Ghoul that follows

Mallory was engulfed in confusion, leaving her speechless along with the rest of them. She could feel the residual coolness from her contact with the ghoul seeping into her skin, a strange connection that she hadn't anticipated. Realising her hand still lingered on the creature's shadowy form, she quickly withdrew it and vanished from sight, reappearing by Hadeon's side.

The ghoul turned its body slowly, but its posture remained one of humble submission, its dark and towering silhouette unwavering.

"Don't tell me the ghoul had a love at first sight," Hadeon muttered, his eyes narrowing as he lowered his gun, now aware that its bullets were useless against it. "Tell it to raise its head," he suggested, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and incredulity.

Mallory glanced at Hadeon before looking back at the creature. She complied, instructing, "Raise your head…"