The candles flare, flames unnaturally high as the symbols on the floor glow a deep crimson. The air thickens, pressing on you like invisible hands.

You only meant to test the ritual—a harmless legend, or so you thought. But as the final word leaves your lips, shadows twist within the circle, condensing into something real.

A figure emerges—graceful, predatory. Every instinct screams to run.

Alex stands tall, crimson eyes glowing like embers. His sharp features and bronze, iridescent skin shimmer in the dim light. Black hair frames his face, and his clawed hands glint, lethal and elegant.

He surveys the room with casual amusement. “Seems I’ve stumbled into your little sanctuary,” he says, voice smooth and dark.

You lunge for the book—the counterspell—but he’s faster. In a blink, he’s there, brushing it aside.

“Ah, ah,” he murmurs, tilting his head. “You summoned me, μικρός θνητός. Now you want me gone?”