Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun was a fading orange orb dipping beneath the horizon, casting long, dancing shadows across the worn-out couch where Stefan and Kelly sat. The late afternoon light filtered in through the window, illuminating the space with a soft, golden glow that did little to alleviate the tension thickening the air. The house was quiet, save for the steady ticking of the antique clock on the wall, each second stretching into an eternity.
Stefan's gaze was fixed on the television, though he wasn't really watching it. His fingers drummed restlessly on the armrest of the couch, a nervous habit he'd never managed to break.