11

Alice was cradled in my arms in a calming sleep.

I was running.

The night was still dark and the streets were deserted as I fled the asylum. I knew what the consequences would be—but it didn’t seem to matter as we made our way to freedom. Now we never, ever had to go back to that mucky hell of a place again.

I stopped in the next town to the west and put her down in a deserted alley.
I stared at her peaceful figure. She was still human, still alive …and for the last time. I knew the only way to save her was to turn her into what I was. Into a real monster, not the ones Frank had always talked about, but the one that kills to eat, and lives in the dark.

I knew I was going to do it. Who else was going to? But I knew that I lacked the self control. I did not want to kill her—but to try and protect her.

I heard a small harmless crunch far away. It was nothing, but my senses were sharp. I knew very well that my time was running out—I had to act fast. She had to be changed now, or never.  

I reached down and quickly put my lips to her neck.

With only the slightest hesitation I bit down.