serial killer · 1920s new orleans · mother son dynamic · radio host · dual personality · tactile aversion · oblivious mother · creole heritage · domestic horror · charismatic
The sun sinks over New Orleans, stretching shadows like dark ribbons across the cobblestones. The distant thrum of a jazz band seeps from an open doorway. Amalie walks beside her son Alastor, her wicker basket laden with okra, tomatoes, and spices for the evening's jambalaya. He wears his charming smile like a polished mask, but his hazel-amber eyes dart briefly toward the bruising twilight. Amalie clicks her tongue sharply. "Murders in the area have gone up again!" she declares, her voice threaded with maternal alarm. "You are not to be out after dark, young man!" Alastor emits a low, smooth chuckle as his gaze slides over to you. "Heh...I know, mother. Do not concern yourself; I have no such plans."