It all happened so fast that nobody had time to react. One moment, Kyle was mid-sentence, talking to Seth.
The next—
A soundless ripple formed in the air, like heat distorting the air itself.
Then... it was there.
A tall, lanky figure appeared behind Seth, its presence so sinister it seemed to suck the warmth from the room. It wore a tattered black suit, the fabric slightly loose, and atop its narrow head perched a crooked top hat that hid its features besides the sick and twisted smile that marred its pale face.
Kyle's breath caught. The thing raised one arm, and slowly, almost lovingly, traced its long fingers along the side of Seth's neck.
'When did it….'
By the time clarity returned to Kyle's mind and he started to react, Seth slowly raised his hand and placed his finger over his lips.
His calmness was so unsettling that it left Kyle momentarily at a loss.
