VALERIA
I stifle a scream, holding my hand to my mouth as my fear crescendos in my throat. I watch in horror as Celeste leans closer, at first staring at the blood, then slowly opening her mouth.
She looks up in my direction. “Who’s there?”
My whole body freezes. Can she see my face?
I stay motionless there for a few moments, too scared to move and too cowardly to run, even though I know that if I make a break for it, she won’t catch me in time. Even though I know that if I stay here even a bit longer, she might just catch me.
And who knows what she would do?
She narrows her eyes and continues to peer at my general direction, then she gives up and focuses back on her kill. I take the chance to slink back behind the tree, releasing the breath I’ve been holding. But then I hear her cal
