At the flash of lightning, his mouth opened, “Before we begin, I ask you this. How does crimson taste like?”
“Uhh, bitter?”
“Exactly. I remember clearly the day when I had my first blood. But no blood was tastier than burning blood exhausted from the pursuit. It is when the richness of it reaches its peak.”
“How did you tame it?”
The clouds cleared the next day. I pulled the violet curtain of my room, blocking the light of night. At least, it kept the beast at bay, but the constant crave for blood plagued my mind. Pork’s blood was the closest I could get, but I wasn’t enough to satisfy me.I constantly reminded myself of what I did to Florice. The image of the girl I saw in that convertible circulated along with it. Countless questions outweighed my hunger. I hoped to meet her again someday. Maybe then will the questions be answered.Dad entrusted me with the groceries
“Good morning Crimson Stone,” a man in tight, grayish white suit sternly looked at the screen of our flat TV, “Six months have passed, but the police have found no leads to the untimely death of two boys a few months ago.” The camera panned to the sharply dressed woman, “Another incident happened at the small town of Crimson Stone during the week. The residents feared of a possible crazy man on the loose or worse, another Tyrone Netherwell incident.”
Another round of shots roared beyond the trees. My grizzly opponent reverted from our locked hold and sped off behind me. Harrowing laughs followed the echoes of grunting animals. “Nobody hunts like Tyrone! I will get to you, beast, so say your measly prayers,” the man screamed above his lungs.&
The question caught me off guard, “I could only stay here for one night.” “Can’t you extend your stay?” “My father must be hounding the streets as we speak.”
“So, where were we?” she smiled like everything was under control. “Don’t you think that was too much?” “Oh, they will get over it. Besides, the owner is a family friend of mine.”
The redness spread out to my palms, and the color began to thicken. Some hairs pushed from the bumps. How could this happen? I thought it only affects me when I’m outside. People populated every square inch of the place. I could barely see the exit. The heat grew more intense, proportional to the itch. I pushed away crowds with my elongating claws. Some of them screamed in pain when they touched my skin.
Countless hours and people passed by the other side of the metal rods. They tossed me a meal meant for pets—a viscous chowder with chunks of meat. Like my soul, it was empty after the contents slid through my throat. It tasted horrible—it reflected the monster inside of me. Yellowed light emanating from the square window threatened to grab me. I felt around the walls and shrunk into one corner. Cradling like a child hiding from his mother—if I get caught, it would spell trouble. I held my simmering heart for who know
“Brothers, Little Lukey has returned!” Their eyes sparkled with delight. I wasn’t sure which was warmer, the fire or the welcoming atmosphere. “I brought my son with me. Fen, these are the people who helped me during my early years as a semi-wolf.”
I spent the whole day with Rosie. Why didn’t I realize this? Her amber eyes saw through my soul. Her fair complexion caressed my face like a feeble child. The warmth she emitted resonated with mine. Was this how true love felt like? When the light of the sun pulled away from us, I bit my lip with downcast eyes. My urges wanted to come out, but I must refrain—it’s not yet the right time. Then she swung her hips on mine. We haven’t drunk anything, but a wild goose sat on my lap.
“So much for a quiet life, I suppose,” my eyes dropped to the ground. Taps of the pen sounded like the ticking seconds of time. Sheets of paper rustled plentifully as leaves on the branches. Rosie’s controlled heartbeats pricked my ears. There was nothing for me to do but witness her words.
I gazed upon the glinting brass metal on the table. The light of fire burning from its place showed me the way towards the exit. Dad circled the table’s edges as his stare fixed on the dusty floor. His shuffling leather shoes picked up some specs. Beads formed on my forehead, damping the metal’s rusty surface. A slur of curses were spoken by the beast transforming below me. He ran out of the door and stormed ahead of my sight. The old women didn’t react.
Repetitive rows of trees ran up the path. Blue sky with a moderate amount of cotton stretched endlessly. The lake shimmered like crystals as fish flew on the surface, reaching for the sky. Some wild creatures drank peacefully or basked over the clear blue. A familiar wooden house shaded by thick trees struck my eyes. No lights nor fire occupied the cozy place. I haven’t seen her for a while. Where could she be? An hour before sundown, we arrived at our destination.
My legs felt like vegetables. The unexpected ambush totally drained my morning energy. This cold weather inside my room made it harder to move. Come to think of it, it’s unusually icy cold today. “Dad? Are you there?” I called out, but got no response. He sure was taking his time bringi
“Hey, Florissa. Let me carry you home. Thanks for the offer, Mr. Jenkins, but we will be fine on our own,” Tyrone proceeded to lift her in his thick arms. “I insist. Do you want people to see you in your current shape?” dad started the engine of his car. Tyrone and Florissa looked
“Is anybody there? Help! Somebody, please help me!” it sounded so real this time. Was this one of his tricks? “Florissa?” my eyes darted at the rustling chunks of debris behind me. “Keep your eyes here, boy,” three sharp lines swiped at my cheek.
“Ahh! Fen, quick, get my shotgun upstairs!” dad screamed his highest note. “Lukas, it’s me! Please don’t kill me,” the dark figure spoke. “Geez, Argean. You could have knocked like a normal person.”
I peered over the stairs as dad reached for the door. “Oh, hello there, neighbor!” a smartly dressed man in green had a plate of pastries in hand. “Mmm, they smell delicious. Are these for me?”