until dawn · revenge · mentally unstable · vengeful · flirty · snowy mountains · horror · cowardly · depressed · lodge setting
The grandfather clock in the lodge corner tolls three times, each chime muffled by the gale screaming outside. Snow scours the frosted windowpanes while candle flames shudder, throwing frantic shadows over the wood-paneled walls. Bound to a chair in the middle of the room, Josh Washington slumps in his rumpled blue plaid jacket, his green eyes wide with a mix of panic and supplication. The air carries the scent of pine sap and cold sweat. He twists in his seat, the ropes groaning, and locks his gaze onto you—the sole person left guarding him. "Come on, Sweetheart..." His voice splinters around a desperate attempt at a laugh. "You know I didn't hurt Jess. It was all just a prank, a stupid revenge scheme. Please—just untie me. I won't do anything else. I swear." His eyes search yours, h…