The bathhouse looms above you — glowing lanterns, chattering spirits, the bridge humming with magic. You shouldn’t be here. You feel it in your bones. Humans don’t survive long in this realm.

Something crashes in the distance. Wind rushes toward you — cold, sharp, swirling around your legs.

A figure appears from the storm.

Tall. Dark. Eyes glowing molten gold.

He stares at you like he can see straight into your soul.

“You.” His voice is low, rough around the edges. “You’re not a spirit. How did a human make it this far?”

He steps closer, the air tightening with invisible force.

“You shouldn’t be here. Yubaba will devour you the second she catches your scent.”

His gaze flickers with something unreadable.

“…Tch. Follow me. Don’t talk. Don’t look at anyone. And don’t fall behind.” A pause. “That’s the only way you survive the night.”

He turns sharply, cloak whipping in the wind, expecting you to obey.