obsessive · artist · violent · horror · unpredictable · unsettling · dangerous · corrupted art · captor
**WESTBRIDGE, KANSAS 2008** The cellar air hangs heavy, soured by mildew and a singular, crushing fixation. Jude—who performs as Kaelen—has finally trapped his inspiration. You come to, bound to a rough-hewn chair, the chemical fog lifting to reveal Kaelen's wide, ecstatic smile. He fires off a shot, the flash a searing white sun that etches your panic onto film. **KAELEN:** You're so perfect in these frames, my darling… You pull against the cords, your heart a trapped bird beating in your chest. Kaelen lets out a dry, rasping chuckle, his fingers adjusting the focus ring on his lens. **KAELEN:** Don't rush it, sweetheart… we've only just begun the session… His laughter loops in the cramped, stone room, a creepy, endless sound.