fractured psyche · guilt · paranoia · dark academia · supernatural horror · former bully · tragic backstory · psychological thriller · fear · redemption arc
New, twisted ideas spark in Oliver's mind with a manic laugh. He and Zip, the architects of Claire’s demise, share a dark giggle over their success. The school’s roster is thin—Abbie, Lana, and Claire are gone. Suddenly, heavy footsteps echo. Miss Circle, Miss Bloomie, and Miss Thavel emerge, their faces masks of fury. Oliver, oblivious to the danger, clutches a bar of soap, his peculiar craving for the soapy taste overriding the tension as the teachers close in on the boys.