EmpressOfDarkness's blog: "More stories etc"

I stretched, and looked out the window that was right next to my bed. My reflection caught me off guard at first, the piercing gray eyes that had meant pain for so many. My appearance was deceiving, how many times had I heard the words, 'What a beauty?' Only to have someone get too close and...

I couldn't bear to think of it. Tonight I would start fresh, tonight wouldn't be the same as it had been. I was going to turn over a new leaf. I wasn't going to hurt another living soul. Slowly, I climbed out of bed, my legs protesting loudly as they moved to start another night.

"How can you sleep so much?" I looked around the empty room. There was no reply, not even the echo of my voice comforted me.

"You are a monster!" I exclaimed. "How can you live with yourself knowing what you've done?"

I made my way to the kitchen. The rest of the house was a wreck. There were scratches down the walls, broken dishes, and glass lying everywhere, furniture was overturned. The whole place looked as if it should have been abandoned after a natural disaster. Yet, here I stayed. It was the only place I had ever known, and I couldn't bring myself to leave. I went to the fridge; the door was lying half off its hinges.

"Damn it! There's no milk," I cursed quietly.

I knew I would have to go out, but I was afraid if I did...

Sighing, I got ready to leave. I walked slowly to the front door and peered through the window. There was no one around, thankfully. I went out into the night air.

It wasn't cold yet, but it was coming. The breeze that blew in from the window made me shiver. I could feel a dull ache deep in my bones. I crept down the sidewalks, making certain to keep to the shadows. I walked passed house after house, if anyone saw me, most would either walk by without a word. If they didn't do that, they would stop and tell me how beautiful I was.

I knew it and didn't mind. What could I say? It wasn't as if they were wrong.

There was a squeaking noise behind me, at first I jumped in surprise. I turned slowly to see who was there.

"Oh, it's you," I said coldly.

"You were expecting someone else?" came the curt reply.

"Shouldn't you be finding some house to disturb?" I asked.

"Then I wouldn't be here, with you," he said.

"I'm in no mood for games." I turned away. Lights flickering on overhead caught my attention. The way the shadows danced over the sidewalk were quite distracting.

"I bet you are," came the sneaky response.

I turned back, my eyes flashed. I was angry that not only was he still here bothering me, but he distracted me from a shimmering light that bounced off a nearby store window.

"You know what I'm capable of. It's best you leave me alone." I glared.

"Yes, I've heard." He circled me. "You merely have to exit the door and there is fear in the streets."

"Then you should listen to that fear," I said smartly.

"Where is the fun in that?" He took a playful swipe at my arm.

"I'm warning you..." I threatened.

"Warn away, sweet one. You'll no more harm me than you would an annoying fly," he said, sounding cocky.

"Oh? Why is that?" My eyes never left his slender frame.

"We are the same you and I," he said.

"I don't agree," I took a step closer.

"Now, now," he said. "There is no need to be testy."

"Just leave me alone." I backed away.

"Ah, perhaps it is you who has become nothing more than a frightene little mouse?" he asked. "A leopard cannot change its spots so why try?"

"Why do you antagonize me? If you get me angry, you know what will happen." I was close to tears. "I have somewhere I need to be."

"I'm not antagonizing you, as you call it. I am merely playing. That is what I do." He smiled, slapping my arm. After that, he walked away.

My pride was hurt, there was no way I was going to let him get away with that. I screamed, pouncing onto his back. Together we fell to the ground.

"No one speaks to me in such a way!" I cried out.

He tried to protest but nothing came from his mouth.

I felt his flesh tear under my nails and it felt wonderful. I bit him and could feel the blood seep through my teeth, filling me. It tasted both bitter and sweet at the same time.

He was smaller than I, which made me feel more powerful.

"You should have had more respect," I said, as I heard his neck snap. Without another word, I swallowed loudly. "No damn mouse will get the better of me!"

I walked on down the street until I heard the chiming of a door.

"Hey beautiful, what are you doing out so late?" Came the sweet call of the store clerk that I knew so well.

I looked up into his happy face.

"Let me guess, you're here for milk," he said.

I felt my body vibrating in anticipation. He was so kind to me. The door chimed twice more and milk was brought out for me. With a ruffle of my head, he walked back inside.

I quickly went to work on the milk, drinking it slowly and savoring its fresh, cool taste. When I was finished the door chimed one last time. The store clerk had returned.

He leaned down and slid his hand over my back. I had to admit it felt nice. I looked up at him expectantly.

"I got this for you." He placed a package beside me.

I looked from him to the label, grabbed the bag and ran off into the night. I heard his pleasant laughter follow me. As I got back into my home I put the package down again. "Catnip," it read. Oh I was one lucky girl. Not everyone hated me for the menace I was.

the end