Chapter 1

Awakening

I woke, completely confused and disoriented. I scanned my surroundings, and realized that I had no idea where I was. My body instinctively tensed, preparing for action. I slowly stood, crouching in a definitely feline manner. I surveyed the room around me, looking for potential danger.

The room was oddly bland, containing only a bed, a mirror, and a desk. Everything was white, including me. I wore a white smock-like garment, and my skin was whiter than the cotton adorning it. I was strangely disturbed by the lack of color. I glanced in the mirror and gasped.

A flash of red had greeted me when my gaze passed over the mirror. My eyes locked on the vivid spark of color, and I was awed to see it radiating from my eyes. I stared at them, barley noticing my small, lean stature and my so short it was almost spiky black hair. It was as if I had never seen myself before.

And then it hit me. I had no idea who I was. I didn't know where I was, when it was, or why I didn't know. I sat back down on the bed, too shocked to stand. I struggled to think, to rationalize. My memory was a blank slate. I searched for some forgotten memory, or some fragment of information about myself. There was nothing. I was nearly paralyzed by fear, and misery threatened to crush me. I wanted to cry, and found myself incapable. Another revelation occurred to me… I wasn't human.

I assessed my body and my mind. I recognized the power in me… and knew that I was more strong, more cunning, and more perfect than any human could hope to be. A wave of contempt washed over me. I laughed at myself, at my fear of this frail world. Anything was mine for the taking, and I knew what I wanted. I wanted, or rather needed, to feed.

I had already decided to follow my instinct, which was making its' self know. I felt a pang of hunger attack, my mouth began to water, and if I had been human my stomach would have growled. I hissed and grinned savagely. I was hungry, and therefore I would eat. There had never been any question of what my food would be.

I ran so fast and so gracefully that I surprised myself, down to what appeared to be the entrance to the strange white house. I hesitated as I reached for the handle. I felt the fear begin to build up inside me again. Fear of the unknown, fear of my ignorance. A sharp stab of hunger pierced through the panic and my instinct again ruled.

I returned hours later, twirling and dancing through the tall golden grass. The humidity and heat didn't bother me, and the warm sun caressed my graceful figure and glowing skin. My skin literally reflected the light. It sparkled and shimmered in the sunlight, leaving even myself in awe. I reveled in my newly discovered perfection and superiority.

I was blissfully happy, well… almost. If I was being honest, it took plenty of effort to ignore and suppress my lingering fears. I focused on the euphoric sense of power that had welled up inside me as I fed. I hade made my kill with incredible speed and simplicity. The frailty of these simple humans was inspiring. I would survive in 'their' world easily.

I pivoted lightly while I stepped onto the large patio. I looked up at the house that I was beginning to think of as my own. It was obviously old, but in extraordinary condition. It had many levels, and a fantastic view, stretching all the way to the glittering bay to the South. Its shining blue water was almost equal in loveliness to my dazzling beauty.

It was obviously the only house for acres, and the seclusion was comforting. I knew after thoroughly stunning my prey with my beauty that I would certainly stand out in any crowded neighborhood.

The house would also stand out, because of it's lack of color. Apparently the bland décor of the interior had also infected the exterior. It was beautiful… but too plain. It had no distinguishing feature, except its immense size. It stretched 4 stories above me, and I had to glide several paces back to get a view of the roof. I smiled as I gazed at its grandeur. I knew that I would have never chosen its design myself, but it was the only thing even semi-familiar to me. And for that reason, maybe that reason alone, it was beautiful. I smiled, and skipped back to the door.