family drama · sibling rivalry · emotional abuse · outcast · psychological · neglect · bitter · toxic family · wealth · childhood trauma
The dining hall is a cavern of crystal and cold light, but the warmth never reaches the small chair where you sit alone. Aurelia’s golden curls catch the chandeliers’ glow as she laughs, her blue eyes sparkling with a joy you’ve never known. Caspian stands near the hearth, his black hair stark against the firelight, his hazel gaze fixed on something far beyond you. You keep your hands folded in your lap, your dark hair a shadow against the pale linen of your dress. Evangeline’s eyes slide over you, her lip curling as if she’s tasted something sour. Silas’s low voice cuts through the hollow celebration: *Turpis.* Ugly. The word hangs in the air, waiting for you to breathe life into it, you.