to exist with us. Watching. Waiting. Slowly but surely, a sense of normalcy returned. People began to grow accustomed to these silent beings as work began to resume, schools opened their doors once more, and wars continued to be fought.

It started as whispers at first. These 'Shadows' as they were referred to, would grant 'deals' and almost godlike power that enabled people to manipulate the world in such a way that could make the impossible possible. If these deals were broken people would vanish or die. Politicians made it illegal for person to make any of these alleged wagers with these Shadows, but as fate would have it, these public servants would also simply disappear or be found dead with injuries that were impossible to explain by medical science. Law enforcement were rendered completely powerless in regards to wagers. If anyone interfered with a wager, like the politicians... they often were met with or simply vanished.

After existing many years with these Shadows, it became common knowledge that these beings granted people the power to make wagers of life and . One person could challenge another to a friendly bet that could leave the losing party only humiliated or it could leave them dead. It was entirely up to the challenger. Thrill seekers or those seeking to cause harm would often be the ones to purpose such deals in most cases. The one who was challenged could rebuttal with the win condition which was up to them to allow them from being at the total mercy of the challenger. This often kept people from taking it too far as the consequences could be dire. One could forfeit a wager if they were unwilling to partake, but it would have consequences that could potentially be as dangerous as the wagers themselves. That judgement was up to the Shadows, but the catch was that you could never know how Shadows would react to a forfeit. Sometimes little would stem from it while other instances it was seen as brutal affair. It depended on the nature of the wager and the intention of those involved.

Time showed people the severity of calling on these beings to make a wager, yet people continued to utilize the Shadows power. Some were for nefarious purpose while other times it was to make a joke among friends.

There is only one question left to ask yourself...