𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕟-𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕟 | ᴇɴ-

𝟐𝟐

My feet burst through the underbrush as I run in the night. I need to be quick. I need to get back as soon as possible before anyone finds out I'm missing. But I also really need to feed.

I try to push away the urge when it comes, and every night it's a torture when I hear the calling from the woods. All the sounds, all the smells. It's enthralling. And I am just so damn thirsty. The pills we're forced to take every morning give me a headache, so I've been skipping them. Not that anybody knows, of course. There would be consequences if somebody knew. And without them, my thirst has become stronger than ever.

I've been doing it quietly and scarcely. Hunting only once a week during the late hours of night when I know everyone is asleep. The rest of the days I try to fool my body by drowning in water and other drinks. But my instincts inevitably ask me for more. For that forbidden delicacy. It's hard to forget it because I am familiar with the taste and feeling that comes with it. It's addictive. Though lately I've been avoiding it more because the maids have us monitored all day, every day.

But not anymore. Not since I learned about what the maids did to Niki and Sunoo. We need to be stronger than ever, and there is one only way I know to do it because I felt better than I ever had the moment it fell on my mouth. I can't ignore it no matter how much I would like to. I need to feed again.

And I need to feed Sunghoon.

He's skinnier than ever now and so pale. Sometimes I'm surprised he doesn't drop on the floor right where he stands. He's weak and he won't make it another week. He needs to drink. I left him in the living room earlier, where he said he was going to wait for Niki. I think that's the only thing that is keeping him going now. His drive to find our maknae. He's been spending the nights in the living room just waiting for him. He says the maids must bring him food and water and that he'll follow them when they do. But every night, he comes back with no answers and no Niki.

He's fading slowly and everyone else is too busy with their own problems to notice or do anything about it. So I need to do something. The others can take care of Sunoo and Niki. Right now, Sunghoon needs me and I'll do anything to save him. Which is why I'm running as fast as I can now, even if the cold air bites at my lungs. I push myself even further. I must get back to him before it's too late.

A branch scratches my arm and I slow to a stop. The wound is small, nothing to worry about. There are more pressing matters at hand. I close my eyes to heighten my other senses. I must not take long. Sunghoon is counting on it. Every little sound reaches my ears and I search through them for the right one. The sound of a heart beating.

There. Slightly to my left, a little deeper in the woods.

My feet are swift and take me to a darker part of the forest. The trees are closer together, making it harder to walk between them, but I feel safe. I feel home. I crouch and scan my surroundings, keeping quiet. When I spot movement a few paces before me I prepare myself to launch. I let my fangs grow and eyes change to see better in the dark. And I wait a few seconds for the right moment. A breath too late and I'll miss my prey. One moment too soon and I'll scare it away. It's all about preciseness. I cannot make a mistake. I need to be perfect.

I let my body take over as a brown rabbit peers through the leaves. I push myself forward and jump into it, sinking my fangs deep into its skin before it even realises what is happening. I savour the sweet taste of blood, feeling electrified. Every muscle in me is alive and it's like another part of me awakens. It's the feeling of being alive with fresh blood in my veins. I feel like myself, but stronger, better, faster. When I feed, I feel unstoppable.

Once my stomach is full, it doesn't take long to find another prey to take back to Sunghoon. I keep it alive a little longer so the liquid is still warm when he tastes it. It won't have the same effect if it isn't fresh. Usually, I don't like to keep my prey waiting. I think it's mercy to be quick. If Sunghoon were here, I wouldn't prolong the rabbit's suffering, but he's not. He's laying on a sofa, losing his breath as I make my way back. I'm faster through the woods with the new blood on my body. Yet I can't help but feeling like I'm not being fast enough.

The building rises before me and I hold the rabbit close to myself as I cross the courtyard. The moon is the only thing that stares down at me while I open the door carefully, rising goosebumps along my arms. I walk down the hallway to the living room and find Sunghoon asleep in the couch. He is sprawled over the cushion with only one sliver of light falling on his face.

"Sunghoon," I call him quietly as I reach him.

His eyes remain closed, and after closer inspection, I notice his chest is barely moving.

I can't be too late.

"Sunghoon!" I shake him. He doesn't stir.

Please don't die on me, Sunghoon. Please don't give up yet.