The Sun's Greeting - By Evan(Evelyn) Heine

Written By: Evan(Evelyn) Heine

Category: Fantasy Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the mesmerizing fantasy short story "The Sun's Greeting," Evan(Evelyn) Heine invites readers to delve into a world where sunlight and shadows dance together. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this tale explores the complexities of love and acceptance against a backdrop of mystical elements. Evan(Evelyn) Heine's work promises to captivate with its vivid imagery and profound themes.

About the Work

"The Sun's Greeting" weaves a poignant narrative of an armored protagonist cursed by a vampire's fate, navigating the duality of light and shadow. The story beautifully explores themes of love, acceptance, and betrayal, with a literary style rich in imagery and emotion. The juxtaposition of the protagonist's inner turmoil with the vibrant world around him creates a compelling contrast, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of love and redemption.

The Sun's Greeting

Original Submission by Evan(Evelyn) Heine

The Sun’s Greeting.

A fantasy short story by E.S.H

There is not a day that goes by, that I do not watch. I stand by my Queen’s side, and I watch the world rush by. I see the citizens dance in the streets. I see the bards strum and sing. I see the children play. All in the light of the holy sun.

This is my curse. I must watch as the warm joy touches their skin, while mine hides behind the cold steel armor that keeps me safe.

I remember the day I was turned. The first snow melt, a day where the sun shone beautifully between the twisting branches of the oak trees. I awoke with a chunk from my neck and eyes of crimson. A newfound lust for blood was evident in my gut. The sun burned my touch, turning my flesh to smokey glass.

So I became a recluse within my shining armor, only to watch the sun bless others with its light as I hunted in the shadows of the night.

‘Twas the summer solstice when I saw the one most blessed by the golden ray that lit up the world. Him with the freckled skin, and hair that shone like silk. The way his emerald eyes glowed as he sang hymns of the gods, filled me with comfort I’d only felt whilst human. His voice soothed the whipping wind to a gentle breeze, parting the clouds to show the heavens.

He may have been an Angel, sent by the lords and ladies above to shed light upon our lives. Each song that escaped his lips made even the most pessimistic of people smile.

It wasn’t much later that our paths crossed again. With a teasing tone he had queried as to the face behind the helm. The same face with scarlet eyes and fangs that caught on my lips, that turned to smoke in pure sunlight.

I’d said I was horrendously marred, and that deterred his endless curiosity. Or so I’d thought.

As the days passed, he would join me on my patrols around the palace grounds, asking questions I had no true answer to. His fae-like footsteps danced across the turf while my leaden boots stomped along.

He claimed he wanted to be my friend, and against my original hesitancy, that’s what we became.

At night, we’d walk the gardens. At noon, he’d accompany me on my rounds. In the morning, I’d hear the quick peppy tune of pipes outside my door, to find him sitting outside. We would joke and jest during the daylight, and have the most meaningful debates by moonlight.

Eventually he saw my face, and I’ll never forget his expression whence he did.

Those bright mossy eyes had widened in surprise at first, then melted in something I hardly recognized. Admiration. He’d smiled this genuine and crooked smile and told me in his melodious voice words I will never forget.

“I only see the dashing face of a kind man. I believe that you’re perfect, my dear.”

He demanded I never lie to him again, as my proclamation of a frightful mug was the worst lie he’d ever heard uttered. I gave him my word.

Not once did he question my eyes, nor the fangs that became so disappointingly apparent on the rare occasion I laughed.

From that day on, our relationship became something more. I am not sure what, but he would often greet me with a kiss on my cheek, and he would call me his dear. I began to refer to him as my darling, which always made him smile.

I adored his smile. He had a spot, near the edge of his top lip on the left side, that jutted up like it had been cut. That little scar widened a bit when he grinned, and his grin always revealed his dimples.

Then came the day that ruined me.

We had been laying in the shade of a tree during a festival, when he inquired as to why I wore my helmet on such a gorgeous day. It was a cloudless day, with a cool breeze that displaced the hot sweat upon my nape. The sun shone high in the sky, those divine rays floating between the branches, speckling the ground with spots of light.

I answered truthfully.

“The sun does not greet me with the same kindness as it does you, my darling.”

When he asked what I meant, I simply removed my helmet, setting it aside and looking him in the eye.

He did not look at me with the kind understanding I’d come to expect.

His scream shattered my heart as he scrambled away, shouting that I was a creature from the depths of hell. The other guards rushed over just as I stood, my hand outreached to the one I’d most loved. I could feel the bits of sunlight through the leaves burning my skin. My chest ached like I’d been stabbed.

Before I could utter a word, I was thrown in a cell, ordered to burn with the first light at dawn.

Now here I am, tied to a log, awaiting my death. I think about how foolish I was, to think I could be loved as a man.

As the first golden rays paint the sky, I let my last pain-free breath enter my lungs. I should’ve stayed the man who watches. Instead I let love blind me in the same way the sun begins to burn my sight away.

Yet I do not avert my gaze. I smile as the bright divinity covers the sky in hues of coral and gold. Tears stream down my face and I do not try to stop them.

When I die, they’ll bury me with a stone in my maw and a stake in my chest. The peasantry will piss on my grave in mocking. They’ll tell stories of the monster that lived amongst them, waiting to attack. The same bards I watched with admiration will sing of my defeat.

Though as the sun rises higher into the sky, I feel joy, as I get to feel the sun's burning warm embrace; one last time.

The End.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression. This prestigious platform invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and creative works, fostering a vibrant community of literary talent. The competition offers a stage for both emerging and established writers to showcase their skills and imagination.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Evan(Evelyn) Heine for sharing "The Sun's Greeting" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative tale leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the transformative power of love and acceptance. Thank you, Evan, for your contribution to the world of creative writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.