The Shadow's Respite

The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the mill's roof, casting fragmented beams of light onto Adrian's face as he lay in bed. His sleep was restless, haunted by the shadow's presence. He awoke with a start, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes darted to the corner of the room where a dark envelope lay waiting for him. The shadow's orders always came in the same way, its presence always felt before he even opened his eyes.

With trembling hands, Adrian picked up the envelope and tore it open. The message inside was brief, written in the same dark ink that seemed to pulse with its own malevolent energy:

"Do not kill one from your group for the time being. Focus on the villagers. Gain their trust, then strike. Drink their blood and grow stronger. Remember, your friends are valuable assets. Use them wisely."