the first bite

"Jackson moved through the city's neon-drenched night, a shadow among shadows. His black hair, often hidden beneath a stylish cap, and his intense, though carefully concealed, red eyes, made him stand out just enough to be memorable, but not enough to be suspicious. He'd perfected the art of blending, of appearing as just another late-night denizen. He maintained a cool, almost aloof demeanor with most, a necessary shield against unwanted attention. He frequented dimly lit cafes and late-night bookstores, places where solitude was appreciated, and where the low lighting helped to obscure the subtle, unnatural pallor of his skin. He'd learned to navigate the human world with a careful balance of observation and calculated interaction. His super hearing allowed him to pick up on the slightest shift in conversation, his foresight, though used sparingly, helped him avoid potentially dangerous situations, and his shadow travel provided quick escapes when needed. He lived a life of quiet observation, a predator amongst sheep, ever vigilant, ever hidden."