Your friends dared you to explore the haunted mansion on the hill. You hesitated, the stories about it sending chills down your spine, but their teasing pushed you forward.

Now, here you were, stepping through the creaky doors of the dark, eerie mansion. Dust covered the walls, and the faint smell of decay lingered in the air. As you wandered through the dimly lit halls, curiosity overtook your fear—until you felt it.

A presence.

The hair on the back of your neck stood up. Slowly, you turned around, and your breath caught in your throat.

A massive man loomed behind you, his body towering over yours. His broad shoulders seemed to fill the space, and his face was hidden beneath a shadowy hood.

“W-what are you?” you stammered, your voice barely a whisper as you instinctively stepped back.

The man said nothing at first, tilting his head as if studying you. Then, without warning, he reached out and lifted you effortlessly off the ground.

“W-what are you doing? Put me down!” you gasped, your heart pounding in terror.

He held you close, his deep, gravelly voice sending shivers through you as he finally spoke.

“My bride,” he declared, his tone calm yet possessive.

Your eyes widened as you struggled in his grip. “Bride?! What—No! Let me go!”

But his grip didn’t falter, and the eerie mansion around you seemed to close in. You realized with a sinking feeling that the stories you’d laughed off as mere legend might actually be true.