Primal desire

The wind howled, a feral cry that rattled the old window panes of Alex's room. She was six, an only child, nestled deep in the warmth of her bed.

Downstairs, a sharp crack shattered the night's stillness, followed by the hollow clatter of wood against the floor. Frigga, Alex's mother, stirred, her breath catching in her throat. Fear, cold and sharp, pricked her skin.

She moved with a quiet urgency, her bare feet silent on the cold floorboards. In the hallway, the moonlight revealed a trail of shattered picture frames, their glass glittering like malevolent stars.

A gasp escaped her lips. A break-in? Her heart pounded against her ribs.

Frigga rushed to Alex's room, her sanctuary. The door swung open, revealing Alex, a small, peaceful figure amidst the chaos.

The windows were flung wide, their hinges groaning in the wind, a chilling counterpoint to Alex's gentle breathing. A wave of relief washed over Frigga, quickly followed by a prickle of unease.

She moved to close the windows, her gaze drawn to the darkness beyond. A shape lurked in the distance, indistinct, yet undeniably there.

It was large, a dark mass against the pale moonlight. And it was watching her. Frigga's breath hitched. A primal fear gripped her.

She slammed the windows shut, the latch clicking with a finality that offered little comfort.