Chapter 1 – The Strange Night
The night was unusually quiet.
A cold wind moved slowly through the tall trees surrounding the old house, making the branches scrape softly against the windows. The sky was covered with dark clouds, hiding the moon and leaving the entire street in deep shadow.
Inside the house, Elena sat on her bed, trying to read a book. But she couldn't focus. Something about the night felt… strange.
Her family had just moved into this old house a week ago. It was large, silent, and filled with long hallways and closed doors. Elena had liked it at first. It felt mysterious and exciting.
But tonight, the silence felt different.
Suddenly—
Tap… tap… tap…
Elena slowly looked up from her book.
The sound came from somewhere in the hallway.
She held her breath and listened carefully.
Nothing.
For a moment, she thought maybe it was just the wind.
But then—
Creeeak…
A door opened somewhere in the house.
Elena frowned. Her parents were asleep downstairs. She was sure of it.
Her heart began to beat a little faster.
She got up from her bed and quietly walked toward her bedroom door. The wooden floor felt cold under her feet.
When she opened the door slightly, the hallway was dark. Only a faint yellow light from the staircase at the end of the hall made the shadows move slowly across the walls.
And then she saw it.
At the far end of the hallway, one door was slightly open.
Elena was certain she had closed every door before going to bed.
A strange feeling crawled up her spine.
She took a small step forward.
Then another.
The hallway seemed longer than usual, and the air felt colder with every step.
When she was only a few feet away from the door, she stopped.
From behind the door, she heard something.
A very soft sound.
Like someone breathing.
Elena's heart pounded loudly in her chest.
She slowly reached her hand toward the door.
Just as her fingers touched the handle—
The breathing stopped.
And a shadow suddenly moved behind the door.
Elena froze.
Someone… or something… was standing on the other side.
To be continued… 👁️📖