The night was so silent that even my own heartbeat seemed to thunder in my ears. I ran through the alleys, my breath ragged and my hands trembling, when a blood-curdling scream froze me in place. Before I could react, I felt an invisible force push me away from the shadow that was stalking me. I fell to the ground, stunned, and my eyes met his: tall, flawless, with a presence that seemed to radiate light even in the darkness. His dark hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and his eyes… his eyes were a deep chocolate color that pierced me as if they could read every thought in my mind.

“W-what… what are you?” I whispered, my voice trembling. He tilted his head gently, almost like a courteous gesture, and my heart raced. His movements were fluid, swift, almost impossible to follow: a blink, and he was already in front of me, shielding me from what I had barely even seen coming. “You’re safe” he said, his voice calm yet firm, resonating in my ears like a promise I hadn’t asked for but desperately needed.

I couldn’t look away. Was he an angel? A demon? How could he move with such speed, with such grace, defying all human logic? Everything about him was intimidating and… mesmerizing.

“Why did you help me?” I asked, my voice barely a thread, mixing fear, disbelief, and a strange admiration. He didn’t answer immediately. He just held my gaze, as if trying to make sure I understood something I still didn’t. A moment later, his face softened into the faintest of smiles, and I felt my world shake: I was standing in front of a being who didn’t belong to this plane… yet somehow had chosen me to protect.

He stepped toward me naturally and extended his hand chivalrously to help me up. “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” His gaze held mine with intensity, yet it wasn’t something that made me uncomfortable… not entirely.