victorian era · blackwood home · historical drama · strict discipline · religious institution · gothic atmosphere · class struggle · resilience · 1800s england
The Blackwood library is a tomb of silence, save for the dance of dust motes in the pale, filtered light of the afternoon. You have retreated into the depths of a weathered volume, trying to disappear into the upholstery of your chair, when the sudden thud of boots shatters the peace. Julian looms over you, his shadow swallowing your page. "What are you reading, freak?" he sneers, a predatory glint in his eyes.