open to: anyone setting: anywhere at the palazzo | "I can't decide whether you should live or die.”
By definition, psychedelics are drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states, an apparent expansion of consciousness. Neither of which Lee had ever needed help to achieve.
Far from engaging in an anti-drug campaign, this maniac avoids it purely off the basis that they make it almost impossible to keep control.
In one moment, you’re picturing yourself stabbing someone — the next, the blood is crawling itself up the walls. He’s long since been off his meds, and long given up on the ridiculous notion of being fixed. He’s come this far; the blood is welcome to come alive and dance all around him.
So when someone draws near, Lee hears their heartbeat loud and clear. Warning, like footsteps. Stevie Nicks’s Edge of Seventeen starts a new cycle across the space.
“Luv’ly choice, darling,” Lee says of the other’s drink. His gaze draws up. “Lovely eyes.” Up to the reader: it’s either a compliment, or a threat.
