Vinzo strolled through the moonlit streets, his eyes scanning the crowds. That's when he saw her - Eliana, a fiery-haired beauty with a determined glint in her eye.

"Excuse me," Vinzo said, his deep voice low and smooth.

Eliana spun around, her gaze narrowing. "What do you want?"

Vinzo smiled, intrigued. "I couldn't help but notice you. You seem...lost."

Eliana snorted. "I'm not lost. I know exactly where I am."

Vinzo chuckled. "Ah, but do you know who you're with?"

Eliana raised an eyebrow. "Should I?"

Vinzo's eyes locked onto hers. "Perhaps. My name is Vinzo."

Eliana's expression softened, but only for a moment. "Eliana. Nice to meet you, Vinzo. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Vinzo stepped aside, watching Eliana walk for a while and then he followed behind her.

Vinzo's smile faltered as Eliana's gaze narrowed.

"What's with the creepy staring?" Eliana asked, her voice laced with annoyance.

Vinzo chuckled. "I apologize. You're just...radiant."

Eliana snorted. "Save the charm for someone else, buddy. I'm not buying it."

Vinzo's eyes crinkled at the corners. "I assure you, my interest is genuine."

Eliana raised an eyebrow. "Interest? You don't even know me."

Vinzo took a step closer. "I'd like to."

Eliana's hands planted on her hips. "I don't think so. You're...intimidating."

Vinzo's smile widened. "Intimidating? Me?"

Eliana nodded. "Yes. You're too...perfect. Too polished. Too...unnatural."

Vinzo's eyes flashed with amusement. "Unnatural?"

Eliana's gaze didn't waver. "Yes. You're hiding something."

Vinzo's expression turned serious. "Perhaps I am."

Eliana's eyes sparkled with challenge. "I'll figure it out."

Vinzo's smile returned. "I'm shaking with fear."

Eliana rolled her eyes. "You should be."

With a flick of her hair, Eliana turned and walked away, leaving Vinzo staring after her.

"Interesting," Vinzo murmured to himself. "Very interesting."

As Eliana disappeared into the crowd, Vinzo's gaze lingered on her retreating figure.

He hadn't encountered someone like Eliana in centuries.

Someone who didn't cower or fawn.

Someone who saw beyond his mask.

Vinzo's curiosity was piqued. He would see her again.

Soon.

The Following Day;

Vinzo appeared at Eliana's workplace, a quaint bookstore.

"Eliana," Vinzo said, his deep voice low and smooth.

Eliana looked up from behind the counter, her eyes narrowing.

"What do you want, Vinzo?"

Vinzo smiled. "I thought we could continue our conversation."

Eliana raised an eyebrow. "Conversation? You mean interrogation?"

Vinzo chuckled. "Perhaps a bit of both."

Eliana sighed. "I'm working."

Vinzo's gaze drifted to the empty store. "It seems you're not very busy."

Eliana's eyes flashed. "You're not going to leave me alone, are you?"

Vinzo's smile widened. "No."

Eliana's lips pressed together. "Fine. Take a book. Just leave."

Vinzo browsed the shelves, selecting a rare volume.

"As you wish," Vinzo said, paying for the book.

As Vinzo left, Eliana's gaze followed him.

"Why won't he leave me alone?" she muttered.

Little did Eliana know, Vinzo's interest was only beginning.

Eliana watched Vinzo disappear into the evening shadows, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

"Who is this guy?" she wondered, shaking her head.

Just then, her coworker, Sarah, approached.

"Hey, Eliana, what's going on?" Sarah asked.

"That weird guy was just here," Eliana replied.

Sarah's eyes sparkled. "Weird guy? Sounds intriguing."

Eliana rolled her eyes. "Trust me, he's trouble."

Sarah leaned in. "Spill the beans."

Eliana hesitated before sharing the encounter.

Sarah listened, wide-eyed. "He sounds...intense."

Eliana nodded. "Intense doesn't even begin to describe it."

Sarah grinned mischievously. "Maybe you're just intrigued."

Eliana's face warmed. "No way."

But as she returned to work, Eliana couldn't shake off Vinzo's piercing gaze.

Later that night, Eliana walked home, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Vinzo.

"Evening, Eliana," he said, falling into step beside her.

Eliana quickened her pace. "What do you want?"

Vinzo's smile gleamed in the moonlight. "Just ensuring you arrive home safely."

Eliana's heart skipped a beat.

Why was Vinzo so determined to infiltrate her life?

And why did she feel drawn to him despite her better judgment?

She got home and Vinzo disappeared after enduring she got home safe.