Desire. Hate. Love. Insanity. Lust. Guilt. Envy. Fear. Temptation. Anger. Happiness. Hope. Horror. Pity. Rage. Remorse. Contempt. The feelings shook me; coursing through me like poisoned blood. No, I would not think about blood; but how could I not? It was everywhere: everything. My nose burned with the sweet stench, it made my stomach growl, the monster raged against its bonds.

For a moment I was fazed, knocked breathless by the sudden force of the monster, then I reclaimed control and slowed my heavy breathing. Air, it was thick with the metallic scent of blood; sweet blood. Again the monster raved, and I gasped; drawing in too large a breath. The scent overwhelmed me; clouded my vision. Had it always been so potent? Had I always wanted it so badly? I looked away from the pooling liquid to the still, deathly-white body at my feet. Could I do this?

Do it, now, before it’s too late. The words resounded through my skull, egging on the monster that stirred just below the surface of my flesh. The monster reached forward and lifted the pale white hand, testing. I screamed; the monster laughed. Do it, now, before it’s too late. I wanted so badly to ram my skull; to run from the terrifying scene and get some fresh air; to think. It’s too late for that, the monster reasoned, If you leave, she’ll die.

Love. What was once such an innocent feeling now drove me to the edge. I used to think I understood love; I’d read enough minds and seen enough displays of it to know how it worked, but this was a mystery. When you love someone, you don’t fight; you give in. When you care about them, you don’t take; you give. But how could I not fight, or take? What if I had nothing to give? You can give her life, the monster coaxed; It just takes one taste…  

I raised the hand to my lips, but did not give in; I waited, poised, still undecided. Angered by my resistance, the monster screamed and thrashed inside me. Just one taste! It screamed, Just let it be natural. Just a taste. My grip tightened on the cold hand, my body bent over the lifeless form. Could I save her?