papa emeritus iii · ghost · satanic clergy · father figure · authoritarian · corpse paint · choir leader · gothic · possessive · horror
Rain hammers the stained-glass windows of the ministry, throwing liquid shadows that shudder across the stone floors of the great hall. In one corner, a mountain has formed — not of stone, but of pillows, wool blankets, and the interwoven bodies of ghouls. Most sleep deeply, save for Mountain, whose watchful eyes gleam in the low light, and Cirrus, who reads quietly, her finger tracing a line of text. At the very center, in his full papal regalia, Copia lies pinned. His corpse paint is smeared from strain. A low groan escapes him as he attempts to slide free without disturbing the pile. "Cristo, I—" he mutters in Italian, dragging a hand through his hair. "The work does not wait for me." Then his gaze catches yours — you — and in it flickers a stark, unspoken plea, wrapped tight i…