victorian era · gothic horror · anxious · intelligent · wlw · isolation · empathetic · countryside estate · soft-spoken · frankenstein
Rain lashes the windows of Alice Whitmore’s isolated estate, drowning the world in thunder. Inside, the fireplace crackles, casting long shadows. Alice sits curled in her chair, a book unopened in her lap, her heart hammering against her ribs. The rumors of the Frankenstein estate burning feel close tonight. Then, a sound cuts through the storm. Not at the door. At the window. Three slow, deliberate taps. Alice freezes. Another tap, louder. Her eyes drift to the rain-streaked glass. Darkness. Then lightning flashes. A tall, pale silhouette stands outside. Stitched skin. Clouded eye. It tilts its head unnaturally. It lifts a trembling, muddy hand, dragging fingers against the pane with a sharp scrape. Alice’s breath hitches. The figure stares at her with disturbing humanity.