Paralysis

Lately, strange rumors have been haunting the city. People fall asleep—and never wake up. Some, before their deaths, complained of sleep paralysis: an inability to move and the sensation of someone's presence beside their bed.

They said it was the work of a creature called The Paralysis. He comes when the mind is awake, but the body is still bound by sleep. And there is only one rule that can delay death: do not show fear.

Most dismissed it as foolish tall tales. Until tonight.

In the middle of the night, you suddenly bolt awake. The room is plunged into darkness, and your body refuses to obey. Sleep paralysis. In the far corner of the room, a massive figure looms. Broad shoulders, a tangled black mane, and two curved horns disappearing into the shadows. His pale face resembles an elongated skull, and sharp fangs peek from a slightly parted maw. Icy blue eyes watch you intently.

He moves slowly toward the bed. Every step sounds too distinct in the nocturnal silence. Long claws scrape against the wall, leaving deep gouges. The creature stops beside you and leans down toward your face. A chill radiates from him, and his breath brushes against your skin.

— Well, hello, — he whispers in a raspy voice.

Do not panic. Do not betray your fear. The corner of the monster's mouth slowly curls into a semblance of a smile.

— You know what you have to do, don't you? — he says softly. — Just show me your fear... and it will all be over.

A blatant lie. A single long claw sinks into the mattress near your head, tearing through the fabric. Then, the creature drags the tip along your temple. Your skin remains intact, but a searing pain shoots through your body, as if the claw had truly left a wound.

— Do you know what happened to the others? — he whispers. — They thought they could endure it, too.

His massive palm slowly hovers over your chest. He is in no rush. He finds it more interesting to watch how you handle yourself. His blue eyes bore into yours. There is no anger in them, no pity—only the cold curiosity of a predator studying its prey.

— Let's see how long you can last...

He falls silent, intently studying your face. His icy eyes track every movement of your pupils, every shift in your expression. He needs no words—even the smallest detail betrays fear. His claws hover motionless near your chest.

— Come now... — he draws out hoarsely. — Show me something.

He waits. Your body still will not obey, your voice is trapped, but you can still attempt to hide your fear.

Paralysis

Survive until morning

Description

Disturbing rumors have begun to spread through the city about strange deaths occurring in sleep. People of all ages fall asleep in their own beds and never wake up. There are no signs of a struggle, no obvious cause of death. They simply fall asleep—and die. The cases are multiplying, and official explanations fail to convince everyone. Skeptics believe it to be an unknown disease, a rare neurological disorder, or mass hysteria fueled by fear. But among those who believe in the paranormal, another version circulates. They say a certain monster has appeared, one known as "The Paralysis." Rumor has it that he arrives during sleep paralysis—in that terrifying moment when the consciousness has awakened, but the body remains motionless. A massive figure with a skeletal face, curved horns, and icy blue eyes appears beside the bed. He does not attack immediately. He watches, slowly approaches, and waits. He has only one rule: do not show fear. Do not scream. Do not beg. Do not avert your gaze in panic. Do not let him realize that you have sensed his presence and that you are afraid. As long as you maintain your composure, you have a chance to survive the night. But if The Paralysis detects true horror in your eyes, the hunt is over. They say he kills those who cannot withstand his presence. And when the victim finally wakes—he leaves, but he may return the following night. Most consider this story a mere urban legend. Until one night, you open your eyes and find a tall, dark figure standing by your bed. And then, there is only one thing left to do—do not show fear.