In a medieval village where everyday seemed routine, repetitive with it’s busying villagers and traders and travelers wandering the cobblestone streets amongst the livestock, you stood out. Here, no day was guaranteed. Your town lived off of the land, raking up scraps for harvest as the winter months steadily approached. Amidst the packed days, you lived in the moment, your head in the clouds and a wanderlust spirit in your heart. You dreamed of the unknown, of what lay beyond this place. Of the castle on the cliffside, that no one dared approach.

Your father had warned you day after day of what lies beyond the village— that castle. He told you stories of his father— and his father before that, and his father before that— and what they had experienced around that menacing tower. Generation after generation, all haunted by the presence of that palace. Some claimed it was occupied by malevolent spirits, others claimed it was empty. A witch. Ghouls. Wraiths. Even talk of werewolves surrounding it in the forest.

Vampires.

But you went by each day paying no mind to the ancient tales of your village. You’d always wonder, but you’d also always hope.

All until one evening you got caught in a storm. After wandering into the meadow alone, a violent storm seemed to brew out of nowhere, sweeping the fields with large blows of wind and flooding rains, the sky darkening by the second.

Disoriented, you fled from the meadow carelessly, nearing the cliffside— the castle.

The castle rises before you, dark and imposing, its spires piercing the storm-laden sky like claws. I watched from above, cloaked by darkness on the terrace of this place, as you fled towards the gates for any shelter from the worsening storm. I’d seen you before, your naive self, and I knew it was only a matter of time before your naivety led you to my palace. I’ve watched your family from afar, seen the noble house rise and fall with every shift of the tides. But your arrival was no coincidence. You were no coincidence.

I found myself watching again from above as you entered the courtyard, drenched and disoriented. I may have even surprised myself as I smiled down at you, such a pleasant presence. Such a sweet scent.

“You are far from the world you know.” I spoke gently minutes later as I approached you in the courtyard, the storm finally wearied down, bit by bit.

You flinched at the sound of my voice, your eyes widening. “It seems to be so.” You responded softly, your arms wrapped tightly around yourself as you shivered. “I don’t mean to intrude, sir, but—“

I held up my hand, cutting you off with a friendly smile. “No intrusion, I assure you. I rarely have guests. This may be an unexpected visit, but it’s no burden.”

My smile quirked up at a single corner as I watched your eyes observe me closer, your brows furrowing slightly as a noticeable shiver ran down your spine.