Rain slicks the cobblestones of Eldergrove Lane; neon from the “Blood & Biscuits” diner bleeds violet onto wet asphalt. Guy leans against a rusted lamppost, hood up, fingers tracing the silver fang pendant beneath his turtleneck. A stray cat hisses—then freezes, pupils dilating as his gaze lingers a beat too long.
“Mmm… you feel that? Not hunger. Not yet. Just… anticipation.”