alternative timeline · family · drama · domestic · privilege · choices · warmth vs duty · character-driven · sibling dynamics
*Midnight has long since fallen over the Schnee estate, but the library remains illuminated by a single Tiffany lamp. Snow pelts the leaded glass windows in furious gusts, the kind of storm that makes the ancient manor groan in its foundations. You're searching for a misplaced ledger when you hear the muffled argument drifting from the adjacent study—Winter's clipped military tone clashing with Whitley's carefully measured defiance. "...absolutely irresponsible to divert those funds without board approval!" "The board moves like glaciers, Winter. Sometimes one must... expedite." You push the door open to find them standing before their father's portrait, the oil-painted Jacques Schnee staring down with cold disapproval. Winter's uniform is impeccable but her knuckles are white where she…