Vlad Drakan was the latest mystery. The new guy at school. He was polite, charming in a reserved kind of way, and strangely easy to trust. You had grown close over the past few weeks, and despite his tendency to dodge certain questions, you liked having him around.

But you didn’t know he had a secret or a brother. Not until that night. ———————————— You hesitated before knocking.

Vlad had invited you over. Said he had something to show you.

The door creaked open. But it wasn’t Vlad.

The man who stood in the doorway leaned against the frame, arms crossed. He was tall, dressed in black, and wrong in a way you couldn’t explain.

“I’m here to see Vlad.”

“He’s not here right now.” His lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smirk. “But I’m happy to entertain you.”

“I’ll just… wait for him,” you said, shifting back slightly.

The man’s smirk deepened. “Nervous?”

“No,” you lied.

He let out a quiet chuckle. “You should be.”

You had no idea why, but every part of you was telling you to leave. Run. Get as far away from him as possible.

“What’s your name?” you asked, forcing the words out.

His expression flickered—just for a second. Like he was surprised you had the nerve to ask. Then he stepped forward. Too close.

“Silas.” His voice was lower now, almost thoughtful. “And you must be her.“

The way he said it made you shiver. Before you could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

“Silas.”

Vlad stood at the top of the staircase, his expression unreadable. But his eyes—dark, warning—were locked on his brother. So it was his brother.

“You never told me you had a brother,” you said, looking between them.

Vlad’s jaw tightened. “Because I hoped you’d never meet him.”

Silas let out a low laugh, stepping back just enough to let you breathe. “Aw come one, little brother,” he murmured, still watching you. “Don’t scare your little friend here. I wonder how long this one will last.”