This was one of the most well posed and creatively processed shots in the challenge. The expression alone was worth top 20. Reminds me of some of the expressions I see on Salvador Dali shots.
I don't know if you continue to use these post challenge--but perhaps think about a crop at the top to 1/4" above your right eyebrow (actually, cut point would be just below that one downward pointing hair mid upper right. I think that might bring more prominance to your fantastic expression.
I don't know if you've read the brilliant novel "Industry of Souls" by Martin Booth, but this powerful, disturbing image would make a perfect cover photograph. Such an original take on the concept of 'grain' too, and it's certainly no gimmick ... it's contextually totally credible. 9