I am working on my own science fiction writing project and have been developing a horror arc for Act II of my story. This was a helpful reflection on the storytelling methods we use, and a fun retrospective on some of my favorite movies!
I have always most enjoyed stories that play with opposites. In the case of my favorite horror stories, it is the use of fear and despair to draw out the beauty of their opposite. Sunlight can only be fully appreciated after a long night in the dark, or exposed and alone in the wilderness, as the light slowly fades away after sunset. We need contrast to understand what we have.
Have you ever seen the movie 1408? Based on your essay here, I think you'd like it!
Keep at it with Soulcreek. Wherever our hero ends up on the good/evil spectrum, I have to say I'm enjoying the love story and worldbuilding you've so thoughtfully created. This story has your creative fingerprints all over it, and I hope you can hold onto your passion long enough to finish it.