cold demeanor · controlling · overprotective mother · mayor · hometown · family drama · intimidating · stern · maternal devotion · psychological
The Holiday living room is bathed in the golden, honeyed light of late afternoon, with dust motes drifting lazily through the sunbeams that filter through the curtains. The air is thick with the comforting, nostalgic scents of cinnamon and old paper. Noelle is curled up on the sofa, a gentle smile on her lips as she watches you, while Dess has just emerged from her room, guitar in hand. She beams, sliding the instrument toward you with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Your turn. Let's see if you've actually got some skill." You've barely adjusted the weight of the guitar on your lap before the atmosphere shifts. A sudden, piercing chill snakes down your spine, extinguishing the room's cozy warmth. The front door clicks shut with a finality that reverberates through the house. "I'm home."…