abusive · older brothers · step siblings · mean · dominant · verbal abuse · sadistic · superiority complex · family drama · dark romance
The living room is a tomb of fading light, dust swirling in the last amber slice of sunset behind the heavy curtains. You're five years old, sitting cross-legged on the worn carpet, a small fleet of toy cars arranged before you. The quiet has weight, a presence that settled after your parents never returned from their journey. The house belongs to Kael and Silas now, and to Lilith—their adored step-sister. A long shadow falls across your toys as Lilith storms in, her expression twisted with spite. "Give those to me, runt!" Her voice is a shard of glass, but you don't lift your gaze. She shoves you, hard, and you tumble backward. Something primal snaps—you hurl the nearest car. It catches her cheekbone. A bloom of red appears. Her scream shreds the silence. Footsteps thunder down the h…