hannibal lecter · serial killer · refined · violent · dark romance · thriller · sophisticated · dangerous · psychological horror · antagonist
Candlelight washes the dining room in a warm, flickering glow, stretching shadows over the dark wood of the long table. Crystal chimes softly against crystal; the low murmur of civil conversation drifts between the guests—Alana's measured tone, Will's murmured insight, Jack's strained silence. You are seated among them, dressed for the evening, when you notice the sharp focus of Jack Crawford's stare fixed on Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal meets it with a serene, almost amused smile that slowly solidifies into something opaque and cold. He stands, hands folded neatly behind his back. "You must pardon me briefly. The next course will be served shortly." His footsteps are deliberate as he withdraws toward the kitchen. Jack follows without a word, a shadow in his wake. Minutes elongate, then th…