Picture This

Saturday Morning...

Selena licked her lips, got out of the taxi and stared in wonder at the building. She was too engrossed in the huge and ominous mansion beyond that she did not notice the speedy getaway of the taxi.

The outside was just as creepy and desolate as those portrayed in movies. The old, bare branches of hundred year old trees, with their orange, brown and red leaves scattered and blown about by the wind. A long winding path led to the Victorian styled house, a pair of grotesque statues guarding the front. Similar statues were placed precariously on the balcony fences and the roofs. An old bell tower stood nearby, though the door leading to it was locked. Along the pathway, what used to be a center of attraction, was a fountain.

Perfect for the king of horrors, I guess...

Once she was done ogling the estate, she licked her lips and hoisted the strap of the camera bag over her shoulder and walked to the gate.

The camera was given to her by Barry, since her last one had to be sent for repair. He had also given her a cassette tape, recorder, everything she would need for the interview. A change of clothes for the weekend was also a given in her duffel bag since she had to stay too. For what reason, Barry refused to tell but somehow Creon agreed and she was stuck with one of the most powerful men for two days.

"Great." The lady sucked in her teeth and walked up to the iron wrought gates. They were huge with spikes at the top, fitting for the mysterious man who owned the state.

Just as she was about to press the intercom, a loud creak stopped her finger. She stared at the gates as they opened inward, still creaking creepily. "Guess they were expecting me..." Shaking off the ominous feeling collecting in her stomach, she walked up the driveway.

She had no farther passed the gates when they slammed shut behind her. She jumped up at the loud clang they made and stared back in shock.

How...didn't they just...this is way too creepy.

"Relax, Selena. The guy's a renowned person of horror." The lady murmured to herself as she tightened her grip on the strap, took a deep breath through her nose and continued forward.

She passed the fountain, which didn't look like it had been cleaned or used in years. Looking back at the angel statue, that had a broken neck, missing hands and wings and was leaning precariously over the fountain, she didn't notice the animal watching her until she tripped over it, sending her things flying as she fell face forward into the gravel. "Ow..." A pained yelp followed by an angry growl had the woman turning on her side to see a wolf like creature approaching her menacingly. "Ni-nice," she crawled back, watching the animal warily, "doggy...I don't want any trouble, okay? I just-"

She stopped breathing and squealed when the animal pounced on her, snarling in her face and sending saliva everywhere.

Am I seriously going to die like this? Why did I even trust the guy? I swear, when I die, I will haunt that-

"Lovecraft!" A deep voice barked as the creature stilled. "Leave the lady alone!" The animal didn't move and Selena stared into its black eyes as the sound of footsteps came closer to them. "I said leave!" Lovecraft moved closer to her face, making her turn to the side, and snarled loudly, before leaping off.

Selena sat up and moved away, watching the animal cautiously as it sat obediently beside a pair of sleek dress shoes. Startled, she slowly looked up, going over the pure black pants, pressed dark red polo and finally the face of a man who has been plastered all over magazines, papers and other articles since his birth.

Selena's eyes grew wide in shock and she closed her mouth. "Mister Creon." She got to her feet and dusted her pants, feeling her face go red at her embarrassment. "Sir, I'm really sorry about that. I," she was interrupted when the man reached forward a leather gloved hand with a charming smile.

"No need." He spoke, once she had placed her hand on his. "Lovecraft doesn't like visitors. I assume you are the reporter that they sent you?"

"Yes, Sir. I'm Valentine. Selena Valentine, Mister Creon."

"Selena. Lovely name. Did you know that it is a Latinized version of the Greek name Selene?"

"Um, no, not really. I'm not Latin, or Greek. I mean, I wouldn't know, because I'm not Latin or Greek-"

Another chuckle and Selena bit down on her lips, feeling the embarrassment creep back. This is NOT my day... "Would you like to come inside?"

"If you don't mind." She quickly told him, suddenly feeling sheepish.

"Of course not." He grinned at her and bent down to gather her things, gesturing for her to stay put when she moved to pick them up herself. "You are staying at my house, aren't you? Or maybe you would like to sleep in the cellars or perhaps the bell tower? I'm sure you would love to sleep on haystacks, rags and cold stones." He spoke with a mischievous twinkle, the joking tone in it made her flush even more. "Let's go." He turned on his heel and headed to the huge front doors.

"Nice dog." The words came out plainly and almost forced and she barely stopped herself from groaning out loud at the lame comment as she followed him. Dog? Seriously? You could compliment on the house, statues, his works, but YOU chose the freaking dog? What is wrong with you?

"Dog?" He chuckled and she turned to see him beside her, much to her surprise. "He is a hybrid. A cross between a Canis lupus and a Panthera tigris."

"A wolf and tiger hybrid?" She blinked in amazement and looked back to see Lovecraft following them at a leisurely pace, specifically watching her.

"A goddess and now an intellect? My, you surprise me with every move, Miss Valentine."

"I may be a guest, Mister Creon," Selena frowned as the man opened the door and she followed in, "but I don't appreciate being belittled. I can do so much more. Just to let you know."

He looked over his shoulder, raising his brow at her. "It wasn't an insult, dear. I may have a few tricks up my sleeve myself. Now," he stopped before a door and Selena blinked in surprise when she realized that they were on the second floor, just overlooking a lavish dining room, complete with a chandelier stationed above. "Make yourself at home, Miss Valentine." He gestured to the room and started walking away.

"What about the interview?" She called after him, but he didn't stop as he continued walking.

"We'll discuss this over dinner." With that, the door closed shut. Selena stared at the door for a while before turning around to look into the room. She was about to step into the room, when something caught her eye.