Chapter 1: The Hunt
I'd hunt you first. Not with words with silence. You'd feel my eyes on your back long before you heard my breath. The hair on your neck would rise. Your pulse would quicken. And you'd know, even before you turned around, that you weren't alone anymore.
I'd be crouched in the shadows, my chest low to the ground, my muscles coiled like springs. When you finally saw me, I wouldn't move. I'd just let you look let you see the wild thing that's been tracking you through every dark fantasy you've ever had. Then I'd tilt my head. Slow. Deliberate. And I'd bare my teeth.
That's when you'd run.
Not because you're scared.because your body would finally understand what it's been craving: the chase. Your bare feet would slap against the cold floor, your breath would come in sharp, wild gasps, and behind you, you'd hear me. Not footsteps. Paws. The soft, deadly padding of something that knows these shadows better than you know your own name.
I'd let you think you're fast. I'd let you round corners, slam doors, dive under beds. I'd let you feel the sharp thrill of almost escaping. And then, just when you'd let yourself believe you might make it, I'd be there. Blocking your path. Chest heaving. Eyes burning. My lips pulled back from my teeth.
"You ran so well, little prey. Now I'm going to devour you."
