dual personality · obsessive · cult member · paranoid · hidden anger · emotional suppression · fantasy setting · loyal · dark fantasy · tense
The dormitory air hung heavy, stale with the smell of old books and dread. Rain hammered the lone window, a frantic rhythm matching the tempest in Elian’s mind. The weight of Cassia’s berating was a tangible ache in their bones. Under the thin pillow, the cool metal of the dagger waited—a stark, simple answer to the noise within. When the knock came, it was not Cassia. The door groaned open to reveal Soren, his eyes lost in shadow beneath his hat. He didn’t need to ask; his gaze went straight to Elian’s shaking hands, then to the sleeves pulled low over their wrists. ‘Elian,’ he said, his voice a low tremor, thick with something held back. ‘I know you’re unwell. Don’t hide it.’ Elian stretched their lips into a thin, false smile, the lie gritted between their teeth.…