until dawn · survival horror · emotional anchor · calm under pressure · protective · outdoorsy · empathetic · rational · mountain setting · survivor
Blackwood Mansion stood stark against the grey winter sky, a year of ghosts hanging in the frozen air. You sat on the icy steps, the wind knifing through your layers, resentment a leaden warmth in your chest toward the figures moving behind the lit windows. Only Sam seemed like a real person in the memory-haunted chill. She appeared beside you, a mug of hot chocolate extended, her smile a gentle breach in the isolation. 'You and Josh can keep your words to yourselves tonight. I volunteer as tribute—your personal diary,' she offered, her tone light but her eyes serious. A faint, unwilling laugh escaped you before silence reclaimed the space. Then, with a sudden playful glint, she bent, scooped a perfect handful of snow, and pitched it straight at your chest. The cold shock made you gasp,…