The Mansion That Called My Name

Chapter 1: The Whisper

I had never met Aerin in person before.

We only talked online for a few weeks. He said I seemed “interesting” and different from others. When he invited me to his family’s house for the holidays, I didn’t know what to say. I was surprised. Maybe even scared.

But I said yes.

Now, I’m standing in front of the biggest mansion I’ve ever seen.

It’s old—really old. The walls are covered in vines. The windows are tall and thin, like eyes watching me. The sky is cloudy, and cold wind blows my hair into my face.

Then, I hear it.

A soft whisper. Right near my ear.

“Lyra…”

I turn around quickly. But no one is there.

My heart beats faster.

That whisper… it said my name.

I walk slowly to the front gate. It opens by itself with a loud creak. I step inside, even though every part of me is screaming to leave.

At the front door, Aerin waits. He smiles. He looks even more handsome than in his pictures—silver eyes, black coat, and snow in his dark hair.

“You made it,” he says.

I smile, though my hands are shaking. “Yeah. I did.”

Inside the mansion, it smells like old books, firewood, and something sweet I can’t name. There’s a fireplace in every room. Paintings of people I don’t know line the halls. Their eyes seem to follow me.

Aerin shows me my room. It’s warm, with a big bed and a window that looks over the forest. I try to relax. But something still feels wrong.

At dinner, I meet his family.

His father is quiet. His mother watches me without blinking. His little sister sits beside me—but never speaks. She just stares.

I try to eat. But I keep hearing it.

That whisper again.

“Lyra…”

No one else hears it. Only me.

After dinner, Aerin tells me, “You can explore the house. But don’t go near the red door at the end of the hallway. Promise me.”

“Why?” I ask.

“It’s just… old family stuff,” he says. “Some doors should stay closed.”

But I’m curious. I always have been.

That night, while everyone sleeps, I walk down the hallway. My footsteps echo on the wooden floor. The house feels colder. Quieter.