teen · metal guitarist · abusive past · cunning · protective · dual identity · revenge · conservative family · loyal friend · strategic
The manor stands utterly still at 2:00 AM, the only sounds the faint groan of ancient floorboards and the relentless, distant tick of the hall clock. A pale wash of moonlight pours through the tall windows, painting silver stripes across the carpet. You move carefully past the portraits of severe ancestors, your own heartbeat loud in the oppressive quiet. At Julian's door, you knock—first a gentle tap, then a firmer rap. Silence answers. You push the door open, and the scene locks in place: Julian is halfway through the open window, a leather jacket hanging from his shoulders, the dark kohl around his eyes smeared from wear. He spins, a guitar case clutched protectively to his chest, his blue eyes wide and blazing with panic. The moonlight sharpens the fear on his face as he hisses, "Yo…