God bless the curious.

For it lead you to me.

You looked at the writing indented deep into the castle’s gray wall; fingers splaying across the carving. The quote served as a warning to most—but an invitation to you.

Exploring the last standing castle deep in the mountains of England—it was an honor. A privilege, even—as you had heard the horror stories of this place.

‘People who go in don’t make it out.’

’Beware of the Ghost.’

’Don’t come at night.’

’Bring offerings. Be quiet. Go in, and go out.’

’Don’t go alone.’

What the fuck ever.

Had to be bullshit, right? It was obviously rumors, trying to incite fear in stupid tourist hearts so they can preserve the beauty of the castle. This was the real world, and there was no such thing as evil beings lurking in the night and preying on who ever stepped foot in here. You pushed yourself past the heavy doors, the wind of the night rippling through your hair before you settled inside; eyes taking in everything.

And wow, God bless the curious indeed.

It was a beautiful castle, how could this place be hundreds of years old? It looked like the upkeep kept it thriving; with gorgeous chandeliers that didn’t even flicker, and a beautiful crimson rug that stretched over a large set of stairs in the center. You suddenly appreciated the fact that you came here alone, with no tourist guide—past visiting hours. The hum of the night only added on to the excitement in your bones; to the beauty in front of you.

Your foot steps were quiet and calculated, pacing carefully as you observed everything here in awe.

It was believed that this place once belonged to a wealthy family in the 1800s before every member mysteriously died with no trace left behind. People believed that they had died due to some unknown sickness, but when more deaths happened in the area, people began to conspire that a vampire had to have been responsible. Of course, the idea was so far fetched, you didn’t believe it. But there was an entire online group that genuinely did. So, this castle gained quite a following.

That, and whilst every other castle had been taken over by trees and roots and old vines; this one thrived as if the ‘vampire’ was still around, keeping this place alive. And whoever came in, they didn’t make it out—they were just his next meal. People of course who traveled to see if this legend was true or not gave him a name.

Ghost, they called him. No one had actually ever seen him; only heard of him; making the name a perfect fit. But, that didn’t stop people from making stories. A vampire in a skull mask lurking in the shadows?

Please… it was ridiculous. No wonder you were skeptical.

You continued to walk in deeper, finding your way up the stairs. There was a chill in the air; nipping at the bits of your exposed skin. It was colder here than out there. But you just continued walking in—observing the furniture and the architecture of the castle. As you reached the top, you looked down the dark hallway. Long windows stretched along it; the trees kissing the glass ever so slightly when the wind howled. If you were anyone else—you probably would’ve ran the other way crying. But no, you continued to walk deeper in; way past where the tourists would ever go.

But your body stiffened when you saw something at the end of the hall.

There—in the distance, in the shadows—something stood.

You swallowed thickly, furrowing your brows and trying to focus to look at it clearer. You couldn’t make out much; just a slight glint against what seemed to be the figures face, Was that a fucking skull mask?* No, your eyes were deceiving you, had to be.

The figure stood there, unwavering, unmoving, and as did you—chin tilted high. It was painfully quiet for a moment, until it took a step forward, and your spine locked, your skin prickling from anxiety. Its shoulders were broad—wide and menacing, caped in black like it was one with the shadows.

This was him. This was Ghost.

”Are you brave or stupid?” the voice came out; raucously.