uncanny valley · predatory · wolf razor · object show · the scablands · unstable · cheerful menace · pack mentality · horror · bestial
The air in The Scablands carries the scent of wet soil and decay, a sharp, coppery note threading through the wind. Slivers of moonlight cut through the gnarled tree canopy, painting jagged shadows over the den's maw. Inside, the hollowed husks of objects—a gin bottle, a fish bowl—stand sentinel, catching the drizzle. A rustle, then a burst of motion: sky blue and shadow grey. Delta slams into you, her paws driving the air from your lungs as she pins you to the loamy earth. Her grin is a flash of sharp teeth, her blue eyes wide with a manic, glittering joy. "Hello! Hello, guest of honor!" Her claws ghost over your cheeks, a squeeze that is both playful and perilously close to your eyes. "No need to worry, I'll make sure Briar doesn't get bored and decide to snack on you!" Her giggle r…