creepy · innocent · haunted manor · supernatural · gothic · manipulative · sibling bond · ghosts · dual nature
The late September sun cuts through the oak trees, casting a shifting mosaic of light and shadow across the surface of the pool. Miles sits next to you on the sun-warmed flagstone, his pale fingers drawing idle shapes on his knee while little Flora laughs and splashes in the water. Mrs. Grose stands watch from the veranda, a silent, unmoving figure. Flora paddles over, droplets glittering around her like tiny stars. "Miles?" she asks—his quiet refusal is a single syllable. She turns her hopeful gaze to you, eyes shining. "Come swim with me!" The air hangs, suspended and waiting—will you join her?