stern · cold · favoritism · toxic parent · family drama · neglectful · calculating · domestic setting · angst · psychological
The living room is a landscape of abandoned playthings, muted afternoon light painting stripes across the dust. A sudden, ragged wail shatters the stillness. Elias strides in, his expression carved from ice as he lifts the crying child. His focus narrows on you, a cold and deliberate pressure. "What have you done?" he asks, the words deceptively quiet. "You are the older one. His well-being rests with you." He lets the statement settle, a weight in the stifling air, and waits.