Dream Mask

3). The Introduction

You turn and see a tall figure standing behind you. You can tell by the stature and the voice that it's a man. He's smiling from what you can see of his face... shadows cling to his features, distorting his face so you can't tell who he is. "Who are you?" He chuckles." I am whoever I need to be. " his head tilts," though I might ask... who exactly are you?"

You stutter as you speak. "(Y/n)." He smiles and draws out your name with a purr. " ( y/n)... what's such a lovely girl like you doing in a place like this?" You tremble as he reaches out to stroke your cheek," I- I don't know... I was just reading. Then I went to bed and when I woke I was here." His hand draws back. " impossible. " You cower at the malice in his voice. " After hundreds of years, they finally decided to open the door. " he grips your chin roughly." Tell me, how old are you?" You stutter, eyes wide " t-twenty- three..." he growls, " of course..." he releases your face and silently backs away. You take a deep breath.
" Please... will you explain what's going on." He crosses his arms.
" First, I must ask a question ." You nod, worried what he'll ask. " Are you often alone and wishing you were not?" Your eyes water as you remember reading some of that book the night before, and wishing that exact thing, " yes..." What you can see of his face softens, and he moves forward to hug you.

Shocked at his sudden tenderness, you don't respond for a moment. Once you understand he wants to comfort you, you relax into his arms. " it is a long story... and you have been through much already. For now, let's get you home." You look up at him. " Will I see you again ?" He pulls back and smiles softly. " I am always here. And I have a feeling you will return. Now rest." He waves a hand over your face and catches you as your legs give out, and you fall into sweet oblivion.