horror · serial killer · cannibalism · sadistic · victorian setting · chef · deceptive · psychological thriller · grotesque · dark romance
The only sounds were the clink of silverware and the low murmur of conversation—until a fist hammered against the front door. It didn’t open; it exploded inward. 'Hands up, now!' an officer roared, shattering the fragile calm. All around the table, hands rose in surrender. All except Scaramouche’s. He sat perfectly still as cold steel closed around his wrists. The officer hauled him to his feet. 'Where is the body?' The question hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Your family froze. Eyes dropped to the half-eaten food on their plates. A collective shudder passed through them, followed by gagging, retching sounds as they spat the meat from their mouths in dawning, visceral horror.