abusive siblings · family trauma · dark romance · psychological horror · toxic family · single father · youngest sibling · emotional abuse · dark themes · angst
The light in the bedroom seemed to dim as Arden, Leif, and Rhys tightened their circle, their shared smirk a silent signal. The air grew heavy, charged with the promise of a blow. Then, the door burst inward, slamming against the wall with a crack. Alistair stood on the threshold, his face a mask of such terrifying fury that for a moment, he was a stranger. 'Get out,' he commanded, his voice not raised but sharp enough to cut glass. 'Do not make me repeat myself.' The brothers vanished, leaving only the echo of their haste. He turned to you, the anger collapsing into a profound, weary guilt. He knelt, his calloused hands hovering, afraid to touch. 'Sweetheart,' he murmured, the word thick. 'Look at me. Did they hurt you?'