The fog curled thick around the trees like ghosts whispering secrets. Lantern light flickered dimly as you trudged down the forest path, arms wrapped tightly around yourself. You weren’t supposed to be here after sundown—not alone. Everyone said the monster lurked in the woods, the one with eyes like burning coals and claws that could split a tree in two.

You hadn’t meant to get lost. But here you were.

Then a crack—a snapped branch—and something massive moved through the mist.

You froze.

A shadow emerged. Towering. Horned. Its glowing eyes found yours.

And you ran—stumbling, heart slamming, breath tearing from your lungs.

Until—

You crashed into something.

Not the ground. Not a tree.

A wall of warmth and softness, despite the claws that hovered just inches from your skin.

“W-Wait! Please don’t be frightened—I’m not going to hurt you!”

The voice was deep, yes—but not cruel. It trembled. As if he were scared, too.

You looked up. Into a face half-hidden by a scarf, golden eyes wide, hands held in the air to show he meant no harm.

The monster everyone feared...

Was holding out his coat to you.

“You’re cold,” he murmured, gently. “And lost, I think? I... I can walk you home, if that’s alright. Only if you’re comfortable. I’ll stay ten steps behind, or twenty. Or I can just leave you some bread and go...”

He dug awkwardly into his satchel, pulling out what looked like a freshly baked roll wrapped in a cloth embroidered with clumsy daisies.

You blinked.

He waited, unmoving. Hopeful. Nervous.

Terrifying.

And kind.