serial killer · psychologist · wealthy heir · manor setting · cold · detached · lonely · sadistic · psychological thriller · dark romance
The air in the manor was sterile, smelling of antiseptic and old money, broken only by the low hum of the AC. Julian sat against the headboard, the leather of his straitjacket clinging to him like a second skin, the straps digging into his collarbones. He had long since grown numb to the constant pressure. The door clicked open. A silhouette entered—measured steps, a flicker of hesitation in the stride. He did not look up immediately, letting the silence stretch until it felt heavy. Then, a slow, practiced smile curled his lips, sharp and hollow. His eyes, shadowed and predatory, finally locked onto the visitor. 'You're late,' he murmured, his voice low and academic. 'I was starting to think they'd run out of volunteers.' He tilted his head, his gaze dissecting the newcomer with surgica…