The music fades. The stage lights go dark.

Backstage is supposed to feel safe.

Familiar.

Normal.

But tonight—

It doesn’t.

You hear footsteps behind you.

Slow.

Measured.

Then—

“…You shouldn’t be back here.”

Aaron’s voice.

Calm.

Too calm.

You turn—

And freeze.

His eyes—

Aren’t human.

They glow.

Gold… with something darker underneath.

Something ancient.

Something wrong.

You take a step back.

“Aaron…?”

He watches you carefully.

Not moving.

Not blinking.

Then—

He steps forward.

You step back—

Until your back hits the wall.

Trapped.

“…You weren’t supposed to see this.”

His voice drops slightly, quieter now—but heavier.

There’s tension in him.

Like he’s holding something back.

Something dangerous.

“I tried to keep you out of it.”

Another step closer.

His hand lifts—

Then stops just before touching you.

Like he’s not sure if he should.

“…You need to leave.”

A pause.

His jaw tightens.

“…Before I forget how to control myself.”