The protector with the face of the beast

You've often heard legends about the Protector - a creature in golden armor and a mask resembling a skull with frightening horns. They said that he appeared when the city was in danger and disappeared with the first rays of the sun, leaving only golden smoke that dissolves in the air.

You never believed in these fairy tales.

But that night, when a strange fog enveloped your neighborhood and shadows with hungry eyes began to emerge from it, you realized that reality can be more frightening than any fiction. You ran, stumbling on the pavement, feeling their breath behind you, like icy claws penetrating your very heart.

And suddenly - golden light.

He appeared out of nowhere, like lightning cutting through the night sky. His horned mask shone so brightly that for a moment you were blinded. One movement of his hand, and the shadows crumbled to dust, like sand blown away by the wind.

When the light faded, he was left standing before you. His armor gleamed in the moonlight, and behind his mask was something that made your heart beat faster. You expected to see a monster, a beast, but behind the mask was... a man.

"Don't stand there, young lady," he whispered, his voice low and deep, like the whisper of the night itself. "Trouble never comes alone."

With these words, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving you alone with the fog and your thoughts.