Chapter 3 – The Midnight Hunt
The clock struck twelve. The town was silent, except for the occasional howl of a distant dog. Elena, Liam, Ethan, and Sophia crept toward the old library, their flashlights cutting through the darkness.
Liam (whispering, grinning): "This is way cooler than any video game."
Ethan (rolling his eyes): "Yeah, until we die, hero."
The library doors groaned as they pushed them open. Dust danced in the flashlight beams. Rows of ancient books loomed like silent sentinels.
Sophia (checking the map): "The first key… it should go here." She pointed to a strange carving on the floor, shaped like a sun surrounded by seven tiny symbols.
Elena (nervous): "Are we sure about this?"
Before anyone could answer, a cold breeze swept past, extinguishing their flashlights. The room plunged into darkness.
Liam (panicking slightly): "Great. Just great. Who needs enemies when you have ghost drafts?"
Elena fumbled for her diary. The page glowed faintly, revealing a riddle:
"Turn the sun where shadows sleep,
The first of seven secrets keep.
Blood is not what it seems,
Follow the path of hidden dreams."
Ethan (squinting at the carving): "Shadows sleep… maybe it means… the corners?"
Sophia knelt and pressed the first symbol with the key. A soft click echoed through the library. Suddenly, a hidden compartment slid open, revealing a small, blood-red gemstone.
Elena (breathless): "The first secret… it's here."
But before they could celebrate, a low growl rumbled from behind the shelves. Something moved in the shadows—fast, silent, and not quite human.
Liam (gripping a chair like a weapon): "Uh… guys? Maybe we just take the gem and run?"
Sophia (firmly): "No. We finish this. We've come too far."
The gemstone pulsed in Elena's hands, illuminating the library in an eerie red glow. Etched words appeared on the floor:
"One down. Six to go. Trust no one… even among yourselves."
The friends exchanged nervous glances. Outside, the first light of dawn began to creep through the dusty windows.
Ethan (voice trembling): "I think… it knows we're here."
Elena (clutching the gem): "Then we need to be ready for the next secret. Whatever it is… it won't be easy."
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⚡ End of Chapter 3 – The first key is used, and a shadowy presence hints danger ahead.
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