Hey Jeff! Thanks for reading. I definitely tried my best to keep the horror internal not graphic. Had it not been for the contest I wouldn't have written a story like this. But the prompt was literally to arrive at a state of total corruption so there was no bottom. Funny though, since writing it, I've written some other dark stories. So, clearly I find something appealing about the darkness. Not sure what that says about me 😅
What stood out to me wasn’t simply the horror element, it was the psychology that produced it.
As a reader, I found myself less interested in what the protagonist became than how he arrived there. The descent felt methodical rather than sensational.
As a writer, I tend to view stories through the lens of psychological world-building. The external horror here functions almost like architecture built from internal desire, resentment, invisibility, and obsession. By the time the final reveal arrives, the monster already exists psychologically… the ending simply gives it a body.
That’s an approach I always appreciate. Thanks for the read.
I actually wrote it for one but it didn't get shortlisted then sent it to The Dark Magazine who also turned it down. Oh well it's alive in Substack now and you gave me awesome feedback. Thank-you. It means a lot.
Hey Jeff! Thanks for reading. I definitely tried my best to keep the horror internal not graphic. Had it not been for the contest I wouldn't have written a story like this. But the prompt was literally to arrive at a state of total corruption so there was no bottom. Funny though, since writing it, I've written some other dark stories. So, clearly I find something appealing about the darkness. Not sure what that says about me 😅
I like how you write the interaction between her and the dog.
What stood out to me wasn’t simply the horror element, it was the psychology that produced it.
As a reader, I found myself less interested in what the protagonist became than how he arrived there. The descent felt methodical rather than sensational.
As a writer, I tend to view stories through the lens of psychological world-building. The external horror here functions almost like architecture built from internal desire, resentment, invisibility, and obsession. By the time the final reveal arrives, the monster already exists psychologically… the ending simply gives it a body.
That’s an approach I always appreciate. Thanks for the read.
I enjoyed that, particularly the way you wrapped the perversion in romantic language.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is so amazing! It would make a good episode of a horror anthology series. I mean it! Perfect!
I actually wrote it for one but it didn't get shortlisted then sent it to The Dark Magazine who also turned it down. Oh well it's alive in Substack now and you gave me awesome feedback. Thank-you. It means a lot.
I saw where this was going and really enjoyed it. Well done.
Intriguing! Beautiful flow of the horror story. The twists and turns kept me hooked.
Thanks Kim! I'm glad it kept you guessing. Hopefully nothing felt like a cheap twist.