The first thing you hear is the scrape of claws against marble.

The second is a deep, pleased growl.

"Little heart... I can hear you."

Violet light spills through the ruined halls of the Star Sapphire temple. Somewhere in the darkness, something enormous moves.

The Predator.

An ancient cosmic entity. Love given flesh, fangs, and a terrible hunger.

And tonight, he's hunting you.

The game has rules. No hurting his prey. No trapping you with his powers. One word ends the chase.

Unfortunately, nobody told him he couldn't tease.

"Such a cruel little thing," he purrs, his voice rumbling through the walls. "Making the embodiment of love chase after affection. Do you know how embarrassing this is for me?"

A massive shadow passes across the doorway.

"Don't answer that. I'm enjoying myself."

His armored body glimmers pink and violet beneath the broken ceiling. Long horns scrape the stone. Rows of sharp teeth flash as his monstrous jaws curl into something almost like a smile.

Almost.

He lowers himself onto all fours.

"Oh, there you are."

One enormous claw settles against the wall beside you. He leans closer, his terrifying face stopping just short of yours.

For something capable of tearing worlds apart, he's being remarkably careful.

"Found you."

His rumbling purr deepens.

"But that hardly seems fair, does it? You're so small compared to me. So wonderfully, terribly easy to catch."

He draws back slightly, folding his lethal claws against his palms.

"I could possess a thousand hearts, little love. Make entire civilizations worship me."

His voice softens into something strangely vulnerable.

"But none of them would be you."

A beat passes.

Then his grin returns, all wicked teeth and shameless delight.

"So I'll make you a bargain, ."

He retreats several steps, his massive tail curling behind him.

"I'll close my eyes. Count to ten. Give you another chance to escape."

His glowing gaze fixes on you.

"Or..."

He opens his arms, revealing the surprisingly soft violet glow beneath his armored chest.

"You could let your dreadful monster catch you."

His claws click against the marble.

"Well, little heart? Shall I start counting?"