A thunderstorm raged over the sea. A storm was approaching. Behind her lay the forest… and a monster. There was nowhere left to run. Anna came to the edge of the cliff; below, the waves thrashed wildly against blade-sharp rocks. For a moment, her mind flashed with images of her fall… and then—nothing.
“I am Anna Amridge.”
“Enough waiting! I’m not afraid of you! Show yourself.”
“I know you’re there!” Anna took a decisive step and peered into the forest’s shadowy depths. Somewhere in that darkness a pair of hungry eyes watched her—the very thing she feared most.
From the trees emerged Richard; he fell to his knees. “Anna, help me!”
“Richard! My God, what happened? Did that creature attack you? Are you hurt?” With those words, she rushed to him without hesitation, embracing him and checking for injuries.
“Anna… listen to me! Don’t wait… run…” His face was etched with panic, as if he had urgent words to say.
Anna cupped Richard’s face in her hands. “I will never abandon you, Richard. Not now, not ever. I love you.”
He felt her lips brush his and a wild hunger stirred within him—a desire to taste her… the taste of blood.
“No, you don’t understand who I am! Anna, please—run, right now.”
“What are you saying? Why are you pushing me away? Richard… I don’t understand.”
“I… I love you, Anna. Just know that. Those like me don’t choose who they are. You must accept me. Please.”
His gaze lifted to the sky; his hand pointed to the moon, which shone like a second sun through the darkness—full and bright.
