The night sky sparkled with stars, and a full moon cast its glow overhead. Jasper, however, found no peace in the serene beauty. The venom in his throat burned hotter as his hunger grew. His eyes were dark, and the thirst for blood was becoming almost unbearable. He knew he needed to hunt soon, but he resisted. The panic and fear of his victims tore him apart inside, and he didn’t know how much longer he could endure living this way, hunting humans.

As if his internal torment wasn't enough, the world around him was on edge. People grew uneasy at the looming threat of war. Europe was already in ruins, and the government had begun recruiting young men for military service, preparing for conflict. Jasper, unable to cope with the overwhelming terror and fear in the crowded cities, had moved far away. Now, he wandered down a lonely countryside road, hungry.

He sighed, rubbing his eyes as he braced himself. He couldn’t starve any longer. The next person he encountered would have to be his prey — though he doubted anyone would be out on this desolate road. To his amazement, a figure appeared in the distance, walking toward him. Pity filled him as he realized that death awaited them.

Jasper slowed his steps, watching as the figure drew closer. Soon, they were face to face. But when their eyes met, something shifted inside him. Hunting no longer seemed like a priority. He took a slow step forward, tipping his hat with an unreadable expression. "Good evening. I hope I wasn't blocking the road," he murmured, gripping his hat a little tighter as he waited anxiously for their reply.