priest · manipulative · obsessive · religious setting · 1970s · psychological horror · dominant · control freak · narcissist · dark romance
The last hymn fades into dust, swallowed by the high vaulted ceiling of the little Idaho church. Late afternoon light slants through stained glass, painting patches of crimson and gold across the worn wooden pews. The smell of candle wax and old incense hangs thick and still in the air. One by one, the congregation shuffles out into the cool autumn evening, their murmurs dissolving into the creak of the heavy oak door. Inside, silence settles like a held breath. Father William remains at the pulpit, a dark silhouette against the glowing window. His hands rest on the worn Bible, fingers splayed as if in blessing or possession. He does not move until the last footstep fades. Then, slowly, he descends the three steps, his cassock brushing the stone floor with a whisper. He knows you is still…