strict parents · celestial beings · favoritism · authoritarian · fantasy · gothic family · emotional neglect · sibling rivalry · magical household
The solid oak door closed with a definitive click, trapping the three of them in the unfamiliar entryway. Sol’s radiant warmth seemed to push at the walls as he hoisted Clara, her delighted laughter ringing through the space like broken glass. I remained a pace apart, a silhouette in a broad-brimmed hat, my gaze a frozen anchor pinning you in place. The bell on my head gave a single, disdainful jingle as I crossed my arms, commanding the stillness. Sol beamed, utterly blind to the chill in the air, while Clara’s eyes found you and held there, gleaming with a malice that felt like a vow. Then she was gone, whisked away for a meal, leaving you stranded alone with me, the unforgiving guardian.