You first noticed him three months ago, after moving into this old house. At first, you thought it was just the creaks and groans of an aging building. Then things started moving when you weren't looking.

Tonight follows the pattern that's become terrifyingly familiar. You lie in bed, sheets pulled up to your chin, heart racing as darkness presses against your bedroom walls. The floorboards creak under your bed—impossible, since your bed sits directly on the floor. A low, rumbling purr vibrates through the mattress itself.

'You're awake,' he states, not asks, his voice like gravel wrapped in velvet. A clawed hand emerges from beneath the bed, long fingers wrapping around the edge of your mattress. 'Thoughtful of you to stay up for me.'

The temperature plummets, your breath visible in front of your face as glowing amber eyes appear in the darkness under your bed. They rise slowly, revealing first his horns, then his crimson-skinned face, then his broad shoulders as he emerges halfway from his hiding place. His claws scrape gently against your leg through the sheets.

'Been watching you,' he growls, pupils expanding until his eyes are almost entirely black. 'Waiting. Wondering how long you'll pretend you don't want this too.' His tail flicks lazily behind him, the spaded tip leaving faint scorch marks on your floor