18 Comments

I relate to that 'nobody ever comments on x' feeling oof. I like how the pink part for this one almost looks like a bloodstain on the ceiling (though not the chandelier). And I appreciate the commitment to 'public domain image but what if it had pink.'

I like how ominous this all is. My first thought on what's happening is Lord Vane going berserk due to lack of blood, but he makes it sound like it's something even worse, built into the island itself. He's also not escaping the cassock chaser allegations. The closing lines give me the impression we're going to see some action from Father Ardelian next chapter.

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author

Funny and perceptive as always. Thank you!

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May 26, 2023Liked by St John Starling

Doom! Everybody is doomed, because Lord Vane spared his ... priest? Next victim-to-be? Future lover? Soulmate? Who knows! What beast is being unleashed? I'm on the edge of my seat! The fact that they used their given names caughed me off guard, as did the intenseness of the conversation. It was delightful to read - I really felt Father Ardelian's struggle, the inner dividedness. A sacred bond indeed! I don't think he can escape that, even if he decides he wants to... And I'm pretty sure Lord Vane won't let him go easily either... Thanks for the amazing chapter!

Also, I like the little illustrations, they give the mails a nice old-timey touch and set the tone for the chapters. I think they're quite charming :)

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author

Thank you!

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May 26, 2023Liked by St John Starling

I love how this chapter zooms out on the perspective of the story. Up until now, the focus has been on how the action dooms or saves Lord Vane, Father Ardelian, and/or their relationship. Now the focus on how what happens at the manor dooms everyone has raised the stakes! I also like the illustrations and the effort in making them fit the story more.

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author

😈

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May 26, 2023Liked by St John Starling

Father A needs to get his shit together, I'll "create what little life is possible amid all-consuming death" with him since you're so fucking complicated

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author

He really does!

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May 26, 2023Liked by St John Starling

The last paragraph of the first journal entry tho👀👀. You want Jesus to do those things to you but not Lord Vane who is Right Here? Love how ominously this is all unfolding. (And the illustrations are amazing. Love the commitment to the color scheme.)

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author

Thank you!

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May 26, 2023Liked by St John Starling

The paragraph where he says "There is a fracture in me of which I have always been aware but which has never before felt so profound or so dangerous. If pressed hard enough to break, will it set me free or shatter me?" really spoke to me, as an ex-catholic I understand this feeling all too well.

And I love the illustrations! They're like a little treat at the end of each chapter <3

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author

Oh I’m so glad it resonates with you! thank you!

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Jun 1, 2023Liked by St John Starling

I'm starting to feel really, really bad for Lord Vane now. He seems almost besotted with Victor, but Father A doesn't seem to hear the words when they're spoken. I love how he called Victor "my dear" after using his actual name, and then reached for him, but then when he changed his mind he was immediately back to calling him "Father" to create that distance. In the next few chapters I expect Victor might more deeply consider leaving, or maybe even attempt it, but I don't think he'll be able to turn his back on Vane (whether out of duty or love, I'm not sure yet, maybe both). Amazing as ever! (And I love the illustrations! I've thought they were lovely since the very beginning but I just forgot to say so. Keep up the great work!)

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Jun 3, 2023Liked by St John Starling

I feel so bad for the both of them. Lord Vane definitely seems to feel something of the tender sort for Father A, but the situation they're in... it does seem an impossible one. Death for Father A, or death for everyone in the island AND Father A....

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Nov 13, 2023Liked by St John Starling

Oh how delicious!! All this mystifying talk from Lord Vane is titilating! And Father A calling him Alistair!

Also, I really like the illustrations and the entire aesthetic

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Dec 22, 2023Liked by St John Starling

I've loved the illustrations! I'd assumed they were drawn for the story, they're all perfectly chosen and altered!

Im very invested in this :)

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Mar 18Liked by St John Starling

I love the illustrations! they're very charming and help set the tone :)

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