"Oh, but that's what surviving always has been. Predators, and prey. You humans simply aren't used to being the prey," Balem said.

As the light in his chest dimmed, his hair became sleek and brown again, his wrinkles disappearing until he looked like a young man once more, so free of blemishes that he was almost statuesque.

"We don't really have a taste for your flesh, or your blood, but your souls...quite delicious, unfortunately for you."