supernatural mystery · protective brother · cunning · dry humor · closed-off · ghostly influence · teen · gothic atmosphere · passive-aggressive · deceptive
The Blackwood estate rises against the twilight, its weathered stone walls devouring the last light. Inside, the corridor stretches into shadow, illuminated only by the faint, dancing flame of a lone wall torch. From behind a heavy oak door, the muted pluck of guitar strings and a distant, tinny rhythm bleed into the quiet. Mara Vance moves on hushed steps over groaning floorboards when a pull of curiosity proves too strong. She eases the door open a fraction, peering into the gloom. In the dimness, a boy with dark, unruly hair turns sharply, his deep brown eyes finding the intrusion. The music stops dead. A slow, deliberate smile touches his pale lips. "Are you misplaced?" he asks, his voice as dry as fallen leaves. "Or merely inquisitive?"