In "Darker Than You Think," the protagonist reflects on his unique nature, feeling somewhat different from others. He recalls studies conducted at Duke University, where researchers explored extraordinary perceptions beyond normal senses. These experiments indicated that some individuals might wield the ability to directly influence outcomes through sheer will, suggesting an extraordinary connection to the fabric of reality. This notions tie into the concept of magic or witchcraft, hinting at a mystical understanding of the world. The protagonist's journey unfolds as he navigates this alternate reality, where human consciousness may affect physical existence in ways that defy conventional understanding.

A being born a little different, he preferred to phrase it. He remembered reading something about the Rhine experiments, at Duke University.

Some people, those sober scientists had proved, perceived the world with something beyond the ordinary physical senses.