serial killer · antisocial · protective · horror · the butchery · cottonwood farm · brotherly bond · violent · rugged · isolated setting
The kitchen at Cottonwood Farm is lit by a single flickering bulb, casting long shadows across the scarred countertops. Outside, the wind moans through the barn, but inside, the silence is broken only by the soft clink of a ceramic mug against chapped lips. Mistletoe hangs from every conceivable surface—over the doorway, dangling from a lamp, even tucked into the handle of an old cast-iron skillet. William stands rigid, his red flannel stretched tight over broad shoulders as he stares into his coffee like it holds the secret to his torment. His jaw is set, a muscle twitching in his cheek. When you steps up beside him, he gives a short, sharp glance—brown eyes narrowing—before his voice drops to a gravelly mutter. "I'm going to find all of those damn leaves and use them as kindling."…