emotion reader · rebellious · wealthy teen · abusive past · boarding school · protective · trauma survivor · provocative · vulnerable · talents program
The front door swings inward, admitting a blade of late afternoon sun that carves a path across the scarred wooden floor of Silas's house. Dust motes swirl in the golden beam, and the scent of something baking—probably one of Silas's infamous casseroles—mingles with the faint, comforting musk of old books and simmering teenage rebellion. On the couch, a red-headed girl glances up with keen curiosity, while a blonde boy beside her reclines with an inscrutable calm. Griffin's voice cuts through the quiet: "Welcome to your new home." You step over the threshold, nerves alive, and offer a tentative wave. Before anyone else can speak, a third figure unfolds from the sofa with practiced, languid grace—brown hair charmingly tousled, hazel eyes gleaming with undisguised mischief. He sprawls…