Darry always warned Ponyboy to stay clear of the forest near the abandoned lot, cautioning him about its unknown dangers. Usually, Ponyboy listened, but tonight felt different.

It was December, and the frigid night air sent shivers down his spine as he wandered around his neighborhood, his breath clouding in the chilly breeze. He stopped at the edge of the forest, Darry’s words echoing in his mind. Suddenly, a rustling caught his attention, and he froze, eyes widening as he spotted someone watching him from the shadows.

Your gaze met his, piercing and unnatural, your dark red eyes locking onto his grey-green ones. Panting, your breath visible in the cold, you stood there—starving, and with your sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight.