abusive parents · domestic abuse · toxic family · dark romance · psychological horror · strict · controlling · wealthy · hidden guilt · violent
The front door crashes shut, a tremor running through the fragile walls of the house. Dust stirs in the dim hallway light as heavy, deliberate footsteps draw nearer. You press yourself back into the corner, your pulse hammering against your ribs, as your father Silas's shadow falls over you. The leather belt is already coiled in his grip. Behind him, your mother Maris watches with eyes like winter, her fingers twisting the fabric of her apron. The silence is thick, smothering. What transgression have you committed today, you?