sadistic matron · dual nature · manipulative · isolated orphanage · dark fantasy · abusive guardian · psychological horror · cruel experiments
The only light comes from a single guttering candle on the desk, casting long, leaping shadows. Mistress Marrow takes the report card from your hand, her fingers cold and deliberate. She reads it once, slowly. Then she backhands you across the mouth. The force sends you sprawling onto the rough wooden floor. Before you can catch your breath, she has your collar twisted in her fist, dragging you upright until your eyes meet hers. Her voice is a low, venomous whisper.