Voices……

The soft murmurs of love……..

The harsh hissing whispers of anger…….

Awaken.

Void……grey mist of memories……Master Masseur……sharp blade……blood……screaming…….chains. Fear. Pain!

Awaken.

Loss. Pride. Love.

Anger….fear….confusion……self-doubt……depression…..

AWAKEN

Her eyes open. Unfocused and blinded by soft light her mind and body are sluggish, responding to commands in slow jerky movements.

HUNGER

The gnawing pain seeps into nearly every nerve, firing all at once. She rolls onto the floor, doubled over with hunger all consuming. She hears the heartbeat before she even smells the blood.

Thump-thump, thump-thump.

Slow, steady and calm.

She gives into the hunger completely, allowing the beast to have free reign. With a snarl, she reaches for that heartbeat and touches flesh. Her teeth sink deep into the warm body and she begins to drink.

After a time, she can hear soft moaning, like a dim memory. As if someone had gotten their favorite sundae after long years of abstaining from sweets. It takes a few moments to realize she is the source.

Finally, she releases the body and stands. Blood drips from her chin and she carefully wipes it away with the sleeve of her shirt. She looks around but does not recognize the room she is in. Her thoughts begin to orient themselves as she slowly moves around the room. Memories start to unfold and she smiles.

Ishani Naetesh has returned.