Pov:IRIS
—Run all you want. You're only making me even more aroused.
That voice echoes behind me, making every hair on my body stand on end and freezing my blood.
I run through the forest, desperate to lose him.
—Little thing, where are you?.
His voice rings out again, closer this time. I'm panting, drenched in sweat.
—There's no point in running. Now that I've laid my hand on you, there's nowhere on earth you can hide from me.
His voice rises again, even closer.
I'm out of breath. A branch snaps to my left, making me flinch; my heart races wildly.
I turn my head, but my foot catches on a root, and I fall flat to the ground.
A sharp pain shoots through my knees and ankle.
Another branch cracks—again, off to the side. I jump and spin around… nothing.
I try to get up before he finds me, but the pain in my foot stops me.
I choke back a cry as I attempt to stand again.
My gaze darts in every direction, searching for him, but he's nowhere to be seen.
Seconds tick by—still nothing.
A flicker of hope sparks in my chest: maybe he finally gave up.
I summon the last of my strength and rise, breath ragged.
I keep moving forward… but then I feel it—a warm breath against my neck.
And a voice that chills me to the core:
—Found you.
A sob escapes me. My chest tightens, my breathing quickens, my pulse races.
He brushes my hair aside, tucking it gently over my shoulder, before running his tongue slowly behind my ear.
—Come now, little thing… why are you so scared? I'm not going to eat you, he says with a dark chuckle.
"At least… not yet," he adds.
I feel his cold hands slide to my hips.
—Didn't I tell you it was useless to run? he murmurs again.
"You'd better get this through your pretty little head, sweetheart: there isn't a single place on this earth where I wouldn't find you. Because you're mine. And I never let go of what belongs to me—especially when it's as lovely and tempting as you."
My blood turns to ice once more.
A searing pain bursts through my neck; my vision blurs…
and then, nothing.
I wake with a start, drenched in sweat, tears spilling down my cheeks.
That nightmare—again.
I've had it since I was twelve, over and over.
And every time, it feels painfully real.
The door to my room swings open, revealing my mother.
She rushes toward me, worry etched across her face.
—Oh my God, sweetheart, are you all right? she asks softly, sitting on the edge of my bed before wrapping her arms around me.
I hold her tightly, pressing my face into her neck.
Her scent calms me instantly.
—That nightmare again? she asks, stroking my hair.
I nod.
For a few quiet seconds, we stay there, nestled against each other.
Her fingers slide gently through my hair.
Then she coughs.
I pull away abruptly.
She tries to hide her hands, but it's too late—they're stained with blood.
—Mom…
—Yes, sweetheart? she says, forcing a smile.
—What did the doctor really say?
—That I'll get better soon, she replies with a reassuring smile.
—Don't lie to me, Mom. I know you're not okay.
—Oh, honey, you're worrying too much. I told you—I'm going to get better. Don't worry, all right?
She pulls me back into her arms, trying to hide the tears welling in her eyes.
—You're not going to leave me, are you?
She doesn't answer.
—You know I only have you. Dad left us… please don't leave me too.
—I'm right here, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere. Now, don't think about that, okay? You need to sleep. You've got school tomorrow,she says, tucking me gently beneath the sheets.
I know she's avoiding the question.
I know her illness isn't getting better—it's getting worse.
But I let her kiss my forehead and whisper goodnight before she leaves the room.