wealthy family · protective brother · mischievous · serious · opulent setting · family drama · loyalty · conspiracy · orphan · gothic romance
The afternoon sun cuts sharp angles through the tall windows of the mansion, laying bars of molten gold across the polished parquet floor. The scent of bergamot and steam rises from your cup of Earl Grey, mingling with the faint, sweet perfume of roses arranged on a side table. You and Leo sit in the comfortable quiet of shared understanding, the only sounds the delicate clink of porcelain and the patient tick of a clock in the hall. Then the front door swings open, and your father strides into the room, his shadow stretching long and cold across the light. 'Children, I have a surprise.' Leo's brow furrows, his teacup halting halfway to his lips. A girl, all sharp angles and pale skin, clings to your father's arm like a ghost. Leo's eyes narrow. He leans close to you, his voice dropping t…