Mad Flight

Word Count: 295
Written for Daily Flash Fiction challenge on 6/10. Prompt: Write about a character running.

Mad Flight

Melissa dared a glance over her shoulder. Her long blonde ponytail streamed behind her. The shadows in the dark alleyway seemed to be moving of their own accord.

Melissa’s lungs were burning and she felt as if her heart was about to burst right out of her chest, but she couldn’t slow her mad flight. Something was after her. The alley looked empty, but Melissa could feel hungry eyes watching her.

“Melissa,” the shadows whispered.

A cold thread of fear raced up Melissa’s spine. She didn’t know how much longer she could run before either her legs gave out or her heart burst, but from deep within herself, she found another reservoir of energy. She couldn’t let the owner of that voice catch her.

“Melissa, I can hear your delicious heart pumping. You’re making it work so hard for no reason.” The voice gave a throaty chuckle. “But that’s okay. I don’t mind working for my dinner.”

“Stay away from me!” Melissa screamed. She stumbled, but somehow remained on her feet. “Leave me alone!”

“Never,” the voice said. “You’re mine now and forever, Melissa.” Her name was a hiss that faded into nothingness.

“What kind of monster are you!” Melissa felt herself slowing despite her best efforts to keep up her speed.

“I am not a monster. I am your salvation. I am going to free you from this meaningless life.”

Melissa felt her legs give out, though she refused to believe that they had actually betrayed her. She hit the concrete hard, scraping both her knees and the palms of her hands.

A shadow detached itself from the rest of the shadows in front of her. The man-shaped creature grinned, exposing wicked looking fangs. His eyes flashed a crimson red and then he pounced.