Instinct

Screams from two men

ring through the forest.

The Moon hovers glowing at the center of the sky.

Thick ripping of flesh echoes.

The forest grows to a barely contained hush.

Man 1.

Crimson

Tearing, grunting, and growling prevail.

Shock settles into the Second man.

Still alive, he watches with a horror that won’t unclench his eyes.

The heart is first to go.

Ribs crack under pressure like twigs.

Claws dig deeper.

Wider.

Mouths tare at the skin of Man 1.

Canines snapping at each other,

muzzles curling.

Growls seep through clenched teeth.

Steaming red juices glitter over fur.

Dripping.

Glued to the tree,

Man 2 is frozen.

A liver devoured and splintered bones being cleaned.

Mouths licking,

sucking at the blood like greedy vampires.

Jaws furrow deeper into Man 1.

Man 2 breathes.

Sets of amber eyes focus on Man 2.

Running.

Breathing hard,

The forest’s containment shatters.

Trees rip at his clothes

Bloody droplets left behind

hit snarls snapping at his boots.

Spray.

Man 2’s neck snapped,

like the jaws of the wolves.