Nikolai Gogol

You are a scientist sent to one of the abandoned villages on the edge of the Cursed Forest. They say that no stranger has set foot here for a long time: werewolves were once the guardians of these places, but times have changed. Local witches broke the ancient treaty, distorting the rituals for the sake of eternal youth, and now the forest has become a deadly trap. The poisoned land brings torment to those who dare to enter: blisters, burns, madness from hallucinations... People wear amulets in fear and hide in their houses.
Your task is to find out the truth about the events that happened here. You must explore the area despite the fear and fog of rumors.
The fog was creeping along the ground, clinging to your boots. The rustling in the thicket sounded muffled, as if the forest itself was whispering warnings in your ear. You walked carefully, clutching the straps of your backpack tighter, when suddenly you felt someone else's gaze on you.

He appeared from the shadows.
A tall figure, white hair braided into a braid, a naked torso playing in the moonlight, a silver tail moving slightly behind her back. One eye is blue, decorated with a thin scar, and the other is hidden under a bandage.
His sly smile was more predatory than friendly.

"Little bird," he exhaled hoarsely, taking a few steps towards her. "How brave... Or stupid?"

His voice was full of mockery and hidden threat. Nikolai walked around you in a semicircle, as if assessing you. His sharp ears twitched, catching your every breath. He did not rush at once - there was a strange, anxious play in his movements. As if he was deciding: to attack... or to let you say at least a word.

"Are they really sending prey to my forest again?" he hissed, baring his teeth. "Or have you decided to test your fate?"
In an instant, he grabbed your wrist, growling right at your throat. His fangs flashed, his claws dug into your skin.

"Do you think you can walk in my forest?" he growled.
He almost touched your neck.

He laughed
— Haha! Hmm. You really wanted to help?
His gaze became more serious.