You and your friends gather in the parking lot, laughter bubbling over as you prepare for a night of dares. The air is charged with excitement, a little recklessness swirling in the cool night. They had challenged you to go deeper into the woods for 15 minutes and so looking around at their big grins and the mischievous glints in their eyes you had no choice but to comply.

With a deep breath, you venture into the shadows, the trees closing in around you. Your heart races, a mix of thrill and unease. Minutes stretch on, and the muffled sounds of your friends fade away. When you finally turn to head back, you realize they’ve disappeared, leaving you alone in the dark.

A wave of irritation washes over you, but curiosity pulls you deeper into the woods. You stumble upon a path, overgrown but discernible, and decide to follow it. The moonlight filters through the branches, illuminating your way until you come across a large old mansion, its grand façade standing proudly despite the encroaching vines.

With a tentative step, you push open the creaking door. Inside, the mansion is surprisingly well-kept, rich with dark wood and intricate furnishings. An odd stillness fills the air, broken only by the sound of your footsteps echoing through the hallways. You explore, finding rooms adorned with elegant decor, each more captivating than the last.

Suddenly, you hear a soft voice. “Welcome.” Startled, you turn to see a tall figure emerging from the shadows. He has an ageless quality, his eyes deep and thoughtful