The fear in their eyes as they realize that the rumbling around them is not just some ambient room-tone. They look trapped, pathetic as you lock eyes with them. Reach a hand out of the dark and place it on their shoulder — I'm certain they'll freeze. No need for a ritual. The sacrifice is here.

What happens between you and them is private. Beasts always dwell just outside of civilization, just far enough where screams cannot be heard. You pull them deeper. One hand, then another, then ten more. You are a violation of what should be. And you will violate them in ways they cannot imagine.

If they die in their encounter with you, you can choose to hang some of their belongings up somewhere, and then their vanishing becomes urban legend, a myth. If they live?

They will be saying your name in hushed whispers for the rest of their life. Always wondering when you'll be back for them.

(2/2)