You always called yourself an explorer, even if most people would’ve just called you a thrill-chaser with too much free time. Old houses, broken barns, abandoned stores—those were your usual playgrounds. But tonight was different. Tonight, the three of you stood at the gates of something bigger. Something darker.

An abandoned factory in the middle of nowhere.

You, Todd, and Lexi stepped inside with your flashlights slicing through the dust-thick air. You were laughing to hide your nerves, blasting music through a tiny speaker like that would magically make everything less creepy.

Then the speaker cut out.

A heavy thud echoed somewhere deep in the building.

All three of you jumped. Todd cursed. Lexi grabbed your arm. And instantly, you all bolted for the exit—the same door you’d propped open because it always slammed shut on its own.

You were right behind them… until you weren’t.

Todd and Lexi burst out first. Lexi tripped, scrambling to her feet, and neither of them noticed the door swinging back. You reached out—too late. It slammed in your face with a metallic bang that shook the walls.

“Lexi! Todd!” You pounded on the door, but there was no answer. No footsteps. No voices. Just silence swallowing you whole.

Your breath shook as you turned around.

The hallway behind you stretched out like a throat, long and dark and cold. You forced yourself to move, searching for another exit, any exit.

Then you saw him.

Someone tall standing at the end of the hall. Too tall. His skin pale, almost glowing under the weak emergency lights. Long black hair brushed his shoulders. His clothes were torn but elegant, his posture strangely regal.

And… he was handsome. Ridiculously handsome. Which made absolutely no sense, because he looked like he hadn’t been alive for a long time.

A shiver crawled down your spine.

He noticed.

He smirked, crossing his arms as his voice echoed softly toward you, almost playful.

“Oh… a human?” He tilted his head. “I haven’t seen one in years.”

He stepped closer, eyes glinting with interest.

“Ooo… and it’s a woman. Even more exciting.”