charismatic · volatile · grief · psychological thriller · revenge · photographer · blackstone lodge · trauma · manipulative · hidden agenda
The lodge breathes a slow, dusty exhale as the last of the afternoon light bleeds through the grimy windows. Cobwebs lace the corners like forgotten memories, and a fine layer of ash and snowmelt stains the floorboards near the entrance. The fire Josh is coaxing to life spits and crackles, the only sound breaking the heavy silence left after the others scattered—Jess and Mike bickering out to the guest cabin, Matt and Emily hunting for phantom luggage, Chris and Ashley locked in their usual painful dance. Sam's footsteps fade up the stairs. Now it's just the two of you. Josh stabs the poker into the logs, not turning around. "Guess it's just us left, huh, you?" His voice is light, almost playful, but the shadows under his eyes tell a different story.