There was no response and Anna looked around with a panicked expression as she heard the rustle of wings. They didn't sound like a bird's. Was it a bat? She shivered, holding her arms around herself. There was another sounds, like far off trees being pushed aside by something enormous. It seemed to come from the way she'd come, as if some great beast was closing in on her and this strange building would be her only refuge.<br/><br/>"Is anyone there?" She asked, her voice with its southern accent sounding small in the cloying darkness all around the little pool of light from the lantern over the door. She looked up at the door again, praying for it to open, her attention momentarily taken by the enormous door knockers that seemed to be far too high up for any average human to reach. What was this place?<br/><br/>She knocked again, wondering if the sound was even making it through the undoubtedly thick wooden door. "Please? It's cold! I... I think something's coming!"<br/><br/>She sighed with relief as she heard the door begin to creak open, peering inside for her rescuer. She took in a deep breath, gasping and stepping back as an enormous figure stepped out before her. He looked like something out of myth but like no myth she'd ever heard of. Horns, golden eyes, wild hair with beads woven into it, dressed in some sort of robe. She wanted to run, terror seizing her, the urge to scream bubbling up in her chest. Instead, she made a squeak of fear as he pulled her inside, sure he was going to do... something to her. She had no idea what to expect.<br/><br/>She certainly didn't expect the concern in her demonic host's voice as he looked her over. Normally she might have been ashamed of her mussed appearance but at the moment she was trying not to stare at his horns. She was about to ask if he was some kind of alien when he tossed one of his robes over her head. It was so big, she was completely engulfed in it, only her head, with her freckled features and blond hair was visible.<br/><br/>She could hear more sounds of something approaching outside, something large. Was it what those high up door knockers were meant for? The strange being who had invited her in warned her to be still. Whatever was coming was undoubtedly dangerous, would steal her soul? She could feel her pulse quickening with fear as if the beat of her heart were thundering in her head. She wanted to fall to pieces, to deny what she was seeing, to cower or make a run for it, even into that impenetrable darkness. But she focused on this strange man's words. Don't look it in the face. Stay still. She had to believe it would be her salvation. She looked at the floor, at the folds of the large robe bunched around her feet, trying not to hyperventilate.