The smell knocked me off my feet. Even in the rain, I could recognize what it was. Musky, sweet and sour combined at the same time. The overpowering stench rattled my brain, knocking sense out of me. I could feel my eyes sharpening, taking aim at my new prey. My instincts took over reason.
I was suddenly flying, blind. I dashed through the sea of fern, crouching to increase my speed. I must have looked like a lion, blond, fierce, strong. The fragrance had revived a sleeping monster, and my mouth was watering. My mind couldn't control me anymore. My heart wasn't focused on Alice.
It was looking straight on towards the bleeding woman sitting before me. She'd only scratched her knee on a sharp rock. What a stupid mistake, I mused. Before she could even look at me, I hurled myself at her. She didn't even have time to scream, or widen her eyes in terror.
I snapped her neck and gorged.
The warm feeling of the blood flowing down my throat instantly eased the persistent little irritation I always had. I felt my eyes warm beneath my closed lids. The sweet poison filled my mouth, my throat…I was losing it completely, and I didn't care one bit.
What had I been thinking, giving this up for animals? I drank faster and faster, not trying to enjoy the taste.
I was a beast.
Unstoppable.
Incontrollable.
Absalom.
I don't know how long I stayed there, feeding. I had her cradled in her arms, like a child. It was only when I couldn't feel any more blood oozing down my throat that I stopped. I'd emptied her.
Suddenly it hit me. I gasped and let go of her, walking backwards, horrified. A wave of nausea swarmed me. What had I done?
Oh dear Lord, what had I done?
"Murderer." I heard a voice whisper behind me. My body suddenly petrified. The voice was too familiar, but twisted. It was terrified, hurt.
Panic ran through me, shivering every muscle in my frozen body. No.
I slowly turned, praying I was wrong. Hoping desperately that it was only another human behind me.
But the lack of heartbeat tore away my shred of hope.
Alice stood still, looking at the pale corpse in front of her. Her now topaz eyes were wide, unbelieving, still. Her mouth was closed tightly, as well as her small fists. I stayed silent, unable to think. My breathing was uneven, stressed. Her dead glare turned suddenly to me. I'd never seen her so angry. It made me weak.
"You're a monster." She whispered. Her face reminded me of the expression she'd worn when the newborns had attacked.
"Alice, no, I…"
"Monster…"She spit the word. I took a step forward, but she turned and ran away.
I went after her, desperately.
I couldn't afford to lose her.
Not her, not Alice.
I wanted her.
I needed her.
I loved her.