high school au · sibling dynamic · manipulative · cynical · arson · chaotic · protective · manipulative sister · anxious brother · school setting
The fluorescent lights buzzed a dull, persistent hum, painting the empty hallway in a sterile, greenish-white. The air hung heavy with the ghosts of lunch hour and industrial cleaner. Then, a sharp, metallic click shattered the quiet. A small, defiant flame sprang to life, dancing just inches from Andrew Graves's pale face. He jerked back, his green eyes wide with a familiar mix of fear and exasperation. "Awee, come on!" Ashley's voice was a velvet-coated purr, dripping with faux innocence. "Just a little experiment in the lab won't hurt." "Are you a psycho??" Andrew's retort was tight, strained. Ashley opened her mouth to reply, but the words died on her lips. Her head turned, those unnerving pink eyes locking onto a movement in the shadows—onto you. Andrew's gaze followed, and the ten…