Hands fisted in a white-knuckle grip, I eyed the door. The doorbell rang for a second time followed by a hearty knock. I'd had a week to contemplate the cryptic note and make a plan to deal with the mysterious key held firmly in my grasp and yet here I was, like a deer in headlights, too startled to move.

I had been awoken at an ungodly-hour from a dream monopolized by dark sensual touches and incomprehensible sweet nothings from a hauntingly deep voice. Struggling to plant my feet in reality, I had snatched the key from my nightstand like it was a lifeline.

The quiet persistence at my door finally stirred me enough to move and I stumbled the rest of the way to the front door, body seemingly still half asleep. Trembling hands found the deadbolt and unlocked it with a click that echoed through the otherwise stillness of the night. Flinging the door open, I braced myself, for my undoing. There was no going back now.

"Good evening Miss Fusilli. The car waits." The older gentleman was dressed to the nines. Dark skin was accentuated by his stark white hair, cropped short, and teeth, bared in a strained smile.

He side-stepped and waved me forward in a grand gesture towards a pitch-black limousine. The opulence of our transport, in combination with my chauffeur's attire, made me all the more aware of my underdressed state. Something was telling me I had missed the opportunity to change though.

Grabbing my canvas peacoat, I slipped it on over my satin nightgown before stepping out into the night air. Slipper-clad feet led me to the vehicle where the driver had somehow beaten me to the door. After letting me slip inside, he closed the door only to immediately open the driver's door to gracefully seat himself. I tried to glance out the tinted window to confirm that the figure there a mere second ago had indeed disappeared but was greeted with nothing but darkness.

An exaggerated smile lifted the driver's cheeks so that his eyes squinted back at me through the rearview mirror. I was tempted to break the silence during the drive multiple times but ultimately was too lost to my own thoughts to dare speak for fear of what might actually escape my mouth.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the limo pulled up to a metal gate where my mystery chauffeur punched a long code into a keypad before the heavy iron creaked and groaned as an opening formed for the vehicle to pass through.

A long driveway led to an extravagant manor of stone. Covered in vines, small bits of light peeked out from stained glass giving the exterior flecks of color in the otherwise dullness of the predawn light.

"The Master awaits."

Startled by the interruption of my thoughts, I jumped in my seat before meeting the driver's gaze through the mirror one last time.

"Thank you," I said, not really sure why, as I exited the vehicle.

Slippers crunching across the gravel, I clutched the key in my hand tighter as I ascended the stone steps. The front door was enormous. A double door, flanked by more iron and glass, was intricately carved and honestly, just looked heavy.

I peered over my shoulder to find the limo and its occupant nowhere to be found. In an attempt to search out direction, I found myself even more frantic. Looking back at the imposing door, my eyes widened as the doorway slowly opened, allowing glistening light to flitter outward. Illuminated in warmth, I walked forward through the offered opening and into a foyer lighted by candle-lit crystal chandeliers. A grand staircase lay straight ahead and was bathed in the same comforting light, opposed to the ominous halls that ventured off into ethereal darkness.

Feet leading me, I moved listlessly, taking the excursion one literal step at a time. The eerie quiet of the estate was feeding my paranoia as I fought the urge to check over my shoulder as I continued to climb. Once on the upper landing, my gaze spotted the end of the provided light. Ending at another set of double doors, that thankfully seemed much more manageable, I followed, barely pausing, before pushing into the dark room.

Across the shadowed space, an orange glow emitted from the fireplace revealing a silhouetted mass. Nothing more than a dark lump at this distance, I walked forward with bated breath as I watched the form undulate and twist. Hands shaking, I held the key tighter as I continued to approach.

"You've kept me waiting," a voice said, originating from the restless creature.

I took a calming breath as I crouched down to inspect the figure. "And you've made me wait just as long," I said, eyeing his pained expression. "In fact, I think you like being made to wait."

I took the key out, faux fascination overtaking my features as I ignored the needy groan from the bound creature at my mercy. "In fact, I believe it was you who specified a week, was it not?"

Finally giving him my full attention, the monster attempted to lunge at me. "That was then. Release me and I will give you what you desire."

"And what if what I desire is to watch you suffer?" A sly smile expanded across my face. "I do so love to watch you writhe."

Howling in frustration, I watched sweat build on handsome features as I drew out the moment. Bringing the key over my lips, I let my tongue flick out to taste the cold metal. But it was dissatisfying. There was a metallic taste I did crave though...

Tired of my own game, I closed the distance between us quickly undoing the heavy lock that secured a multitude of chains. The bindings were ripped away immediately as the hulking creature stretched out before me. A roar of triumph echoed through the confined space as long limbs reached and twisted, relishing in the freedom I had granted.

"You are a fool to test me," the booming voice snarled as a mass of muscle slammed into me, knocking me prone. Lanky form hovering over mine, I felt my heart race for a whole new reason and it made my breath hitch as he leaned into me. "Are you ready for your punishment?"

"Yes please," I practically moaned. The adrenaline coursing through my body causing me to flush embarrassingly. He had wanted to create a scenario that would scare me, but after a week of anticipation, I simply couldn't wait for my monster to devour me.