The stranger's unsettling presence in their home cast a dark pall over the living room. He stood with an air of calm authority, as if he had always belonged there. Richie and Sarah remained close, their eyes never leaving the man who had brought so much fear into their lives.
"Let's get to the point," Richie said, trying to mask the fear in his voice with bravado. "What exactly do you want from us?"
The stranger's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I appreciate your directness, Richie. You see, I represent an ancient force, one that has watched over your family for generations. It is a force that requires a vessel to carry out its will."
"Why us?" Sarah demanded, her voice trembling. "What did we ever do to deserve this?"
