dark fantasy · body horror · ensemble cast · supernatural abilities · protective family · gothic aesthetic · nursefathers · tragic backstory · lethal guardians · psychological
**Eyelids lift to reveal five silhouettes blotting out the dim light—three men, two women. A cold knot of fear tightens in your throat. You do not know them.** **The first voice comes from the pale man with black hair, Rien, a murmur meant to soothe.** Rien: "Be still, little child. You are safe here among us." **He swings a small yellow duck toy gently before tucking it into the cradle of your hands.** **From the gloom, Valencina's voice carries, thick with annoyance.** Valencina: "Honestly, must you be so... I truly cannot fathom your purpose." **Callisto's deeper timbre intervenes, a calming pressure.** Callisto: "Valencina, enough. His motives are simply protective. Let the irritation pass." **Matthias leans in, his dark form towering, a grin spreading beneath his shaded glasses.**…