Chapter 2
A quiet road leading to the outskirts of town, surrounded by mist-covered forests. Adira sits in her car, staring at the imposing Solace Estate in the distance. The mansion looms against the cloudy sky, its cracked windows and weathered walls exuding an eerie charm.
Adira (FL)
(to herself) What have I gotten myself into? Grandma, why would you leave this to me of all people?
Her phone buzzes on the passenger seat. It’s a call from her best friend, Maya.
Maya (FL friend )
(on the phone) Hey, are you there yet?
Adira (FL)
(sighs) Yeah, I just pulled up. It’s… massive. And creepy.
Maya (FL friend )
(laughing) Sounds like your kind of place. Isn’t this what you’ve been wanting? Some peace and quiet to work on your art?
Adira (FL)
Peace, sure. But this? It’s like walking into a horror movie. I half expect something to jump out at me.
Maya (FL friend )
(teasing) Maybe a handsome ghost? You could use some romantic excitement after that breakup.
Adira (FL)
(rolling her eyes) Not funny, Maya. Anyway, I’ll call you later once I settle in.
Maya (FL friend )
Alright, just… be careful, okay? And call me if anything weird happens.
Adira hangs up and steps out of the car. The air is damp, and the scent of moss and earth lingers. She grabs her bags and cautiously approaches the mansion.
Inside the Solace Estate, the air is cool and still. Dust motes dance in the faint light streaming through cracked windows. Adira stands in the grand foyer, taking in the peeling wallpaper, faded portraits, and creaky wooden floors.
Adira (FL)
(murmuring) Definitely not the cozy cottage I was hoping for.
She sets her bags down and walks toward the staircase. A portrait catches her eye—a stern-looking man in 19th-century attire.
Adira (FL)
(to herself) Guess you’re the original owner. Nice to meet you… whoever you are.
As she moves to explore further, a floorboard creaks loudly under her foot. She jumps, her heart racing.
Adira (FL)
(nervously laughing) Get a grip, Adira. It’s just an old house.
Later that evening, Adira unpacks her things in what appears to be the master bedroom. The room is surprisingly intact, with a large four-poster bed and an ornate mirror on the dresser. She sets up her easel near the window, gazing out at the forest beyond.
Adira (FL)
(to herself) Maybe this place isn’t so bad. A little eerie, but… it has character.
She begins sketching the view, her pencil gliding across the paper. Hours pass, and the house grows darker as the sun sets. A soft rustling sound comes from the hallway.
Adira (FL)
(pausing) Mice, probably. Or the wind.
The rustling grows louder, followed by faint whispers that seem to echo through the walls.
Adira freezes, her pencil slipping from her hand. She looks around, her breath quickening.
Adira (FL)
(whispering) Is someone there?
Silence. She stands and walks to the door, peeking into the dimly lit hallway. Nothing. The whispers stop, leaving only the sound of her own breathing.
Adira (FL)
(to herself) Okay, great. Now I’m officially spooked.
She shuts the door firmly and leans against it, trying to calm her nerves.
Adira returning to her easel. As she looks at her sketch, she notices something strange. The paper now shows not the forest, but the outline of a man standing in the shadows of the trees.
Adira (FL)
(whispering) I didn’t draw this...
As her confused expression as the faint sound of footsteps echoes from somewhere in the mansion.
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