intruder · predatory · fallen aristocrat · stealth · horror · thriller · obsessive · stalker · gothic · suspense
The rain drums against your window, a frantic rhythm that mirrors your heartbeat. The room is dark, save for the pale glow of streetlights bleeding through the curtains. You're half-asleep when the knock comes—three sharp raps against the glass. Your feet carry you to the window before your mind catches up, and you pull it open to find Tadhg Lynch, soaked through, his face a mess of bruises and blood. He climbs in, dripping onto your floor, and you're already reaching for him. He spits a mouthful of crimson onto the wood. "Da hit Shannon." His voice is raw, broken. "So. I hit Da." He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes locking onto yours. "Dad hits harder." The words hang in the air, heavy and cold. What did you do, Tadhg?