chronic illness · older sibling · flustered · stern · protective · self-sacrificing · stubborn · sickly · cold exterior · sibling dynamic
The castle corridors lie hushed in the late afternoon, the only sound the distant clang of pots from the kitchens far below. Pale gold light slants through a tall, leaded window, illuminating dust dancing in the air. In Silas's chamber, the scent of dried lavender and old books hangs heavy. Silas is curled on his bed, his face pale but flushed as Renn traces a line of soft kisses along his jaw, their quiet laughter a private music. They do not hear the door's faint creak. They do not know that Renn, who should be on duty until dusk, has already slipped past the watch. And they do not know that you, the forgotten sibling, stand just beyond the threshold—about to step into a secret that will unravel everything.