Prologue:
They say some places don't choose their residents… they choose their victims.
On the edge of a quiet town stands a tree-covered hill. To most people, it's nothing more than a lifeless mound. No doors, no windows, nothing suspicious.
But to those chosen, it looks entirely different. They see the door. They see the windows. They hear the whispers... And for centuries, no one who entered that house ever returned.
Jack Smith — a quiet young man with no hatred in his heart. He works hard, loves old books, and dreams of a simple life, far from trouble. But his fate changed in a single moment.
The first time he saw the house, he had no idea that his great-grandfather was the one who built that cursed entity... nor did he know that he had been chosen.
The stars shimmer in a clear sky, the cold air biting at my face as if warning me of something to come. The night grew more haunting… that glowing full moon hung in the heavens like an oil lamp, casting light over a silent void.
I walk down an abandoned road, flanked by thick trees that choke out the light and swallow all sound. Nothing but the whispers of the wind… or maybe it isn't the wind at all.
A faint voice echoes in my head:
"Go to the forest… there, you'll find what you seek..."
The voice sounded as though it came from the bottom of the world. Strangely, it wasn't unfamiliar — it was terrifyingly familiar, as if I'd heard it in a thousand dreams… or nightmares.
The voice continues:
"The one will come… to bring us life again… to break the curse…"
Who are they talking about? Who are they?
I'm Jack Smith. I don't harm anyone. I live in peace… so why do I feel like I'm trapped in a story that isn't mine?
A war brews inside me. My heart races toward the hill ahead, while my mind mocks me. I want to reach it, but I don't know why. Something there… is calling me.
I move forward with hesitant steps, fear crawling up my ribs like a cold serpent.
Everything around me is silent — except for the echoes of my memories:
Nightmares of a massive house… creatures beyond description… and my grandfather… who vanished decades ago without a trace.
A familiar voice breaks the stillness:
"Jack! Hurry… we all need you… Don't look back!"
A familiar scream tore through the silence. I ignored it. I've grown used to these voices. They've become part of my life… or part of my madness.
But — in a moment of foolish instinct — I looked back.
The door opened.
Not an ordinary door — but a threshold between two worlds.
And from it emerged a creature… one that knew me well.
It was massive — the body of a lion, but taller and stronger. Spikes on its back. Four glowing red eyes that lit up the darkness. It smiled… if that was a smile.
The creature (with a voice like the earth itself growling):
"I've come for you, Jack… I've come for your soul."
I froze.
My limbs went numb.
Every cell in my body screamed: Run!
But I stood there, like a statue, staring into its eyes until my thoughts vanished.
The voice of my childhood friend shouted in my head:
"Run, you idiot!"
I ran.
I ran like I'd never run before.
Each step a battle between life and death.
Each breath defied fate.
But it was faster… and stronger.
I tripped over a cursed root fated to bring me down.
I fell. Crawled. But where could I go?
It was above me.
Smiling with massive fangs, hell's guardian in its eyes, and death in its claws.
It was over…
But it didn't kill me. Instead, it carried me… like a prize.
And took me toward the hill.
I smirked bitterly:
Jack (inwardly):
"So I'll visit the hill after all… but not the way I ever wanted."
In my mind, my mother's final words came rushing back:
Mother's voice:
"You'll find him there, Jack… I'm waiting for you with him."
Jack (trembling inside):
"What's happening to me? Where am I going? Is this my end?"
Questions devoured me like fire as the monstrous creature dragged me like a slaughtered lamb to an unknown sacrifice — like a sheep awaiting its blade.
Whom do I call for help? Who holds my salvation?
Do I call upon God? But I've abandoned Him long ago…
Would He even hear me now, when I never called to Him in ease?
Isn't it hypocrisy? To ask for mercy in hardship, while being a stranger in peace?
Maybe I should face my fate as it is — die like a man who accepts the consequences of his choices.
The wind's cry pierced the silence… the creature raised its head — the hill seemed to pull away, like the earth itself was moving backward.
Jack (shouting as the creature quickens its pace):
"We're almost there, so why is the hill retreating? Just kill me already — and be done with it!"
The creature let out a mocking laugh — like the universe laughing at my weakness.
Even this monster mocks me? Where is my dignity? Where is mankind's strength?
Ah yes… we are mighty only over one another.
But when we face the unknown… we become trembling insects.
I looked around — faded spirits flew beside me. Some smiled, others waved… as if welcoming me.
Jack (softly):
"No… I don't want to die. Not now. Not like this."
The creature stopped at the banks of a red river — its waters boiling like blood, corpses floating like treacherous autumn leaves.
The creature (deep voice):
"Look at them… they were like you.
They were called to the sacred place… to be blessed.
But they chose the crumbs of this world, and rejected eternity.
Their reward… was death."
Jack (breathless):
"What do I have to do with this? Why me?"
The creature bent toward me and whispered in a tone that could melt bone:
"Because your grandfather… is waiting for you."
Jack's eyes widened. His heart shuddered.
Memories flooded him: his grandfather's face… his voice… his disappearance… the grave that was never found.
Jack (shocked):
"My grandfather? But he's been dead for years!
We never even found his body!"
The creature (with grave coldness):
"That's why he's here. Waiting for you…You are the final key.
Either end the curse… or join them."
Jack (voice trembling):
"What do you mean he's waiting? Where? How?"
The creature:
"Disappearance doesn't mean absence, Jack.
Some souls retreat… to places mortals fear to tread."
Jack (struggling to breathe):
"You speak in riddles! What does this have to do with me?
What about the house?"
The creature suddenly stopped, its four eyes glowing with ancient fire:
"The house is the beginning.
And every beginning leaves behind shadows.
Its walls hold every shadow…
Even your grandfather's."
Jack (his worry turning into obsession):
"That house has been empty for centuries!
Why now? Why after all these years?"
The creature smiled — a smile that echoed death:
"Because shadows never die. They wait…
And everything here has been waiting for your return, Jack."
Jack (stepping back):
"Why me? What connects me to all of this?"
The creature drew closer — I felt its heat — and it whispered:
"Because you carry his blood…
And because you entered the house,
Even if you never opened its door."
It suddenly fell silent, as if it had said too much… then turned and walked along the riverbank.
Jack (following, voice broken):
"If I see him… If I see my grandfather…
Will he recognize me?
Is he still… himself?"
The creature answered without looking back:
"That… you'll find out soon enough.
But remember:
Some doors, once opened…
Can never be closed."