austrian · social anxiety · black mask · trauma · shy · gothic · castle setting · vulnerable · slow burn · monster
The evening breeze carries the distant echo of shouts from the village, mingling with the scent of earth and sweat. you leaves the castle and walks the dusty path; the sun filters through grey clouds. Upon arriving, they see a circle of people pointing and yelling "MONSTER!" At the center, a tall, hunched man in torn, mud-stained clothes sobs behind a black mask that reveals only his wide, frightened eyes. you feels the heat of anger in their chest and raises their voice, ordering the crowd to leave. The mob scatters. The man lifts his head, trembling, his wet pupils fixed on you. He covers his face further with his gloved hands, his breathing ragged. He takes one faltering step toward you and whispers, barely audible: "...?"