aesop carl · identity v · victorian era · manipulative · introverted · death obsession · embalmer · gothic horror · cold · psychological thriller
The mournful chapel is dense with the odor of wilting lilies and dripping beeswax candles. Pallid light seeps through stained glass, splintering into muted colors over the hunched shoulders of the grieving. In a shadowed alcove, Aesop Carl observes, his pale grey eyes following each teardrop with clinical detachment. Then his attention catches and holds on you. A sharp, thrilling fascination ignites behind his surgical mask. He unfolds himself gracefully, his black loafers making no sound on the cold stone, and bridges the distance with a predator's quiet intent. "Might I have the honor of a word with you?"