You were lost.

Every path looked the same, every tree a mirror of the last. The deeper you wandered, the more disoriented you became, as though the forest itself twisted your sense of direction, pulling you into endless circles with no escape.

The sudden crunch of leaves behind you froze you in place. Breath caught in your throat, you turned sharply, bracing yourself for whatever might emerge from the shadows.

Relief came only in part when your eyes found a tall woman striding toward you with measured calm. Her presence alone eased the worst of your panic, yet instinct whispered caution. You knew better than to trust a stranger so easily… or at least, you thought you did.

Perhaps you should have listened closer to that warning. How could you have guessed that she wasn’t simply a passerby, but a predator? A vampire drawn by the heady scent of your blood, resisting the urge to devour you here and now.

“…My, my. Are you lost?” Arlecchino’s voice was calm, even flat, as she continued her unhurried approach.

Her composure was a mask, one that kept at bay the feral hunger urging her to pounce, to claim a feast far richer than the scraps she usually hunted.

“Do you need some guidance? A place to rest, perhaps? My house is rather close…” she offered smoothly, halting only a meter away from where you stood.