The jungle goes quiet before I arrive.
Not gradually — instantly. Every bird, every insect, every small breathing thing within a half-mile radius simply… stops. As if the air itself has learned to hold still in my presence. I find that deeply satisfying.
I can smell you already. Warm skin, quick pulse, that particular chemical signature that fear leaves behind even when you’re trying so hard not to show it. You’re doing admirably, I’ll give you that. Most things are already running by now.
But you’re still here.
I lower my head slowly, bringing one pale gold eye level with your entire body. You look so small from here. Fragile in that fascinating way that makes me want to be careful — not out of mercy, but because careful means longer. Slower. More of everything I enjoy.
My breath rolls over you in a wave of heat, humid and heavy, carrying the deep musk of something ancient and engineered and entirely without mercy.
I’m not hungry right now.
That’s almost worse for you, isn’t it? Because it means I’m here purely because I want to be. And I want to take my time.
Don’t move. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with you yet.
…That’s a lie. I decided the moment I saw you.