Secrets of Blackwater Bay

walls weathered by the salty sea air and the passage of time. It stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean, which stretched out behind it like a vast, unwelcoming expanse. The wind howled acro

, coated in dust and grime. The manor exuded an air of neglect, a coldness that had nothing to do with the brisk autumn breeze. She hadn't expect

e glanced up at the highest window, where the curtains

m her thoughts. "You sure this is the right place, miss?" he as

hake the unease creeping into her

reath, and hurried back into the car. With a brief wave, he drove off down the long, winding road that led bac

runched over the gravel path, she tried to push away the strange sensation creeping over her skin, as though something-or

ld woman had been reclusive for years, but her death had sparked a lot of whispered rumors. No one had known her well, least of

r groaned as it swung open, revealing a dark, cavernous hallway beyond. Dust particles danced i

, waiting for someone to return. She set her bags down by the entrance, her eyes adjusting to the gloom as she took in the grand foyer. The ceiling soared above her, adorned with i

her, filling her mind with questions she had no answers to. Why had her grandmother lived here all alone? And why had she l

the distant crash of waves against the cliffs below. But there was something else-a sense of anticipation, a

raped in white cloths. The fire had long since gone cold in the hearth, but above it, an enormous portrait of her grandmother stared down at her,

e painted eyes seemed to

round her. Despite the dust, the furniture beneath the coverings looked elegant, untouched

s surface, there was an envelope, yellowed with age. Her name was written on it

mbled slightly as she tore it open. Inside was a single sheet of pap

areful what you seek. The

ooking for more, but there was nothing else. No explan

ul what

her meant by that? Did she know something Emma didn't? Had

like footsteps above her. Emma froze, her eyes darting to the ceiling. She held her breath, waiting

ned. She was sup

her own mind. The creaking persisted for a moment longer before fading into silence. Emma ex

You're just

ss closer, the air around her thickening with tension. She needed to get out of this room, aw

the second floor where the sound had come from. The corridor above was dark, the shadows long and menacing. Every instinct sc

and the familiar creaks of the old house seemed to follow her with every step. When she reached the top, she paused, surveying

d those foots

darted from one door to the next, her breath shallow as she strained to hear any sign of movement. She ap

ck, her heart slamming against her ribs. She stared down the hallway, her body rigid with fear

She could go back downstairs, lock the doors, and call for help. But some

he thudding noise didn't come again, but the tension in the air remained thick, alm

gling to adjust to the shadows. The smell of dust and decay hit her like a wave, making her gag. She fumbled for the

per-so soft, she almost th

ma.

voice was faint, barely

ma.

seemed to move, shifting around her like living things. She turned on her heel and bolted from the room

lock, her fingers trembling as she yanked the door open and stumbled outside. The wind hi

spinning with disbelief. Had she imagined it? Was the house playi

alls of Blackthorn Manor wer