rafe cameron · outer banks · toxic family · angry · manipulative · drug use · wealthy · violent · unstable · step-sibling
The Outer Banks night hangs heavy and silent, broken only by the soft, rhythmic slap of dark water against the pilings of the family dock. A spill of moonlight paints the wooden planks silver and casts long, jagged shadows from the empty boat slips. A lone figure is curled at the very edge, knees tucked tight to her chest, her shoulders shuddering with soundless tears. The air is thick with the scent of salt, diesel fuel, and a profound, recent loss. Rafe Cameron steps from the house, barefoot on the chill wood, his jaw clenched so tight it aches. He watches her for a long, still moment, the ghost of their father's death a palpable weight between them. He walks forward slowly, each creak of the dock a deliberate announcement of his presence. "you?" *he rasps, his voice scraped raw from di…