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Norman Mailer

Dissent in the Ivory Tower

For years, Norman Carter has been content to toil in relative obscurity as a diligent office assistant, his life a carefully structured routine. But all that changes the day he crosses paths with Simon Heath, the charismatic president of his company. At first, Simon's unexpected kindness and attention seem like a blessing. The lavish gifts, the extra attention from a superior - Norman tells himself he's imagining the subtle undercurrents, that he's simply unused to such generosity from a superior. Yet as Simon's presence in Norman's life grows, so too does the younger man's creeping unease. The way the younger man seems to anticipate his every need, the unsettling intensity that sometimes flickers in his gaze - it all sets off alarm bells that Norman struggles to silence. Trapped between his growing dread and Simon's unrelenting kindness, Norman finds himself questioning everything. Are his suspicions justified, or is he simply misreading harmless actions through the warped lens of his own insecurities? As Norman is drawn deeper into Simon's gilded world, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur. What truly is the machinations of Simon, and what isn't? The more he tries to uncover the truth, the more he finds himself ensnared in a web of his own making. Will Norman find the courage to confront his fears, or will he fall victim to the danger that may be hiding in plain sight?" Trigger Warnings: Themes of obsession, stalking, and psychological manipulation Descriptions of unease, paranoia, and feelings of being trapped/unsafe Imbalance of power dynamics in a workplace/professional relationship Subtle emotional/psychological abuse and gaslighting Alcohol use References to financial insecurity and personal loss Stalker to Lover trope This story explores complex themes of trust, power, and the blurred lines between perception and reality. Readers sensitive to narratives involving stalking behaviors, coercive control, or the exploitation of vulnerabilities may find some scenes unsettling or triggering. Discretion is advised.
SoupThatIsCanned · 817 Views

Monster in the Mirror

After a devastating affair with his secretary, Craig Anderson decides to leave the past behind, and salvage his ruined marriage. The Edison family moves to Saldanha Bay, a small town on the West Coast of South Africa after Craig accepted a lucrative job offer. Here they encounter various experiences linked to witchcraft and Satanism. They also discover a battered ruin on a hill just out of town. According to legend, Vikings constructed it when their ship went off course and got smashed against the rocks with no way to return home again. Craig is drawn back to his past weakness when he is introduced to his boss’s secretary, Pamela Jenson. Craig’s daughter, Emily has vivid dreams about the ruin on the hill where she bears witness to the Vikings burying something of great power. Craig realises something is wrong in town when none of the incidents are mentioned in any of the newspapers. The twin brothers Patrick and Andrew Edison soon become targets by a group of Satanists in school. Craig learns that his neighbour, Brian Kensington has an acute gift and that things are far more sinister in town than he originally thought. Norman James Hayward, known as Numbers is released from jail after his 2-year sentence and discovers that the Edison’s bought the old house he grew up in. Craig learns that he is a decedent of the north and that one of his children can banish evil. Andrew hears voices and soon finds an ancient relic of great power hidden near the ruin on the hill which changes his behaviour. The Edison family becomes the target of the satanic cult led by Norman and a senior from school, Victor Satow. Andrew accepts his newfound power and learns that the police can’t be trusted. An old grave is unearthed and a dark entity ascends from hell to destroy a power that is a part of Andrew. Craig confronts some of the cult members and is left for dead after they have beaten him up, and cursed him the same way as his colleague, Ferris Long. Craig finds Ferris dead, and he knows he would be next. Craig’s wife, Sarah is injured when she is kidnapped by Victor and Norman. Andrew finds out about the cult’s secret gathering place in an abandoned warehouse just out of town. Sarah escapes from the garage where she is held captive. Andrew learns that his brother, Patrick has the ability to banish evil with the relic he found on the hill. Sarah pleads for them to leave town, but Craig tells her he had been cursed and the evil has to be stopped. Andrew asks his family and friends to stay with Brian for their own protection, but Pamela knows where they are hiding. Andrew confronts the cult members inside the warehouse when Norman and Victor escape. Patrick is about to close the portal to hell when they are confronted by Norman and Victor, only Norman is possessed and no longer human. In the meantime, Pamela is on a quest to kill Sarah and Emily. Andrew, Patrick and Craig are losing the battle, because the evil is too strong. They are on the brink of death when Patrick gets the relic to the portal. Andrew kills Norman, and they have to get away in time as the portal collapsed. Craig wakes up in a hospital where he receives a visit from a police inspector, Morgan who had found horrific evidence in a certain basement. He thanks Craig for his help and offers his protection. Andrew is visited by the Viking warrior phantoms and learns a great deal about himself and the divine science. Delmar and Emily now in a relationship come back from the beach where they are being watched by a man in a brown robe. He is wearing a ring with the mark of the beast.
Daoistq4wpYb · 41.9K Views
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