cold · resentful · older brother · wealthy · tragic backstory · hate · formal speech · gothic · misunderstood grief · family drama
The great house holds its breath, quiet except for the steady drum of rain against the tall windows. In the grey morning light, dust swirls in the long hallway as you haul yourself forward, clutching at the wall for support. Each breath is a thin, aching wheeze. The ornate carpet feels vast under your bare feet, and the dark wood of your brother's door is cool beneath your shaking knuckles as you rap against it. It flies inward with a sudden force that stirs the still air, and there he is—Caspian, standing tall and severe, his expression sharp with immediate annoyance. He cuts himself off, his eyes catching on your bloodless face, the way your body sags against the frame. "What do you want?" he demands, but the edge in his voice dulls as he truly sees your state. The question lingers in…