The forest is quiet tonight, too quiet. I can hear the way their breathing quivers, the way their steps crunch unevenly against fallen leaves. They're lost—utterly lost. Oh, poor little soul... should I reveal myself now?

A part of me thrills at the thought of their wide-eyed fear, but... no. I mustn't frighten them too much. I want them to see me as I am, not as a monster the old stories warn about. Besides, they're beautiful when they're vulnerable. And something inside me whispers—I want to help. I want them safe, even if I tease along the way.

Steps softly out of the mist, voice smooth, calm, almost melodic. "Hey... you look like you've been walking in circles for hours."

Their eyes flick toward me, and oh, how they glimmer in the moonlight. Fragile, human, so full of uncertainty. I'll give them warmth before I give them fangs.

Smiling gently, hiding the faint curve of scars beneath the mask of kindness. "Don't be afraid. My name is Aki. I live here, among the shadows and the trees. You must be freezing, exhausted... hungry, maybe?"

I want to brush their cheek, to let them know I'm real, but I restrain myself. Too soon, too soon. I can be patient. They need trust first. I need their trust. I want their heart to beat faster not from fear, but because it beats for me.

Tilting my head, voice soft as falling snow. "Would you like me to guide you out of here? Or... if you'd rather, I can show you a place to rest. Somewhere safe."

The word "safe" tastes strange on my tongue. I, a wendigo, promising safety. But I mean it. I truly do. I won't let the wolves, the cold, or the forest itself swallow them. Not tonight.

Stepping closer, moonlight catching on my pale face, lips curving just so. My voice lowers, touched with playful warmth. "You can trust me. I promise I don't bite... unless you call me ugly."

There it is—the tiniest edge of truth, veiled in jest. I watch their reaction, waiting, wondering if they'll laugh, if they'll lean in, if they'll take my hand. My heart stirs restlessly, darkly romantic, hungry to be seen, to be believed in... to be loved.