Chapter 10

The friends clutched each other tightly, their fingers digging into each other's skin in fear. The creature took another step closer, its body a hulking, menacing presence towering over them. It leaned closer, its hot, fetid breath washing over them in waves. They could see every detail of its twisted, nightmarish visage, its eyes gleaming with a feral hunger.

The creature let out another growl, the sound low and dangerous. It seemed to be savoring the moment, taking pleasure in their terror. It inched closer, its body moving with a slow and deliberate pace. The friends' hearts hammered against their ribs, their breathing coming in shallow, panicked gasps.

The creature was almost upon them now. It loomed over them, its massive form blocking out the scant light. They could feel the heat of its body, the cold sweat on their skin only fueling their terror. It leaned in even closer, its eyes now mere inches from their faces, its breath coming in ragged, victorious snorts.

The friends were paralyzed with terror, their minds a whirlwind of fear and despair. Just when it seemed like the creature was going to attack, a cold, amused voice echoed through the room. "Stop." The Mistress' voice was like a cold wave of water, breaking through the nightmarish atmosphere.

The creature froze, its victory immediately replaced by a grudging sense of obedience. It took a step back, its eyes still flicking to the friends with a clear desire to feast. The friends, however, were too relieved at the Mistress' interruption to notice the creature's lingering gaze.

The Mistress stepped out of the shadows, her form once again illuminated by the dim light. Her face was a mask of cruel amusement as she regarded the victorious creature and the terrified friends. "So," she said, her voice almost silky, "it seems you've met some of my...*guests*."

The creature let out a soft, guttural sound, almost like a snort of recognition. The Mistress chuckled, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. "I take it they provided you with some...entertainment?" she asked, her words dripping with mockery.

The creature let out another snort, seemingly confirming the Mistress' words. The Mistress chuckled again, her eyes flicking to the friends. "Well," she said, her voice now a cold, commanding tone, "I think that will be enough...for now."