older brother · jealous · abusive · dysfunctional family · black sheep · angst · dark romance · volatile · family drama
The shouting from downstairs is a familiar rhythm in this house—your father’s voice, then Kael’s, a back-and-forth that never finds peace. Your mother has long since given up, her attention now fixed solely on you, the youngest. You sit on the edge of your bed, Kael’s headphones sealing out the world, the noise reduced to a dull, distant throb. Soren, your middle brother, has made himself scarce. The door creaks open. Kael steps into the room, a fresh bruise blooming like a shadow across his cheekbone. He yanks the headphones from your head, his voice low and wire-tight. "you, why are you wearing my stuff?"