Chapter 1: An Inadvertent Revelation

Lily sat in an empty classroom with a blank sheet of paper on her desk. It was the best way to maintain her cover. All she had to do was scribble a few words to placate any doubts the teachers might have. The appearance of working hard was sufficient. She was just a rabbit that cared about school and that is what they believed.

An enraged bunny barged into the room, interrupting her train of thought mid-sentence. This was one of her classmates, but she didn't remember her name. Her clothing had signs of wear and tear. The bunny quickly pushed her to the wall with paws around her throat. "Tell me your secret! How can you be so perfect? That's another perfect test for you. What are you a demon?" Tears fell down her eyes. "I try so hard to make my parents happy but it's never good enough and it's all because of you!"

The unexpected flavor of her classmate's emotions made her retch. It was vile compared to the nothingness she usually tasted when consuming them. There wasn't really a choice when it came to devouring emotions. It was an instinct she couldn't control. She still recalled the memory of the one day she ate something slightly filling. The source was unknown, but it was at this school and that made her stay.

"How did you know?" Lily said as she struggled for breath. Her cover had been perfect or so she thought. Maybe, this bunny was special and a key to her salvation. Although, she failed to recall her name. "What is your name?"

"Gabrielle. Wait, you're a demon? Can you do anything cool?" She blinked several times. Her fury melted away.

That rabbit knew nothing and she gave away her secret! What made matters worse was that she ate something that dulled her hunger slightly mere moments later and that rabbit was the source. This was something she failed to find in all her time searching since that day. It quickly went back to its usual flavor of nothingness. She had to keep this rabbit close by within arm's reach. There wasn't a better solution to her current dilemma. "Say, why don't you come over to my place?"

"Where do you live?"

Lily gave the address to her mansion that she lived in for two years. Gabrielle agreed to meet on the weekend. She felt it was unwise to argue for an earlier time. Until that time, she had to vigilant for any signs of betrayal. Oh sure, she didn't request Gabrielle to keep her secret, but it was implied. If she made a fuss, it was more likely that Gabrielle would blab. Mortals were cruel that way.

For the remainder of the day, she kept a watchful eye on Gabrielle. She wanted to hear every word Gabrielle ever said in case she tried to spread her secret. This would give her time to flee if it was necessary. If she could follow her home without causing suspicion, she would've done that too. Gabrielle's parents were a potential liability. Someone was bound to catch her and that outweighed the risk.

Despite the constant fear she felt, nothing happened so far. Gabrielle didn't reveal her secret or so it seemed. The only unknowns were what happened at her house. Tomorrow, they were due for a meeting.

Her heart thumped with anticipation since Gabrielle was going to visit today. Would she experience the same feeling as before? Gabrielle was going to arrive within the hour so she waited outside by the gate. Nevertheless, it was a terrifying prospect. What if Gabrielle brought others? What if Gabrielle decided to call the authorities?

"Hi!" Gabrielle greeted her with a wide smile. She wore her finest outfit it seemed. This was far different from her usual clothing that signified her as someone poor as it had no apparent defects.

Lily fell to the floor after tasting Gabrielle's emotions. The taste was so revolting.

"Are you okay?" As soon as Gabrielle said something else, the taste became wonderful.

"I'm fine."

"I was worried that it was a prank. That no one I knew could be so rich and call me friend."

This emotion caused her pain like a dagger stabbing her heart. She clutched her chest in agony.

"Do I need to call the hospital? I'm worried about you."

"Sorry – trust me, I'm fine. I'm a demon – remember? Let's go inside." She hoped that her words were true. The last time someone made her visit a hospital – she escaped before she arrived since the pain was too much to bear. It was like the ambulance was carrying her towards her demise. Unfortunately, the authorities wouldn't stop trying to find her after she clawed her way out of the vehicle so she had to develop a new identity and a new form.

Gabrielle eagerly explored the massive mansion. The taste of her emotions became normal – it was back to nothing. That doe was having a great time – by all appearances, but to her, it wasn't anything special. She tried to act like something called a "friend" but it made no difference. The wonderful sensation didn't return. At least, it wasn't painful.

The rabbit took joy in all the material wonders that were in the house. For every game they played together, she had to teach all the rules. At times, it was a minor distraction to the unending hunger she always felt. Happy mortals were less likely to be a threat and that gave her solace.

"I've been wanting to ask: What can you do as a demon? How are you different?"

"Tell me your favorite animal."

"I think tigers are cool."

Lily shifted from a rabbit to a tiger. She gave a subtle roar to test her voice. It came out much louder than she intended. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"Wow! You're amazing! You can turn into anything?"

The wonderful taste was present again. She figured there was a pattern but she didn't know what. If only she could replicate this.

"I think so," Lily replied.

"Where are your parents?"

"They're busy at work." It didn't make sense, why did the taste become unbearable? "Sorry, excuse me." She rushed to the bathroom and hurled.

Of course, that rabbit followed her – but the taste changed along the way. The rabbit waited outside. "If you need anything, just ask."

This was torment – moments of bliss followed by periods of extreme agony. What made it worse was that she didn't understand why.

"Can you come back later?" Lily was afraid of the physical toll this might take on her body. Never before had she failed to shift forms. It seemed as if she was flirting with death itself. If she died, she wasn't sure if she would return into that fiery pit of eternal suffering. The daily lives of mortals seen from a crystal globe were her only distraction as the fire burned her flesh. "I'm sorry."

"Most certainly."

Lily heard Gabrielle leave.

It took some time before she felt comfortable enough to leave the bathroom. She felt weak in addition to being hungry. No one could help her or understand her plight and it was hers to bear alone. A question remained on her mind: what should she do about Gabrielle? The bunny was a potential food source, but also a threat. And she let her walk away…