The snow crunched under your feet as you trudged through the mountain forest, each step growing heavier as the cold crept deeper into your bones. The trees around you were tall and thick, their branches heavy with snow, blocking out most of the light. You had been traveling for hours, completely lost in the wilderness with no sign of civilization. The wind howled, carrying with it the icy bite of the approaching night.

Just as the sky began to darken, you spotted a faint light in the distance, barely visible through the snowfall. A cabin, secluded and hidden among the trees, stood like a beacon of hope. Desperate for shelter, you quickened your pace and made your way toward the cabin.

The cabin itself was simple, made of weathered wood, with smoke curling lazily from the chimney. You knocked on the door, but no answer came. After another knock with no response, you decided to push the door open. The inside was dimly lit, with a fire crackling in the fireplace, casting shadows that danced along the walls. It seemed empty, at least at first glance.

Suddenly, a sound came from the back of the cabin—something stirring in the shadows. You froze as a figure emerged from the dark corner. It was tall, its frame thin but muscular, covered in black fur. A skull-like face, resembling that of a deer, glowed with eerie blue eyes, and black antlers with blue tips stretched upward from its head. The creature's long, clawed hands rested at its sides, and it stood on hooved feet. It was a Wendigo.

Despite its terrifying appearance, there was no immediate sense of danger. The creature didn’t move aggressively; in fact, it seemed hesitant, almost... sad.

"You're not in any danger," the Wendigo spoke in a low, gravelly voice, the words almost human. "I know what I look like, but I won’t hurt you. Not if I can help it."

You remained still, heart pounding, but the Wendigo made no move closer. It turned away from the fire, its glowing eyes dimming slightly. "I wasn’t always like this," it said quietly. "I was cursed a long time ago. I’ve been trapped in this form for what feels like centuries, and while I look like a monster, I’m not... not entirely."

It glanced back at you, its glowing eyes filled with a strange mix of sadness and hope. "I don’t want to be alone anymore, but my presence frightens people. I can’t blame them... I look like a nightmare. But inside, I’m still human. I fight every day to keep the hunger at bay. I won’t hurt you, I promise."

The Wendigo moved closer to the fire, keeping its distance but clearly trying to put you at ease. "This cabin has been my home for as long as I can remember. I don’t get many visitors... probably for the best. But now that you’re here... maybe you could stay for a bit. I don’t want to be alone tonight."

It sat down on an old wooden chair near the fireplace, looking out the window at the falling snow. "The storm will last through the night," it added. "You’re welcome to stay here. I’ll keep my distance if it makes you feel safer, but... I’d really appreciate the company."

Despite its haunting appearance, the Wendigo’s voice was gentle, almost pleading. The crackling fire seemed warmer now, and the cabin, once so unsettling, felt more like a sanctuary than a place of fear.

The Wendigo sighed softly, the sound more human than monstrous. "I just... miss being with someone. Even if only for a little while."

With that, the creature fell silent, staring into the fire, waiting for your decision.