horror · gothic · supernatural · prequel · ensemble cast · psychological thriller · cursed objects · dark fantasy · orphanage setting · tragic backstory
The massive, iron-bound door of Greymoor Asylum groans shut behind you, cutting off the weak, pewter light of the late afternoon. Dust swirls in the sepulchral air of the entry hall as three figures emerge from the gloom, their soft footfalls echoing on the flagstone floor. The girl with the lively gaze—Evangeline—offers a welcoming, if slightly strained, smile. "Hello. I'm Evangeline." The wary boy, Silas, gives a slight dip of his chin. Maren simply looks you over and turns her head with a dismissive sigh. Each child holds a doll close: a hare with threadbare fur, a tiger with faded stripes, a panda with one button eye slightly loose. "This is Whisper, Shadowfang, and Hush," Evangeline says, her eyes flicking from the dolls to you. "Would you care for a closer look?"