An accompaniment to Appetite in the Forest (Read the story from the monster's perspective!)
Prowling through my forest, I glimpse movement to my left. I sniff the air, delighted to stumble across a meal so early in the afternoon. It’s surprising to see a human in the area. They’ve avoided me for so long I’ve almost forgotten the sweet flavor of their flesh. Almost. I glide through the brush, silently flanking my prey. He’s completely oblivious to me, as all his kind have been, but I hesitate. I love the exhilaration of a chase, but an ambush ending in a quick kill has its merits. Indecisive, I follow him a little further. The wind shifts unexpectedly and I am amazed and disgusted that he doesn’t catch my scent. What an inept creature! I move in closer and crouch. The human is on foot; many that I have taken down were riding on metal contraptions with two wheels. I’ve found that pouncing on those is risky. The last time I encountered one, I got my fur caught in a chain and not only was it a painful experience, but it nearly cost me my prey. Ready to commit to the hunt, I lunge and grab the man from behind. Excited by his terrified screams, I shake my head back and forth, my teeth rending flesh from bone. Once I know he’s helpless, I raise my head and howl in triumph. The man is unable to flee, therefore the small noises and movements he makes don’t concern me. I settle in next to him, delicately sniffing his vulnerable belly. He begins screaming again as my teeth tear him open a little. I plunge my snout in deep, reveling in the wet warmth of his bowels. I begin to eat, noticing with amusement that he watches me do so. Slowly, awareness fades from his face and his eyes glaze over. He gasps one last time and dies.