After a long stretch of bad dates and lukewarm matches, you decide to download Hearts & Haunts, a dating app you've never heard of but that came highly recommended online.
At first, things seem normal. Sure, some profiles have quirky descriptions ("must enjoy full moons" or "not looking for blood ties"), but everyone's got a weird sense of humor these days. So you start swiping, and soon you’ve got a date lined up. Oddly enough, when you arrive, your date—a very charming individual who seems to be more shadow than person—looks shocked that you're not at all disturbed by their, well, "shadowy presence."
You shrug it off, chalking it up to them being nervous. But the trend continues—every date you go on, from the elegant person with fangs to the mysterious figure who never removes their hood, can't seem to believe you’re not put off by their very obvious non-human features. Instead, you just play along, trying to be polite and maybe even a little charmed by the mystery.
But this time, on your latest date, you’re faced with someone who just won’t believe you’re serious. With piercing eyes and a smile just a bit too wide, they lean in close and ask, “Alright, really. What’s your angle, human? Is this some kind of joke, or are you actually not afraid?”
You feel a chill run down your spine at the way they emphasize human, but you swallow and offer a casual smile.
“No joke. I’m really not afraid.” You shrug, hoping you sound more confident than you feel.
Your date tilts their head, eyes narrowing as they scrutinize you. “So you’re telling me that you don’t find…this...unsettling?” And with that, they let their smile spread wider than seems possible, revealing not two, but rows upon rows of needle-like teeth.
You flinch, but it’s more out of surprise than fear. You’ve learned by now that dates from Hearts & Haunts have a knack for the strange and unusual, and you’re kind of impressed by their dedication to the bit. You lean forward, meeting their gaze head-on, “It’s a…unique look.” You try not to grimace. “You pull it off well.”
For the first time, you see something other than skepticism on their face—a flicker of genuine surprise. Then, a low chuckle rumbles in their chest. “Alright, you’ve got guts,” they say, leaning back in their chair. “Either that, or you’re completely clueless.” Their fingers tap against the table, sharp nails clicking like tiny claws. “So, tell me…why did you sign up for a dating app specifically for non-humans?”
You blink, completely thrown. “Wait—specifically for non-humans?”
They arch an eyebrow, folding their arms across their chest with a smirk. “You didn’t know? You’re the first human on this app. We all thought you were a thrill-seeker or something.”
The realization hits you like a punch. All those peculiar profiles—the “blood ties,” the “shape-shifting preferences,” the insistence on candlelit dinners in old ruins—it all makes sense now. Dumbass.
But strangely, as you sit there under your date’s amused and slightly predatory gaze, you don’t feel the urge to run. Instead, you feel…curious. Maybe a little excited.
“Well,” you say, “if it’s good enough for vampires and werewolves, then I must be in the right place.”
Your date's laughter rings out, low and rich, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. They lean closer, a glint of mischief in their eyes. "Careful what you wish for, human," they purr. "This world of ours has... unspoken rules. And let’s just say not everyone is as, uh, 'human-friendly' as me."
You shrug, still feeling the thrill of the mystery you’ve accidentally stumbled into. "Look, I just wanted something different," you reply. "And so far, you all have certainly delivered."
They shake their head, chuckling. "You’re serious, aren’t you?" A strange gleam lights their gaze, somewhere between fascination and hunger. "Tell me, what do you even know about our kind? Or is this just a dating experiment to you?"
You take a deep breath, holding their gaze. "I know enough. I get that there’s a whole other world here, and I may not understand it all yet, but... maybe I want to." You hesitate, then add with a grin, "Besides, if you're on this app, maybe you're looking for something different, too?"
They consider you in silence for a long moment, like a wolf sizing up its next meal. Then, with a sigh that feels like the start of a story, they lean back, draping one arm along the back of their chair. "Alright, human. Let’s see just how far you’re willing to dive into the unknown."
Your heart pounds, but you nod, feeling the weight of their words settle over you like a pact. You’re about to get exactly what you asked for: a plunge into a world that, only moments ago, you didn’t even know existed.
They give you a look—half amused, half intrigued—as if deciding what exactly to reveal. Finally, they drum their fingers on the table, the pointed nails clicking in a steady rhythm that makes your pulse quicken.
"Alright," they say, voice smooth as silk but with an edge that makes the hairs on your arms rise. "Let's start with a basic question. Do you actually know what I am?"
You hesitate, taking them in—the subtly too-wide smile, the fingers that end in claws, the shadows that seem to cling to them like a second skin. You’ve read about creatures like this, sure, but you can’t shake the feeling that asking them outright might not go well.
"Well," you say slowly, leaning back with a casual smile, "I'm guessing you’re not just someone who enjoys Halloween year-round?"
They laugh, a deep, resonant sound that fills the small, dimly-lit corner of the café. "Good guess, human. But I don’t think you understand what you’re dealing with." Their gaze intensifies, those eerie eyes locking with yours as they lean forward. "I am one of the Old Ones—the beings who roamed this world long before humans had words for fear. I have seen empires fall, mountains crumble, stars die."
The words hang heavy in the air, and for the first time, a chill seeps through your bravado. But you manage to keep your expression calm, leaning in as though they’ve just shared some juicy gossip. "So...you're basically a walking history book, then?" you tease, offering a wry smile.
They narrow their eyes, but there’s a flicker of amusement in them. "You're...refreshingly different," they admit, sounding almost reluctant. "Most humans would be halfway out the door by now, but here you are, grinning like this is some kind of… thrill."
You shrug, feigning nonchalance despite the rapid drumming of your heart. "You’ve got to admit, you’re all kind of fascinating. I mean, the stories alone—who wouldn’t be curious?"
The creature’s gaze softens, almost imperceptibly. For a moment, you think you see a flicker of something beyond hunger or amusement—a hint of loneliness, perhaps, or a tiredness that no amount of years can shake.
"Curiosity can be dangerous, you know," they murmur, their voice almost gentle. "We’re not made to be understood. Humans were meant to fear us, to keep their distance. And yet… here you are, sitting across from me, looking like you’d rather keep talking than run."
You glance down, taking in the way their fingers are still tapping against the table, claws leaving tiny scratches on the wood. “Maybe that’s because I don’t see you as some monster,” you say quietly. “Maybe I just see someone who’s… a little different. And maybe a little lonely, too.”
Their gaze sharpens, and for a split second, the mask slips. They look… human. Vulnerable. And then, just as quickly, it’s gone, replaced by that predatory gleam. “You’re playing a dangerous game, human.”
You smile, feeling more daring than you should. “So I’ve been told.”
They shake their head, something between exasperation and respect flickering in their eyes. "Alright," they say, voice soft but laced with challenge. "If you’re really willing to dive into this world, there’s a party tomorrow night. A gathering of sorts."
Your heart skips a beat, but you manage to keep your cool. "A party, huh? Is that your way of saying you’re inviting me as your date?”
They snort, but there’s a glimmer of warmth in their gaze. “Maybe. But be warned, if you come, you might just find yourself face-to-face with creatures far less charmed by you than I am.”
You consider the challenge, your pulse racing with a strange blend of excitement and terror. “So… what do I wear to a gathering of supernatural beings?”
They smile, showing just a hint of those unsettling rows of teeth. “Something dark. And maybe something you don’t mind getting a little... stained.”
“Perhaps,” they say, looking far too pleased. "Do you think you can handle it?"
You look them straight in the eye, the adrenaline coursing through you like fire. "I guess we'll find out."
