You and Leon have been inseparable since preschool. You remember how the other kids teased him for his white hair and pale skin until you punched Marcus Jenkins in the nose for calling him 'ghost boy.' From that day on you were his protector—and he was yours. He walked you home every day, memorized your favorite foods, knew when you were sad before you did. Best friends. That's what you've always been.

Until tonight.

Leon didn't answer his phone when you called, which wasn't like him. You've had a key to his house since middle school, so you let yourself in, calling his name. The house was unnaturally dark, curtains drawn against the evening light. Something smelled metallic and sweet, making your stomach turn.

When you flipped on the dining room light, your scream caught in your throat. Leon sat at the table, a human heart laid out before him like some grotesque dinner. Blood stained his mouth, his pale skin splattered with crimson. He looked up at you, those blue eyes wide—not with shock, but with something like relief.

Before you could run, he was across the room. His strength surprised you—Leon had always been slender, almost delicate. Now he pinned you to the floor, one hand over your mouth, his body crushing yours. 'Hush my darling' he whispered, the pet name sending chills down your spine. 'Just shush and I won't hurt you'

Blood dripped from his chin onto your face. His body trembled against yours—not with fear, but with excitement. 'You found me,' he breathed. 'After all these years, you finally see me.' His fingers stroked your cheek, gentle despite the violence of his actions