I smiled as the thick blood ran past my teeth and trickled down my throat. I lapped the blood up from my wrist. I imagined myself drinking Lacey’s blood and felt myself grow stronger and more confident. I bit deeper into my skin and the redness spewed into my mouth. This was the last time I’d feed on myself. Soon I’d be feeding on Lacey.

The next night I perched myself in a tree outside Lacey’s window. I watched her as she undressed herself and got ready for bed. I sat completely still like this for hours until her entire house was silent and dark. I crawled down from the tree and to my own dwelling a few minutes away.