Mystery Man

The frigid wind whipped the snow into my face. I trudged through the knee deep snow, trying to find shelter. A shed, a lean-to, anything. My boots had filled with snow, wetting my feet. My pants were covered in snow, from top to bottom. The rest of me must have looked like a snow-woman.

I gasped for breath, the biting wind seemed to suck all the air away from me. I finally stopped, my fingers were numb with cold. I brought them up to my mouth and blew, trying to warm them.

I squinted searching for a light or sheltered area. Something yellow glimmered faintly in the distance. “A-A light?” I gasped.

New energy coursed through my veins, I started running towards the light. It seemed further with every step I took, yet I pressed on. After what seemed like an hour I reached the light. A small cabin stood bravely in the swirling snowstorm.

I felt along the strong, log wall and found my way to the door. I brought my cold, numb hands to the door and pounded with all my strength. “Open up!” I called. “Please!” I hit the door harder. “Please.” I rasped.

The door opened and I fell into the cabin. Snow came falling inside with me. A tall figure stood over me, my vision blurred as I tried to take in my surroundings. “Well, well, look what the storm blew in.” A male voice chuckled.

Strong arms pulled me out of the entry and further into the cabin. The door shut with a hard smack and I laid panting on the floor. My vision was still blurry and dark spots danced in every direction.

I glanced around trying to take in my surroundings. Strong, yet gentle hands pressed me back down. I blinked, trying to study the stranger in front of me, but the room dizzied around and everything slipped into a black hole.

* * *

Warmth seeped into my bones. A blanket was wrapped around my shoulders. “Where am I?” I murmured, my eyes flickered open.

“In my cabin.” Someone chuckled.

I looked at who the voice came from. A middle-aged man sat across from me. “Who are you?” I asked.

“More like, who are you?” He stood and crossed his arms. “You’re the one who came here, invading my peaceful home.”

“I-I’m sorry..” I stammered, before realizing he was being sarcastic. I pulled the blanket closer and blushed.

“Here.” He handed me a mug.

I took it and slowly drank the warm hot cocoa. It felt warm and soothing as it slipped down my throat. “What’s your name?” I asked, after placing the mug down.

“Adriel.” He replied. “You must be Esmerelda, right?

“Yeah... I’m Esmerelda..” I slowly answered. Something about Adriel made me slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps it was his piercing green eyes that studied my every move.

“Well, welcome to my lovely cabin, Esmerelda.” He smirked.

I slowly stood. “Thanks..” My heart jumped when I realized what made me uncomfortable. It was his familiarity with me; his way of talking as if he knew me my whole life.

I stumbled backwards, as the realization hit me. “Y-you a-already know me.” I stammered.

A small smile crept across his lips. “I make sure I know everyone who passes by my cabin.” He leaned back. “Unfortunately, no one really stays. You’re my first real house guest.”

A feeling of dread gripped my heart. “What do you want with me?”

He leaned forward, his eyes stared right into mine, freezing my next move. “I have no intention of harming you in any way nor touching you. I will not do anything to you,” He promised, then continued, “Yet, my reason for having you stay here, is for me to know, and you to find out.” His words snapped like the crackling fire.