The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 6: Specter's silent cry

A new day, new news.

Di Flores Manor found its new owners in the Rivera family, who made the bold decision to make Ravenwood their home. Despite the mansion's need for extensive renovation, the family fell in love with the house's charm and history.

But it's not as easy as it seems. The family managed to live here for only a few days. Yet, it was the haunting cries of a girl that shattered their illusion of opulence.

Each night, the agonizing wails echoed through the mansion, leading the Riveras on a fruitless quest to unveil the source of the spectral lament. In the cold darkness, they combed through empty rooms, their breaths suspended in fear. Doors creaked open of their own accord, and the air hung heavy with the unspoken.

Convinced that an otherworldly presence gripped the mansion in its spectral clutches, the Riveras, hearts pounding, made a chilling decision. They abandoned the ornate halls, leaving behind the enigma that lurked in the mansion's depths. Fear etched into their minds, they sought refuge in the shroud of Ravenwood, never daring to glance back at the mansion that concealed its nocturnal secrets.

I just have to meet the Riveras. They must know something.

***
"Liandra, have you heard the news?" grandma Millie was quite nervous.

"We have news every day recently. What exactly do you want to talk about?"

"Um... Well, it seems like you don't get bored in Ravenwood. It is about that mansion you almost inherited..." and she told me.

Determined to sever ties with the haunted estate, the Riveras placed it on the market, hoping to wash their hands of its spectral secrets. Yet, the once-pristine manor had become a pariah in the real estate realm.

Word of its haunting spread like a ghostly rumor, rendering the grandeur tainted with an otherworldly aura. Prospective buyers, lured by opulence, recoiled at the mere mention of Do Flores Manor. The halls, once adorned with splendor, now echoed with the ghostly cries that had driven the Riveras away.

As the days wore on, the 'For Sale' sign lingered, a stark reminder of the unsolved mysteries that clung to the mansion. The Riveras, trapped between the desire to sever ties and the haunting stigma, watched as the once-desirable property transformed into a forsaken relic, a testament to the ethereal affliction that had befallen it. The manor, now notorious, stood as a chilling monument to the inexplicable, unsold and untouched by those wary of the unseen forces.

***
As I idly scrolled through the news on my smartphone in the evening, my attention wavered, and I began to question the necessity of keeping up with the endless stream of updates. In a town as serene as Ravenwood, noteworthy events were rare, and I had become accustomed to the soothing monotony of life here. But not now.

Yet, amidst the humdrum of mundane headlines, my gaze was suddenly arrested by an article that leapt out at me. My thumb hesitated over the screen for just a moment longer than usual, and then I tapped to read further.

Sudden Deaths in Ravenwood Spark Fears of the Supernatural

By Sandra Montgomery, Ravenwood Gazette

A sudden wave of eerie and unexplained deaths has gripped the tranquil town of Ravenwood, leaving the community in a state of shock and disbelief. In the past twenty-four hours, several people have met untimely ends under mysterious circumstances that have raised disturbing questions about the safety and well-being of this otherwise peaceful community.

Eyewitnesses report an overwhelming presence of fear that seemingly engulfed the unfortunate victims. A prevailing theory points toward an encounter with the supernatural, as some bystanders claim to have seen spectral apparitions in the moments preceding the victims' demise. The nature of these ghostly apparitions remains a subject of intense speculation and debate among the townsfolk.

Law enforcement officials have swiftly moved to investigate the cause of these perplexing deaths. While some suspect a criminal element at play, others are open to the possibility that these recent events may indeed involve otherworldly forces. Police sources have confirmed that they are leaving no stone unturned and are examining every lead, including the paranormal.

Residents are apprehensive, and tension is palpable throughout the town. Ravenwood's close-knit community has rallied together, some demanding answers and others expressing fear that they may be the next victims of these unexplained tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. Are these events truly the work of restless spirits, or is there a darker and more human element at play? One thing is for sure: Ravenwood is a town on edge, with many fearing that the supernatural has breached the barriers of their peaceful existence.

I simply turned off my smartphone, breathing heavily. There will be more victims, more deaths.