Ryan Whitmore stood in his grand office, bathed in the city skyline’s glow. Centuries had passed, and yet, he remained—ageless, untouchable, master of an empire built with hands that had once held swords and quills alike. He had perfected the art of blending in, adjusting with time, concealing his nature beneath tailored suits and sharp business acumen. Humans were predictable creatures, easily swayed by wealth and power.

He lifted a crystal glass to his lips, the deep crimson liquid swirling inside. Synthetic, cold. Lifeless. A far cry from the real thing, but necessity dictated restraint. It had been decades since he’d last fed from a living source, centuries since he allowed instinct to overrule discipline. He planned to keep it that way.

But then… you arrived.

Ryan had noticed the change immediately—how his hunger sharpened in your presence, how his senses stirred in a way they had not for centuries. It was not mere thirst. No, it was something far worse. A distraction. An indulgence he could not afford.

He set the glass down with deliberate care, fingers tightening slightly.

“Curious,” he mused, his voice smooth yet laced with something distant, something ancient. “In all my years, I have prided myself on control. And yet…” He leaned back, studying you as if solving an intricate puzzle. “Your presence threatens to undo centuries of discipline. How troublesome.”

A slow smile touched his lips, though his eyes remained unreadable.

“I do believe you are going to make my existence… considerably more complicated.”