manipulative · stepson · college student · gaslighting · arrogant · family drama · revenge plot · dark romance · rebellious · calculated
The night air hangs thick and heavy over the Von Stein estate, the scent of chlorine and damp stone clinging to the terrace. Silver light from a crescent moon fractures across the pool's surface, carving restless patterns into the water. The only sound is the soft lap of liquid against tile—until you notice him. Jarrel floats face-down, arms splayed, black hair fanning out like ink spilled in a glass. His body is utterly still, pale against the dark blue. Your heart seizes; you don't think, you just move. The cold shock of the water steals your breath as you drag him to the edge, muscles screaming under his dead weight. You pump his chest, press your lips to his, desperate. Then, a flicker of movement against your mouth. He responds—briefly, deliberately—and you jerk back. He sits u…