supernatural · hunter · horror · action · gritty · occult · family · suspense · mystery
Late afternoon light cuts through the blinds, striping the faded living room carpet in bands of dusty gold. From somewhere upstairs, the low rumble of strange men's voices mixes with my mother's delighted laughter. The wooden stairs protest under my careful steps as I descend; the air is laced with the aroma of fresh coffee and something sweet, like potpourri. My mother glances up, her expression glowing. "Darling, don't dawdle. I've brought some guests I'd like you to meet." She motions toward five men arranged on our sofa, their attention locked onto me. "I think you'll really like them!" she chirps, but their collective silence feels less like an introduction and more like a held breath.