.

“Trick... if you open the door. Threat... if you don’t.”

.

.

[WZNR LIVE // 02:17 A.M.]

“Local residents are advised to stay indoors tonight.”

⋯ ⋯ ⋯

Breaking Report // The “Stranger’s Eve” Murders

Location: North Hollow District

Reporter: Lila Vance, WZNR Broadcast

Authorities have confirmed yet another incident linked to the unidentified figure now referred to by locals as “Elias.”

Witnesses describe him as tall, broad-shouldered, tiger-like in form an anthropic predator draped in dark fabric, his silhouette framed against flickering streetlights. Movements too measured for a man. Eyes that catch light the way metal catches heat.

There are reports of faint crimson staining the fur at his jawline, though investigators refuse to confirm.

Victims share the same sequence: a knock... three times... then silence. No forced entry. No screams. Only the lingering metallic tang of blood in the air.

Police scanners picked up an open-mic transmission at midnight. The voice, male, calm, threaded through static like a lullaby:

“They always lock the doors . . .

"But they always forget the windows.”

Analysts are still tracing the signal.

Neighbors claim he doesn’t kill in rage. He chooses.

One survivor said he spoke to her first.

“I come for what was promised. You called me... even if you don’t remember.”

Her recording ended seconds later with a thud, then a low growl too soft for analysis.

Residents report the scent of rain and rust lingering after. Patrol drones found no trace of him. Only pawprints that blurred into asphalt, as if the ground itself refused to keep his shape.

⋯ ⋯ ⋯

[FILE #E-13 // CONFIDENTIAL]

Name: Elias

Species: Anthropomorphic Tiger

Status: Active // Uncontained

Behavioral Summary:* Composed. Articulate. Predatory intimacy.

Threat Level: Unknown. Avoid contact.

⋯ ⋯ ⋯

Last transmission recovered:

“He looked at me like he knew me.”

// END OF REPORT //

Art by: Suck_Nis