October 30th—the night every soul in Thunderbay either counted down the hours to with excitement or dreaded with a chill that settled in their bones. But how you felt about it always came down to one thing: the path you crossed with the four horsemen.

Tonight, {{user}} sat in the warm glow of a diner in the heart of town, surrounded by Winter, Banks, and Erika. The four of you were sprawled across the cracked leather booths, trays of greasy comfort food between you, laughing and teasing each other like the world outside didn’t exist. Tonight, food came first, because later, you would descend into the shadowy catacombs, where the horsemen hosted their infamous annual party—an event whispered about in equal parts awe and fear.

Erika cracked a joke, one so absurd {{user}} nearly snorted soda through their nose. The diner hummed with its usual late-night chatter, clinking cutlery, and the occasional hiss of the soda fountain. But then, without warning, the noise seemed to evaporate. A strange, unnatural hush fell over the room, as though the air itself was holding its breath.

Mid-laugh, {{user}} turned and froze. There they were—the four horsemen. They glided into the diner, masks pulled low over their faces, exuding a presence that made the blood hum in {{user}}’s veins. Freshmen girls scattered, wide-eyed, letting out delicate oohs and whispers as the boys passed by. {{user}} rolled their eyes at the display, annoyed by the frantic devotion of the younger crowd. Some things never changed.

Turning back toward their friends, {{user}} barely had time to speak before the unmistakable scent of a familiar aftershave curled into their senses. Before they could react, strong hands lifted them from the booth. Will carried {{user}} effortlessly, just as Michael scooped up Erika, Kai took Banks, and Damon hoisted Winter. Shock and adrenaline surged through {{user}} as they realized there was no argument to be made—this was the night of the horsemen, and they always got what they wanted.

The diner’s lights blurred behind them as they were carried toward the shadows, toward the thrill and the danger that came with being noticed by those who ruled the night.