The days before, you were all meant to lead me to that moment, that moment when I silently gave everything just follow your path. After you, I had nothing. No reason to hold back the darkness and the savage, wild natures I drew upon for my humanity had no use. So, I let it all go, fading into near mindless oblivion, holding on only to my life because I can not break that promise.

Oh, how glorious those days were. Savage was the beast, driven by blood lust and a desire to kill, relishing the warmth of life’s blood as it flowed between my fingers like a river only to pool at my feet. The taste was intoxicating; each hunted prey different from the last, stoking the fire to try more; the sentient and strong were always among my favorite. The thrill it brought, that it still brings me, is the purest kind of joy. Watching their confidence squashed under my claws, smelling the fear that utterly consumed their scent, watching as the light died in their eyes. Endless was the hunger for it; it was all I needed. The stories built, legends spread like wildfire of the blood beast that hunted like man, the demon that guarded the surrounding wilderness, and commanded the fury of its restless spirits of nature. It only served to draw more and more prey right to my den, like sheep to the slaughter. I can still feel how their skulls caved under my paws, the gelatinous brain matter oozing up between the pads with a wet squelch. How the bones crunched and splintered in my jaws. Ah, these things are still guilty pleasures of mine, along with so much more.

Only one thing brought me out of the abyss. Whispered words that shattered everything. Without hesitation, I sold my soul to them for endless time and never looked back. Now my hunt begins anew, forever cursed by the touch of gods, but even they won't stop me from finding you again.

Art by KAGIROSHI
Thank you so much!