Dangerous green eyes, diamond pupils.

A slick black coat, wrapped in scars.

Sharp white teeth, dripping venom.

Quiet prowling limbs.

Purring whispers, hissed words.

It goes bump in the night, shaking the walls, rattling the windows, quaking the floor.

I wait…

I wait…

I wait…

I wait for it to grab me, the taloned claws tap, tap, tapping on the floor as it makes its way to me.

I count the steps silently, squeezing my eyes shut as the covers are pried from my fists, and torn below my ankles.

Tap.

Tap…

Tap.

I feel it’s breath on my cheek, the tapping coming to a stop beside my bed…