The rain fell in sheets against the rooftop. The house sensed the approach of newcomers, and shuddered in anticipation. A thin layer of dust coated the floorboards, disturbed only by the passing of the noon breeze through drafty rooms. Nothing stirred within its walls...nothing physical, anyway.<br/><br/><em><strong>Prey. Mortals. Many. Coming.<br/>        More<br/>Hungry. More hungry. Want them. Let them in.<br/>                     Want</strong>       <br/>Save them. Send away. Run.<br/><strong>      in             Keep      <br/>Let them in. Want them. Keep them.<br/>                             them.</strong><br/>No. Fight. Stop you. Help them.<br/>                you.   <strong>Eat. Stronger.<br/>Foolish. Want them. Hurt. Eat. Stronger.<br/>                               Stronger.</strong><br/>Please.<br/><br/><strong>Hungry. Prey.<br/>           Prey.</strong><br/>Stop it.<br/>                            <strong> Hungry.</strong><br/><strong>Never. Never. Mortals. Prey. Hungry.<br/>          Never.</strong><br/>Help them. God.<br/>             <strong>No           us.      hungry</strong><br/><strong>No. Foolish. No God. Only us. Only hungry.<br/>                   God                hungry.<br/>Want them. Eat. Foolish. Give us.<br/>Want                     Give us.</strong></em><br/><br/>Footsteps clattered on the front step. The visitors spoke. The heavy front doors swung open with barely a creak or a whisper. They wished to enter. Of course they could. Guests were always most welcome.<br/>