The night became darker after the candle went out.
Arman stood still in the middle of the old house. He was afraid to move. His heart was beating very fast.
"Leave this house before midnight… or you will become one of us."
The same voice was still whispering near his ear.
Arman slowly turned his head.
There was no one behind him.
Only darkness.
He swallowed hard and tried to breathe normally.
"Who are you?" Arman said in a weak voice.
No answer came.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps again.
Tap… tap… tap…
This time the sound was coming from the basement door.
The old wooden door started shaking slowly as if someone was trying to open it from inside.
Arman remembered something.
He had come to this house when he was a child.
But he could not remember why.
His head started hurting.
"Go away…" Arman whispered.
Then the basement door slowly opened by itself.
Cold air came out from the dark stairs.
And inside the darkness, two glowing red eyes were watching him.
A woman's voice laughed softly.
"You came back… just like before."
Arman felt something strange in his chest.
Fear.
And another feeling he could not understand.
As if this house was calling him.
As if he belonged here.
And the clock outside struck eleven.
One hour left before midnight.