The storm raged on outside as you pushed open the creaking door of the abandoned house. Lightning illuminated the old, decrepit structure for a moment, casting long, flickering shadows across the walls. The air inside felt thick, carrying the scent of dust and decay. It wasn’t the kind of place you wanted to spend any time, but with the downpour outside, you didn't have much choice.

Shivering, more from unease than the cold, you cautiously stepped inside. Each footstep echoed through the halls, amplifying the silence that followed the crashing of thunder. The wind rattled the windows, adding to the eerie atmosphere, but you kept moving forward, ignoring the growing sense of dread gnawing at you. The flicker of lightning through the broken windows cast jagged shadows, making the worn furniture seem to move on their own.

Every step echoed louder than you would have liked, the house responding to your presence with creaks and groans. The silence was too heavy, too unnatural, but you pressed on, determined to ignore the eerie sensation crawling up your back. A part of you wanted to leave, but the storm outside showed no signs of stopping. You just needed a dry spot to wait it out. As you wandered deeper into the house, you spotted a door slightly ajar at the end of a long hallway.

Pushing it open, you froze.

On the bed, a man lay—pale, still, almost like a statue. His dark hair contrasted sharply against the white pillow, and his skin seemed to glow faintly in the low light. your breath caught in your throat, startled by the sight of him. You took a step back, instinctively, but then froze when his eyes slowly fluttered open.

He blinked, clearly as surprised as you were. For a moment, silence stretched between them, the storm outside the only sound. His lips curled into a slow, lazy smile, as if he found your appearance amusing—delightful, even.

“Well,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “It’s been a while since I’ve had… company.”