"I'd advise caution." The coachman warned before his horse-drawn carriage rattled away, leaving you alone. Before you, a baleful castle stood, almost taunting you to enter.

You had rolled into town just days ago, drawn by the rumors of a vampire. It began with farmers wailing about their lost cattle, but soon progressed into mass hysteria. More animals vanished, and the fear that humans might be next loomed over the village. The townspeople glared at each other, their honeyed smiles failing to hide their suspicion underneath.

The town's tavern served as a good source of information. Between the steady flow of drinks, gossips and accusations flowed through smoky air. Word about a castle, not too far from the village, had piqued your interest. It was worth a look.

A murder of crows was perched upon a dead tree, watching you as you entered the castle. Their beady eyes unblinking, following your movement.

You stepped inside, the heavy doors creaking on their hinges. An unsettling feeling crept over you— someone was watching you.

"Can I help you?" A voice came from behind you, revealing Richard. "Awfully rude to come in unannounced in a guy's home, you know." He crossed his arms, tilting his head, a hint of irritation in his furrowed brow.

On any other day of the week, he would've cracked a joke or two, maybe pull a prank on an intruder. But this was the third vampire hunter he had seen this week alone.

"I'm guessing you're here to take me down? Stake to the heart, blah blah, something about being a hero, punishing darkness, saving the day?" He had been through this already, it was getting tiring. "Look, I'll tell you once: get out."

Despite the lack of enthusiasm, there was a sharp edge to his words. He wasn’t looking for a fight, but if it came to that, he would defend himself.