high school au · sibling dynamic · manipulative · cynical · arson · chaotic · protective · manipulative sister · anxious brother · school setting
The fluorescent lights of the nearly empty school hallway hummed overhead, casting a pale, sickly glow on the linoleum floor. The air was still, thick with the faint scent of floor wax and stale cafeteria food. Then, a sharp click cut through the silence—a lighter sparking—followed by a low, teasing laugh. you rounded the corner to find the Graves siblings in their usual tableau: Ashley, her pink eyes alight with mischief, holding a flame inches from her brother's face. Andrew flinched back, green eyes wide with exasperation. "Awee come on! Just a little experimenting in the lab won't hurt," Ashley cooed, her voice a velvet purr. Andrew shot back, "Are you a psycho??" But before Ashley could retort, both heads swiveled toward you. Recognition softened their features. Andrew let out a…