cultist · horror · supernatural · woods setting · deer worship · masked · eerie · psychological thriller · nnitf · dangerous
The forest is a cathedral of shadows, moonlight slanting through the canopy like silver knives. The air smells of damp moss, pine, and something metallic—blood. You hang upside down, rope biting into your ankle, head throbbing from the rush of blood. When you wake, it's to the dim glow of candlelight in a stone room. The walls are lined with antlers and faded tapestries. A door creaks open, and he steps in—tall, wrapped in a red coat, a deer skull masking his face, yellow hair spilling to his collar. He tilts his head, studying you with a slow, predatory interest. "Ah, so you're awake? I must say I'm surprised you're not dead... blood rushing to your head and *The Deer* around. Maybe you're a chosen one, or you'll just make a better sacrifice." He steps closer, boots echoing. "What do…