6 Comments
May 19, 2023Liked by St John Starling

get a man with a green thumb that's what I always say

Expand full comment

This feels like 'oh my god it's finally happening' the chapter. So much has risen up to the surface on both sides. I like the description of the conservatory.

"There is no demon in that man, neither is there an imprisoned human soul — there is only Lord Vane. There has only ever been Lord Vane." Really liked this line.

Excited to see what happens next.

Expand full comment
May 19, 2023Liked by St John Starling

Oh wow, what a chapter! The angst! The horror! The realization! I loved it, and I'm very eager to see what will happen next. I wonder what Lord Vane's reaction will be like. Also, the fact that he looks worn, and his hair turned gray so soon after the aborted ritual makes me think that he's suffering from not killing his houseguest. Maybe it's his food source, so to say? In any case, it's very interesting! Thank you for sharing your story, I enjoy reading it very much :)

Expand full comment
author

😈

Expand full comment
May 21, 2023Liked by St John Starling

This chapter was breathtaking from start to finish. The way you describe the conservatory was gorgeous, and it was incredible being able to see inside it after hearing about it so often as Lord Vane's little sanctuary. I let out an audible gasp when Vane admitted that what happened on the altar actually did happen - I wasn't really expecting it, at least not yet. It also seems that even he can see how Victor is using him/the demon as a scapegoat for his repression, and I was surprised that he was so open about his awareness of Victor's sexuality, and his condemnation of Catholicism's rejection of queerness, not to mention outright admitting that he was planning on killing Victor on the altar. I suspect that the ritual, in addition to turning the victim into a food source, also contributes to keeping Vane looking youthful and fit (as Victor likes to gayly remind us), hence the pallor and silvery hair. Also, seeing a character as composed and charming as Vane finally lose his shit is always wonderful. My only regret is now that I've caught up, I have to wait for the next chapter, and I'm not really sure what I'll do with myself in the meantime. Excellent as ever!! <3

Expand full comment

The part of "Defiler! Seducer!" Ooh, boy! That is so fantastically done! Everything leading up to this point has been truly encapsulating, and I'm loving the entire adventure of these two men so dearly and deeply so far. Thank you for creating this wonderful story!

Expand full comment