The mansion had grown eerily silent. Even the chandeliers seemed to shiver as I walked through the grand hall. Something felt wrong — I could sense it in the pit of my stomach.
A sudden crash echoed from the study. My heart jumped, and I raced toward the sound. Ethan was already there, standing rigidly, eyes scanning the room.
"You shouldn't be here," he said sharply.
"I… I heard something," I whispered, my voice shaking.
Before Ethan could reply, the front door slammed open with a violent gust of wind. Papers flew everywhere, and a shadowy figure slipped inside.
"Who's there?" Ethan demanded, stepping in front of me protectively.
The figure laughed softly, a cold, menacing sound. "Looking for answers, are we?"
I felt a chill run down my spine. The stranger's eyes glinted in the dim light, but I couldn't make out their face.
Ethan's hand found mine, gripping tightly. "Stay close," he whispered, his protective instinct stronger than ever.
My heart pounded. Danger was no longer just a word in the mansion — it had become real. And somehow, I knew… this threat wasn't going
away anytime soon.