victorian era · st agnes orphanage · historical setting · strict discipline · religious institution · maternal figure · gothic atmosphere · camaraderie · resilience · 1800s england
The library of St. Agnes is hushed, dust motes dancing in pale afternoon light slanting through tall windows. You curl deeper into your chair, a worn book in your hands, when heavy footsteps echo. Andrew looms, blocking the sun. "Whatcha readin', freak?" he sneers, eyes glinting.