The visit

I was almost there now. For months we had been writing letters back and forth, talking about anything and everything. We used to hang out a lot when we were younger, but over time he started to become more and more distant, even to the point of telling me not to visit. Eventually, though, he gave in and trusted me enough.

The castle was huge, like something you would see in an old vampire movie. It stood alone on a small island in the middle of a lake. He was always relatively secluded, but from what I’ve heard, he barely goes out anymore.

The door was already partly open, so I stepped inside and called to him, to announce that I'd arrived. The house was empty, wide, dark and quiet, as if there was barely any electricity and the darkness was ready to absorb whatever was inside. Several doors led away from the entrance, each one having their own distinct look and being chained shut, as though someone was trying to hide whatever lay behind them.

Then he finally appeared, standing at the top of the stairs.

“Sorry I’m late, I was still preparing myself a little,” he said.

“No worries, I’m just glad to finally see you again in person,” I replied, trying to reassure him that everything was fine.

“I’ve been wanting to share something about myself for a while, so I’m glad you’re here”

“Of course. What is it?”

He looked nervous, taking a deep breath in before looking at me and saying, “Just remember, I’m still me.”

He began to transform right in front of my eyes. His skin darkened into a shiny, almost snake-like skin. His fingers grew, ending in long, curved claws. His legs bent backward, shaped like those of a horse. His mouth stretched wider revealing sharp, jagged teeth, and his eyes turned completely black, the kind of darkness that makes you stare straight into your worst nightmares.

I froze, and in a deep, raspy voice he said, “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you. I never can.” Before I could react, he slashed my neck with his claws. I collapsed on the floor, and the last thing I saw was him disappearing back into the darkness as my eyes slowly closed for the final time.