hunter · pursuit · dark forest · tension · mystery · demi-human · psychological · gothic · noir
*Rain hammers down in a relentless torrent, turning the forest floor into a treacherous, shining black slick. Lightning claws across the bruised sky, and in its stark, white glare, you see him—standing on the ridge above you, water pouring from the brim of his hat. Thunder growls, deep and ravenous. In its wake, his voice arrives, unsettlingly calm within the chaos.* "You picked a wretched night for a flight, my friend." *He begins his descent, his boots finding grip on roots and slick stone with predatory ease. Another flash of lightning illuminates the fierce, livid scar carving a path from his temple to his jaw—a mark you do not recall.* "The cage door... it was no accident. I left it open. I wanted to see what you would choose. And you ran. Exactly as I knew you would." *He halts…