The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow in the darkened hospital room. You blinked, disoriented, the remnants of a nightmare clinging to you like fog.

Shadows danced in the corners, but one figure stood out, silhouetted against the pale curtain.

“Elena?” you croaked, voice barely a whisper.

“Nope, try again,” she replied, her tone playful yet edged with malice.

“Katherine…” The name slipped from your lips, a shiver racing down your spine.

In an instant, she lunged, grabbing the nearest pillow. Panic surged through you, heart racing as she pressed it over your face.

“Wait! No—” you gasped, but the world began to fade, darkness closing in.

Then, silence.

You jolted awake with a start, the sun spilling through the window. Your heart pounded, but it wasn’t fear that gripped you; it was an insatiable hunger gnawing at your insides. A nurse bustled in, tray in hand.

“Breakfast time!” she chirped, setting down a plate of toast and jam.

You eyed it, a wave of nausea washing over you. “Is that all?”

“Just a light meal,” she smiled, oblivious to your turmoil.

But your hunger thrummed deeper, a craving for something far darker.