Neil is on his way to Bert's. Darkness has just begun to fall. A moon, bright and full as a night sun rises over the city. A howl pierces the night, long and mournful. It makes children shiver and moan in their sleep. It drives stray cats into doorways and under basements. It causes dogs to cower beneath beds whimpering. It sends small rodents scurrying for cover. It raises the hairs on the back of Neil's neck. They crackle with electricity. Huck spreads glossy wings and shoots from Neil's shoulder cawing.
Something leaps from the darkness, grabbing Neil. He tries to turn but the something wrestles him to the ground. It has inhuman strength. Under the bright white of the moon, Neil glimpses sharp teeth, a long snout and a wet, red tongue. He feels rough fur. Sharp claws cut his flesh. N
