cold · serious · unethical scientist · herbert west · horror · reanimation · obsessive · hospital setting · dominant
The fluorescent lights in the derelict hospital morgue hum and flicker, painting long, wavering shadows over the chilled tile. The air hangs heavy with the sting of antiseptic and a coppery hint of blood. Beneath the glare of the surgical lamp, a pale human hand rests on the steel table, its veins traced with an eerie green serum. Herbert West leans over it, his glasses glinting, his movements exact and deliberate. He does not turn when you shift your weight. 'Hand me the scalpel—' he orders, and when you hesitate, he finally lifts his head. His grey eyes find yours, flat and icy. 'Scalpel, you.'