5 Years Ago…

I was running, feet thundering against the ground, muscles coiling in expectation of the earth beneath my feet, lungs bursting from exertion.

Silent tears ran down my face and splashed against the ground, quickly stampeded by my stumbling feet.

I heard another set of feet behind me and the tears ran faster down my face. The feet were getting faster and faster, almost unbelievably fast. I choked on air and tears, a branch swinging in front of my face, mere inches from hitting me.

"Oh, you're so fast!" A voice called from behind me, sarcasm so thick that you could cut it with a knife.

I didn't reply. I didn't have the breath for it. I was gasping as hard as I could and now sobbing thoroughly.

Moments later, a blur passed in the corner of my eye. I felt a scream rise in my throat, but it never worked its way out.

He stopped in front of me, a huge grin plastered on his face. His sudden appearance forced me into an abrupt stop, feet digging into the ground, legs collapsing under me. A cry of pain escaped my mouth. Between my family and this, I was going be in some really bad shape.

"Are you having fun? Because I'm having fun." He asked me with a wicked grin plastered on his face.

I ignored him and tried to double back, even though I knew it was a futile attempt. One moment, he was behind me, and the next blocking my exit.

I gulped and finally found my voice. "What do you want?" I asked in a quavering voice.

He laughed. "So much fear!" He cried to the world, delight lighting up his crimson eyes.

He walked up next to me, a confidence in his stride that made me want to cower, but I refused to let my fear overcome me. I'd been doing it for years and I could do it now.

He leaned over and brushed strands of black hair off of my practically albino colored shoulder. He lowered his face into the crook of my neck.

"It just makes your smell more"—he took a deep breath— "Intoxicating."

"Don't touch me." I said it so quietly I didn't even hear it. He did.

"Excuse me?" He asked just as quietly, taking another deep breath.

"Don't touch me!" I yelled at him, wincing as the noise echoed off of the surrounding trees.

He brought his face out of my neck and looked me in the eyes, that smile still on his face.

"Feisty one, aren't you?" He sighed and looked at the sky or more specifically at the moon, which was full tonight.

He turned back to me, his arms twined around my waist to hold me in place. His arms hurt; they felt like steel bands molded across my waist.

"Full moon. Beautiful and dangerous at the same time. Just like you." He smiled and pressed his lips to my forehead. I tried to cringe back from his lips, but his arms stopped me.

"C'mon now, sugar," He pulled back, but rested his forehead against mine. "Now, isn't this fun?"

When I didn't answer, he shrugged, took one hand away from my waist, and began rolling up the sleeve of my left arm.

"Nice birthmark." He stated as he stared at the icicle-like birthmark (which was colored in, weirdly enough) that ran from halfway down my fingers to my collarbone and shoulder blade.

He picked my arm up and kissed my hand, his lips hanging on for a moment too long.

"You're my little Moon Child." He smiled against my hand.

He let my arm go, but his arm kept moving. Down.

A cold sweat broke out on my forehead and my palms became clammy. Butterflies did flips in my stomach, and not in a good way.

"Don't be afraid," he cooed, "you won't suffer much. I have to kill you anyway, so I can get my bounty."

This time, a scream did make it out of my throat, but was quickly smothered by his lips. I strained against him, but he was too strong.

I knew where this was going, and I'd been through it many times before, but I wasn't going to let it happen this time. Not when my life was in danger, not just my family status.

A dark hot rage filled me, flowing like lava through my veins. I felt my body begin to shake and felt him smile once again against my lips.

After that, it was a blur. Suddenly, I was no longer on two feet, but on four. Something was burning my nose I could remember that. My instincts were on the loose at the moment, so I wasn't completely coherent, but I knew I needed to attack the thing that hurt me so bad.

Moments later, he was under my feet—no, paws—and I had my teeth bared and ready to attack.

But I would always, always remember his last words:

"You will pay if I die tonight! I am not the only one looking for you!"

The last thing I saw was a fire with purple smoke.