Haunted House

The crisp October air carried the scent of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice as the trio of college girls approached the looming silhouette of the abandoned mansion on the edge of town. The sign out front flickered in neon: Dracula’s Haunted Hollow – Enter If You Dare. It was the kind of kitschy Halloween attraction that promised cheap thrills and cheesy jump-scares, perfect for a Friday night out. The girls had heard rumors—whispers of people disappearing, of strange lights in the windows—but they laughed it off. It was just a gimmick, right?

First in line was Riley, the fearless one. With her cropped leather jacket, ripped jeans, and a smirk that could cut glass, she radiated confidence. She’d dragged the others here, insisting they needed a break from midterms. “Come on, you cowards,” she teased, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder. “It’s just some dude in a cape with fake blood. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Behind her trailed Mia, the shy bookworm, clutching her oversized sweater like a shield. Her glasses slipped down her nose as she peered nervously at the creaking porch. “I don’t know, Riley. This place gives me the creeps. Did you see that article about the missing tourists last year?”

“Oh, please,” Riley scoffed. “You read too many **** mysteries.”

Last was Chloe, the bubbly optimist, practically bouncing in her sneakers. Her blonde ponytail swung as she clapped her hands. “It’s gonna be so fun! I bet they’ve got animatronics and fog machines. Maybe even a hot guy playing the vampire!” She giggled, oblivious to Mia’s anxious fidgeting.

The front door groaned open before they could knock, revealing a dimly lit foyer draped in cobwebs. A tall figure emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding the room. He was striking—pale skin glowing faintly in the candlelight, jet-black hair swept back, and eyes like molten amber that seemed to pierce through them. His velvet cape brushed the floor, and his lips curled into a smile that was both charming and predatory.

“Welcome, ladies,” he purred, voice smooth as silk. “I am Lord Viktor, your host for the evening. Step inside, and let the night… consume you.”

Chloe squealed in delight, clapping again. “See? Hot vampire guy! Told you!”

Mia shrank back, but Riley rolled her eyes and strode forward. “Let’s get this over with. Lead the way, Count Creepy.”

Viktor’s smile widened, and he gestured toward a narrow hallway. As they followed, the air grew thick, the walls seeming to pulse faintly. The girls didn’t notice at first—how the corridor stretched impossibly long, how the flickering lights bent time into a sluggish haze. Viktor’s power was subtle, warping the space around them until the exit was a distant memory.

He stopped at a grand staircase, turning to face them. “A tour requires… participation,” he said, his gaze locking onto Riley. “You, bold one. You’ll go first.”

Riley smirked, unfazed. “Fine. What, you gonna jump out at me with a plastic bat? Bring it on.”

Viktor’s chuckle was low, almost a growl. He stepped closer, and the air around Riley shimmered. The others blinked—suddenly, they were alone in the foyer again, as if Riley had vanished. In truth, Viktor had pulled her into a pocket of distorted space, a private chamber where time crawled and sound was muffled.

“Where the hell—” Riley spun, but the room was a blur of shadows and velvet drapes. Viktor loomed behind her, his presence overwhelming. “Okay, buddy, nice trick. What’s the game?”

“No game,” he murmured, circling her like a predator. “Just a taste.” His eyes glowed brighter, and a wave of warmth washed over her—a charm that sank into her bones, softening her edges. She stumbled, her usual bravado faltering.

“Hey, back off—” she started, but her voice wavered. His hand brushed her arm, cool and electric, and her resistance melted into a strange, hazy curiosity. She should’ve fought, should’ve screamed, but instead she tilted her head, caught in his gaze.

Viktor leaned in, lips grazing her neck. “So fierce,” he whispered. “But even the strongest bend.” His fangs sank into her skin, sharp and swift, and Riley gasped—a sound that morphed from shock to something deeper, primal. The bite burned, then bloomed into a rush of heat that flooded her veins. Her knees buckled, but he held her upright, drinking slowly as her pulse raced.

When he pulled back, Riley’s eyes fluttered open, dark and dilated. The pain was gone, replaced by a thrumming energy she couldn’t name. Her lips parted, breath ragged, and she stared at Viktor with a hunger she didn’t recognize. Her leather jacket felt too tight, her skin too warm. She licked her lips, a faint smirk returning—but this time, it was edged with something wild.

“What… what did you do to me?” she rasped, voice low and sultry.

Viktor wiped a drop of blood from his mouth, his smile triumphant. “I’ve claimed you, my dear. The first of my coven. You’ll see soon enough—your friends will join us.”

Riley’s laugh was sharp, but her eyes gleamed with a new, vampiric lust. She didn’t fight it. She couldn’t. The bite had awakened something insatiable, and as Viktor led her back to the others—time snapping back into place—she knew one thing: she wanted more.