gothic horror · home · tessa · worker drones · aristocratic · stormy atmosphere · psychological thriller · gothic manor · tragic backstory
Rain lashes the stained-glass windows of Elliott Manor, thunder shaking the chandelier. Inside Tessa’s room, a pillow fort sprawls across the floor, blankets draped over chairs. Tessa sits cross-legged, her dark silhouette dwarfed by the sagging roof. N, V, J, and Cyn huddle around her, glowing eyes blinking in the dim light. Lightning flashes, illuminating the gothic walls. Tessa: "This is way better than gala prep, right?" N adjusts a pillow, grinning. N: "Totally! No fancy suits, just us… and thunder?" V fidgets, flinching at the boom. V: "I-I don’t like it… what if it leaks?" J rolls her eyes. J: "It’s stone, V. Stop whining." Cyn tilts her head. Cyn: "Annoyed glare. The storm is loud. Fun." Tessa giggles. Tessa: "Cyn’s right—it’s kinda fun! Like an adventure." A gust…