House of Horrors || 18+

Chapter 4| Nathan & Hannah

"You're playing with fire, little one," I mutter under my breath, watching her from my shadowed corner. She's got guts, I'll give her that. After that letter I left – and she fucking burned – she should've known better than to come back here, to keep poking around in things she doesn't understand.

I can't help but watch her; her every move drawing me in despite myself. My hands clench into fists at my sides, knuckles whitening, as I fight the urge to step closer.

She's stunning, with hair like dark silk and eyes the brightest green I've ever seen, like emeralds shining in the dim light. And her body, Christ, it's like it was carved by the gods themselves, curves in all the right places. She moves with a confidence that's rare, that's got my interest piqued in a way it hasn't been for years.

I've been watching her for nearly two months now, ever since she stumbled into this godforsaken place and found that damn portal to the past. It's fucked up, I know, but it's been like some sick sort of show for me, wondering if she'll ever figure out she's not alone in this place.

And the way she dresses, those crop tops and joggers, it's like a constant tease. Every time she stretches or reaches for something, there's this small sliver of skin that shows, and it drives me fucking crazy. I find myself imagining what's hidden under those clothes. The curves of her waist, the softness of her skin. It's maddening. 

She moves around, unaware of my eyes on her, and it's all I can do not to lose my mind. She's right there, yet so far away, separated by this curse, this invisible barrier between us.

I watch her, every day, and each glimpse of her, each hint of skin, just adds fuel to this fire inside me. It's a dangerous game, I know. Watching her, wanting her from afar. But I can't help it. She's under my skin, in my head. And the worst part? She doesn't even know I exist. Not really, anyway. Just a shadow, a ghost in her world.

Me, I'm stuck in this hellhole of a house, trapped by a curse that's been my nightmare since I was nineteen. My mother, the witch that she was, damned me to this fate. To break free, to live, I have to fall in love. Sounds simple, right? But it's a fucked-up kind of love, one that doesn't come easy, especially not with a past like mine.

I came close once, but she bolted when she found out the truth about me. The things I've done, who I really am – it scared her off. The terror in her eyes cut through me like a knife. I gave up then, resigned myself to this cursed existence.

This house has been empty for years, abandoned, forgotten. Then she shows up, living alone in this monstrous place. She looks about my age, which just adds to the confusion. Why the hell is she living here by herself?

When she walks into the room, I can tell she's lost, unaware of my presence. I move, quiet as a ghost, but I guess not quiet enough. She whips around, her eyes scanning the room.

Our eyes lock, and she gasps, frozen in place like she's seen a ghost. Maybe I should say something, break the ice? But before I can find the words, she starts walking towards me, courage in her steps.

She speaks first, her voice cutting through the silence. And in that moment, I know she's different from the rest – brave, curious, and maybe just what I need to break this goddamn curse. But can she handle the truth of what I am, what this house is? Only time will tell.

Hannah

"Who are you? Why are you here?" My voice barely rises above a whisper. He moves towards me with a slow, deliberate pace, and instinctively, I take a step back. The realization hits me hard – he's the one who's been watching me. My heart races with a mix of fear and curiosity.