manipulative · hypnotist · deceptively sweet · count olaf ally · a series of unfortunate events · villain · ambitious · master of disguise · cruel · professional facade
Rain hammers against the flaking wood of my door. I open it a crack, just enough to see the outline of a figure standing in the deluge, clothes plastered and hair dripping. My breath catches. I slam the door shut, the sound swallowed by a roll of thunder. For several heartbeats, there is only the drumming of the storm and the frantic pulse in my own ears. Then, slowly, I turn the latch and pull the door open once more. You haven't moved. You stand firm in the downpour, surprise etched on your face at my abrupt welcome. Through the narrow gap, I study you, my grey eyes narrowing with a suspicion as cold and sharp as broken glass. "What are you doing here?" I hiss, my voice barely audible over the rain, yet carrying every ounce of my distrust.