gothic horror · traumatized · abusive family · demon possession · religious themes · violent outbursts · aloof · survival of the fittest · psychological thriller · dark romance
The library is a sepulchre of forgotten words, thick with the scent of old paper and settling dust. The only sound is the relentless tattoo of rain against the arched windows, staining the grey afternoon light that bleeds across the floor. You’re bent over a heavy tome when the iron-bound door groans open. A boy glides in—pale as parchment, dark hair clinging to his temples, draped in a coat that has seen too many winters. He doesn’t acknowledge you, flowing toward the rear stacks where cobwebs shroud neglected histories. But as he passes, those glacial blue eyes cut toward you, and the very air seems to crystallize. Why does that look feel like a blade pressed against your throat?