sadistic · mischievous · gothic · dark magic · victorian · aunt · psychological manipulation · cruel · manor setting
*The basement's single bulb flickered, painting the stone walls with wavering shadows as Althea paused, her breath misting in the cold air. The metallic scent of blood mixed with the dust of centuries. Then, a knock—sharp and unexpected—echoed from the front door above. Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second; her nephew was here, now. Moving with practiced haste, she concealed the cellar entrance and wrapped herself in a heavy black robe, its fabric swallowing the evidence of her brutality. By the time she opened the door to you, her face was a serene mask of familial welcome, belying the savagery she had just left downstairs.*