Hunger.
A tantalizing scent wafts under my nose as I slowly sit up and look around me. I’m in the forest, sitting on the damp earth as my saliva pours from between my lips.
So hungry.
My stomach clenches when I lurch to standing, my blackening fingers gripping the torn material of my shirt. The sight is startling as I hold my hand up in front of my face, wiggling my fingers. I’m one of them now.
The scenery around me swims as I turn my head, and as I take a step forward, I’m blasted back to my ass in confusion.
“Treaty.”
I turn to find an Other sitting on a rock behind me, his large mouth open in an amused grin.
“You can speak,” I admonish.
“No, you can finally understand us, Pollyx. I don’t know how the rest are going to take you joining our ranks, but it’ll be fun to watch.”
“Why can’t I go home?” I point in the direction of town.
“The treaty.” He rolls his eyes. “You created it.”
I’m one of them now.
Another pang of hunger hits my insides, and I fold in on myself with pain.
“You need to eat soon. There are many rats.”
The thought of rats does nothing to stave off the overwhelming need for flesh. I want skin, meat, and blood. The thought has my mind flicking through images of raven hair and a sarcastic laugh. I want to eat her.
“Where is the girl?” I ask him, his head tipping to the side. “The girl with black hair.”
“You mean rat? It is called fur, and it is delicious. I will show you where they nest.”
“No!” My snarl disrupts the surrounding silence, and he answers with one of his own.
“You have been an enemy of ours from the beginning. Watch your tone, or I will make sure you find yourself tortured for eternity.”
I don’t care about the words coming from his mouth. I don’t care to find rats to assuage my hunger. I only care to find the flesh I’ve been craving for too long. I need to be able to get through the treaty lines. I know it’s possible because I’ve seen them do it.
“I want to go there.” I point toward town. “How?”
“You must be strong, eat rats. Then you slowly push through it. It is very painful but can be done.”
I let loose a long exhale. If it’s the only way to break through the treaty lines, I will eat the fucking rats. It’ll be worth it when I feed on the flesh that I will end up hunting forever.
“Show me the rats,” I say as I turn to my new friend. “I will grow strong.”
“I can’t wait to tell the others I have found Pollyx, and he’s feasting on rats.” He claps his hands with mirth, the long talons clicking together.
I don’t care how much he belittles me. I will do whatever it takes to get beyond that line, and then I’ll be the one laughing as my stomach fills with the sweet nectar of a young girl.
My young girl.