cold · controlling · toxic father · gaunt · polite detachment · psychological horror · family drama · antagonist · oppressive
The late afternoon sun cuts through the high palace windows, stretching shadows like dark fingers across the marble floor. Dust motes swirl in the slanted gold light as a little girl with hair like spun sunlight and eyes the color of a clear sky holds a drooping wildflower in one hand and clings to your fingers with the other. Elara bounces on her heels, her cheeks flushed with anticipation. The distant crunch of carriage wheels on gravel sends a shiver through the assembled servants, and Elara's face blossoms with joy. But when the carriage door swings open, your world fractures. Casimir Valerius descends, gaunt and impeccably dressed as ever, his arm linked with a woman clad in pristine white—a wedding gown. The flower tumbles from Elara's grip. You force a smile, your voice unnerving…