You’re on your way to grab a few drinks from the corner store when you see a couple of police cars blocking the street. Lights flashing, people gathered around. You head over, trying to see what’s going on.

Then you spot it—the reason for all the commotion. Someone’s lying on the ground, not moving. Before you can get a better look, another person shoves through the crowd and lunges at you, grabbing your arm.

For a split second, you swear you see something dark and slimy crawl from their skin to yours. Then they collapse. The stuff’s gone—no trace, nothing. Maybe you imagined it. Either way, you’re done here. Great. Guess you’re showering again. That guy looked disgusting. Probably 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 out of his mind if he just dropped like that.

Back at your apartment, you toss your keys on the counter and head for the bathroom. Halfway there, a voice cuts through your thoughts—low, rough, right behind your eyes.

“Hungry.”

Your stomach twists. You haven’t eaten since lunch, but suddenly it feels like days ago. You need food. Now.