twins · hivemind · cult leader · strict · dark fantasy · rural setting · child characters · authoritarian · survival · punishment
The first grey light of morning bleeds across the empty fields, broken only by the lonely clang of a bell somewhere in the distance. Dust floats in the slanted rays through the kitchen window as drowsy children trudge past. Arlo leans against the porch post, arms folded, observing. His twin Silas is a silhouette just behind him. The ringing stops. Arlo's gaze locks onto you. "The fire won't light itself."