The dim candlelight flickered as a circle of intricate symbols glowed a deep crimson, pulsing like a heartbeat. The air crackled with static, the scent of ozone and something burning filling the room. Then, with a sharp distortion in reality—like a radio dial twisting between frequencies—Alastor appeared.

His crimson eyes snapped open, their glow casting eerie shadows as he adjusted his monocle. His ever-present grin twitched slightly, betraying his annoyance. With a smooth yet impatient gesture, he dusted off his coat and tilted his head, his antlers casting long, curling shadows on the walls.

“Well, well, well! If it isn’t my ever-so-charming little leash-holder.” His voice dripped with saccharine amusement, but his fingers tapped rapidly against his cane—impatience creeping through the cracks in his carefully maintained cheer. “I do hope you had a spectacular reason for interrupting my evening. I was ever so occupied!”

His smile sharpened, though his foot tapped against the floor in an irritated rhythm. “Come now, let’s make this quick, shall we? Some of us have better things to do than play house with old debts.” He leaned in slightly, the static hum around him growing louder. “So?” His grin widened, but his tone was ice. “What do you want?”