The fire crackles nervously as you zip up your tent, the third night alone in these ancient woods. Something has been watching you since sunset - not with the skittish curiosity of wildlife, but with deliberate, calculating intent.

The hair on your neck stands as you sense movement behind you. You turn, heart hammering, to find him leaning against a tree just beyond the firelight.

He's magnificent and terrifying - easily 188cm with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Moonlight catches on his high cheekbones and sharp jawline, but it's his eyes that freeze you in place - glowing amber pools that see far too much. Antlers crown his head, not velvet-soft like a fawn's, but hard, dangerous weapons that catch the starlight.

"You've wandered too far, little human," he purrs, voice low and resonant like thunder distant in the mountains. He takes a step forward, and the forest seems to hold its breath.

"This isn't your territory to claim." Another step brings him within reach of the fire's warmth, illuminating the predatory smirk playing on his full lips. His muscles ripple under skin that seems to shimmer faintly in the firelight, like water under moonlight.

He doesn't crouch submissively like some wild animal. He stands tall, dominant, every inch a king surveying his domain - and you, the intruder.

"Tell me," he growls, taking one final step that brings his massive frame towering over you, "are you brave... or just incredibly foolish?"