Claws of the Dragon

Chapter 28

That sound, is it mine? Is it this casket? It had been only a couple hours, you didn't know how long you had been asleep, but the heartbeat caught in your ears confused you. Did it work? Your mouth itched, especially a couple of your teeth, your canines. Your mouth was dry, your body parched as the cold moist air didn't satisfy the thirst. As Alcina opened the casket, you looked up at her with wide eyes.

Alcina gave a soft smile to you, handing you a wine glass. You grabbed the glass, sucking down the thick red liquid as though it was your only savior. It satisfied that thirst you were feeling, that creature in the back of your mind growling and licking it's carnivorous teeth. What are you? You watched as Alcina poured more into your glass, your mind instinctually drinking the liquid. It was metallic in taste but when you expected disgust in your stomach, your body welcoming the flavor as though it were water. "Thank you." You whisper, licking your lips. The growling in your mind diminished, but you could feel it ready to pounce. "Is it normal that I feel like something is watching me?" You asked, gently placing the wine glass down. "Sadly, yes, but you'll get used to it." Alcina explained softly, helping you out of the casket. She opened your mouth, checking your teeth.

Alcina let go of your chin, giving you a smile. "A perfect transformation. You'll get used to your new instinct." You gave a small nod, looking around. You felt cold, but didn't shiver. Following Alcina, you took a warm bath with her as she answered any questions. Your eyes wandered from Alcina to the shadow in the corner. It didn't move, still like a painting. "Darling, are you okay?" Alcina's voice caught your attention. "You'll get used to it, I promise."

Alcina walked around the castle with you, hoping that walking around would help tire you out to sleep. It took three laps around the castle, dragging your feet to the bed and curling up. You didn't bother changing out of your clothes, sleep crashing into you just as your head hit the pillow.

We need to hunt. You looked around, surrounded only by darkness as you looked for the source of the voice, your stomach aching. Soft skin, warm blood, so much hunger. We need to hunt. The world became much clearer, crawling out of bed as quietly as possible. Your ears pricked at a sound, stalking over towards the source as quietly as possible. Prey. A maiden was searching around to get back to her sleeping quarters. Your sacrifice will not go in vain.

You lapped up blood, dragging away the maiden into a closet as you stopped her bleeding. You only took what you needed, heading back to bed and wiping away blood. Your stomach was full, but you hoped for the maiden to survive the night.

Next morning, the maiden had disappeared, assumably eaten by the girls. You opened your eyes, grumbling. We need to feed- I just ate last night, I cannot already be hungry. I can wait a couple of hours. It'll take time to get used to this.