The Stranger

Did you miss me?

I've been waiting for you, you know. Here in this dark alley, this dangerous neighborhood, outside of that shabby apartment you call home. It was like Fate was calling us together again, like somehow you knew that I'd find you again someday.

It's been a long time, hasn't it? But I haven't forgotten you. Have you forgotten me?

You look beautiful, even surrounded by all this filth. The moon is shining bright above tonight. It suits you, darling.

You're speechless, I understand, but don't look at me like you've seen a ghost. I've always loved your pale complexion and those wide, glistening eyes of yours, but shock is not the reaction I'm looking for tonight. But no—you're not staring at me. Your eyes are frozen on our other guest.

Ignore him, sweetheart. He's not staring back at you. He's already had his turn, after all. He's spent and dead to the world. But us, you and I, our fun has just begun.

Because I've returned, baby. And I'm hungry. In fact, I'm ravenous.

I can't stop remembering the way my fingertips brushed your arms, the way the hairs stood erect behind my intimate touch. Don't you remember?

Do you think about those nights? The many times when I was your only companion—the nights we spent awake together. I would whisper my little fantasies in your ear, and you would gasp with surprise. I would touch you, and you would shiver with longing. My breath would caress your skin, and you would whimper in anticipation. Just wait till I consume you, my love. That's the real ecstasy.

I think you do. Listen to your heart flutter beneath that swelling bosom. Can you feel the excitement teeming in the air? It's the sweet taste of reunion. I've waited a long time for this moment, and I'm here to savor it. Yes, the air is thick with it. I can't wait to be inside of you, to taste you, too.

Oh yes, you remember. Your heart is wild for me. I knew you couldn't forget me. No one ever does.

You're so irresistible tonight, like a siren. And your sweet fragrance, your innocence is my impossible song. How can I ever resist?

Oh baby, ignore the dark, crimson pool creeping toward us. It's just the shadows, a trick of the dim light—the mischievous night. It will disguise the thick, black tar. But I wonder, can you smell it? It's the smell of life, of lust, sweetheart.

You abandoned me in favor of brighter, happy days and dreams that no longer included me. You thought you outgrew me. But don't worry, baby, I'm not mad. I forgive you. But you'll forgive me, you'll understand if tonight, I make you forget everything—even your own name.

Don't act like you don't know me, sweetheart. I thought we were past this. You can't leave; it would ruin the mood. And we don't want to waste the efforts of our kind companion. He paid such a high price to prepare this place for us.

Don't pull away from me. I know it's unfamiliar, my cold touch, but you'll grow used to it. I don't plan on letting you go again.

Ignore that buzzing noise; the others can't resist the urge to join our party, our feast. It's a feeding frenzy, baby, and I'm starving. They will go about their business, and we will get down to ours.

These minutes will last hours. And once I'm done, I'm going to linger. You won't forget me again—I'll make sure of that. I forgot to tell you that, the first time. I'm a jealous lover; I don't plan on sharing. And you will always remember this night.

You won't be able to erase the taste of me from your mouth, my sweet taste mingled with the flavor of your own blood. You'll always remember the way I made you tremble, the way I filled you until your toes curled and your fingertips quivered. It's euphoria, baby—the gods' ambrosia is what you've given me.

Didn't you enjoy it? I didn't know you were a screamer, sweetheart, but I enjoyed it. I thought it was loud enough to raise the dead, but looking at our guest, it would seem not.

Let me hold you now—you're weak and pale, limp in my arms. Isn't it heavenly? Just drown in the sensation, let it conquer everything else. Can't you feel me now, inside of you? Isn't it exhilarating?

Oh yes, we are bound to one another now. Wherever you go, I will follow. In the dark of the night, in the corners of your mind, I will be there. You cannot escape me.

Fear will always be with you.

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Written for The Review Game's September Writing Contest Challenge.