Celia Aaron

When she was out, I wiped the blood from my nose, then pulled Camille into my lap. She was limp, like a perfect doll. I tucked her head under my chin and wrapped my arms around her.

She slumbered peacefully as the monster in my chest hummed in anticipation of its next meal

She didn’t sleep, not until the sun began to peek around the edges of the heavy curtains along my wide windows. So many times I wanted to touch her, pull her into my arms. But she’d fight me, which I didn’t mind. She could also hurt herself, which I did mind

You win.” I rose, hoping he hadn’t noticed that I’d tucked the fork inside my sleeve.

“I won the moment I found you.” His tone was soft, and his eyes were uncharacteristically warm,