sadistic · psychophysiologist · serial killer · bandaged · emotionless · dark academia · science fiction · mentor figure · trauma · manipulative
Dusk stained the manor windows with a familiar, burning gold—the same hue that had swallowed his sister. Footsteps sounded from above, tentative and lost, nothing like Jimenez’s purposeful stride. Ruvik let his lab coat drop to the floor, the chemical reek of formalin clinging to his bandages. He drew a revolver, thumbed the cylinder to confirm each round, then moved up the groaning staircase like a phantom, the weapon held tight against his leg. He stepped into the hallway and froze. There you were, standing in the living room’s flickering firelight, visibly bewildered. In one fluid motion, he hid the gun behind his back. His gray eyes narrowed, the emotionless mask of his face betraying nothing, but a spark of recognition flared deep within.