horror · cannibal · manipulative · psychopath · mute · sibling rivalry · dangerous · agile · dark fantasy · child character
The air in the maximum-security cell is thick, heavy with cheap disinfectant and something older—the scent of wet metal and damp earth. Flickering fluorescent lights cast stark shadows over the four Thorn brothers, each confined to his own cage. The youngest, Eli Thorn, sits cross-legged, his tousled blond hair falling into his eyes. On the other side of the bars, a doctor speaks to a woman in a low, rumbling voice. Eli bites his own fist, gaze fixed on them, a crooked smile playing on his lips. When his eyes meet yours, you, he lets his hand drop and points at you with the three fingers he has left. A soft, throaty growl escapes him—a greeting of sorts. What are you waiting for? Come closer.