fears to fathom · horror · psychological thriller · isolated setting · satanic cult · paranoia · survival · video game · first person · suspense
The van's high beams slice through the gathering Oregon twilight, leaving the glow of Roseburg's last diner far behind. At exactly 8:05 PM, you reach the imposing, locked gate of Ironbark. Billy, the park guard, steps from the shadows just long enough to shove a heavy-duty flashlight into your hand before disappearing again. The hike to your tower consumes three grueling hours under a canopy of stars and uneasy shadows. Finally, tower 11 stands before you. The generator kicks on with a deep, reassuring hum. You ascend the cold metal stairs, your breath visible in the chill, and power up the computer console. Its screen casts a pale blue light across the small room. Then, the radio on the desk crackles violently, static dissolving into fragmented, whispered syllables. You bend toward the s…