Ianthe stared at the figure in the darkened room, her heart racing. The figure was tall, silhouetted by the flickering light in the room. She could feel its eyes on her, watching her every movement. Slowly, she pushed open the door further, her eyes never leaving the figure in front of her. The room itself was sparse, with nothing but a bed, a desk, and a chair. The figure in the middle of the room loomed over her, unmoving and silent.
Ianthe took a step forward, trying to get a better look at the figure. It was definitely male, that much she could tell. She couldn't make out any defining features in the darkness, except for the gleam of dark eyes. She was about to take another step, to say something, when suddenly the figure moved. It took a single long stride forward, and suddenly, it was towering over her, so close she could feel the cold emanating from it.
Ianthe froze, staring up at the towering figure. It was even taller up close, dwarfing her petite frame. Its presence was oppressive, its gaze seeming to bore right through her. She tried to speak, to ask a question, ask anything, but no words would come. The figure loomed over her like a silent spectre, its eyes never leaving hers. It seemed to be studying her, like a predator observing its prey. She could feel her heart beating in her chest, its thump the only sound in the room. The silence was crushing, the figure still watching her with its sharp gaze. She couldn't tell what it was thinking or what it was going to donext.
Ianthe stumbled backwards, nearly falling in her haste to get away. Her heart pounded, her eyes wide as she tried to put more space between her and the towering figure. She backed against the wall, the rough wood digging into her shoulders. The figure followed her, its steps slow and measured, as if it was playing a cruel game. It continued to stare at her, studying her every action.
She felt a sense of panic building within her. The figure was toying with her, moving with an unnatural grace as it stalked her backwards. Its silence only seemed to make things more unsettling, the air in the room thick with tension. Ianthe forced herself to speak, her voice coming out as a shaky whisper.
"Who... who are you?"
The figure didn't respond to start with. Continuing to stare down at her. Its dark form seemed to blend into the shadows of the room, blending seamlessly against the darkness.
The figure suddenly spoke, its deep voice almost a growl. It was a single word, but it sent shivers up her spine.
"Leave."
Ianthe stood rooted to the spot, her heart racing. That one word echoed through the room, as if the figure was daring her to defy him.
She could feel her legs shaking, her body demanding her to run, but something in her refused. She took a deep breath and steeled herself, her eyes locking with the figure's again.
With the light coming in through the slight crack in the boarded up windows, she could see his features better. High, sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, and dark, intense eyes. His face was almost unnaturally perfect, as if he's more sculpture than flesh. He continued to glare down at her, his eyes studying her with an almost predatory gaze. Even with the light, he was a mystery. The shadows cast by the light made him all the more intimidating, the dark shadows dancing across his face.
The change was so sudden it took her a moment to realize what was happening. Suddenly, she was off the ground, lifted by an unseen force. The figure was controlling her, holding her up like a puppet. She gasped, her fingers automatically reaching for the floor. She felt helpless, her body no longer her own. He held her effortlessly, his gaze still fixed on her face.
"Put me down!"
Ianthe tried to sound firm, but her voice came out high and strained. She struggled, trying to free herself from the invisible hold.
"I'll go, I promise..."
Ianthe stumbled as she was forced down the stairs and towards the front door of the manor. But as the door swung open, it was not the same place she had entered. Instead of the forest, she was now standing in front of an enormous, imposing castle.
Ianthe stood there, her mouth agape, staring at the colossal castle in front of her. She had no idea where the forest had disappeared to, her surroundings completely transformed in a flash. As she tried to make sense of it all, the front door of the castle swung open, revealing a figure standing in the doorway...
