He was thirsty with a terrible, unquenchable thirst. His need overtook all reasoning, all logic, all fear of discovery. So he waited, watched, bided his precious time until he found her.

He stayed in the shadows and watched her comings and goings. For four days and three nights he watched her until she left her home defenseless, alone.

A solitary shadow, he stalked her through the darkness of alleyways and streets. Once or twice she glanced over her shoulder, but he melted into the blackness, out of sight.

The click of her heels was the path that he followed, as she moved towards a destination she would never reach.

Finally he struck. She fell to her knees beneath his blows. Her eyes widened as she looked up at him.

He pushed her head back to expose her pale neck. He grinned, baring his fangs, and slowly sunk them into her flesh.