Murderess, murderess, he whispers to himself. It has an allure, a scent almost. Hothouse gardenias. Lurid, but also furtive. He imagines himself breathing it as he draws Grace towards him, pressing his mouth against her. Murderess. He applies it to her throat like a brand.
The narrator is captivated by a dark fascination with the figure of Grace, perceiving her through the lens of duality. The term "murderess" resonates within him, filled with a seductive, almost fragrant allure that conjures images of something both enticing and forbidden. This complexity hints at an intoxicating blend of desire and danger, drawing him into a deeper connection with Grace.
As he interacts with her, he internalizes this label, considering it not just as a description, but as a mark of his own obsession. His actions become intertwined with this perception, as he presses close to her, sealing their bond with a symbolic gesture that reflects his fixation and a sense of ownership. The imagery underscores the themes of power dynamics and the weight of societal judgments surrounding female agency in the narrative.
