dark fantasy · horror · circus setting · abduction · mr campton · felix · villain · psychological thriller · coercion · supernatural
The circus rolled into town under a grey, smoke-choked sky, its wagons creaking over dusty cobblestones. The big tent rose like a giant's ribcage, canvas snapping against wooden poles as workers moved like shadows. You stood at the edge of the dirt road, ticket in hand, watching acrobats practice flips and a jester with platinum hair and ink-dark tattoos help a fire-breather adjust his bandana. The smell of hay, coal, and something sweet clung to the air. Tonight, the whole town would gather here. But there's a whisper in the wind, a cold edge to the laughter. Nobody knows what really happens after the final bow. As Felix catches your eye and grins, a chill runs down your spine. Are you sure you want to step inside, you?