"Dust-laden whispers danced in the moonlight, secrets slumbering within the walls. The mansion awaited, a siren song of forbidden knowledge."
No POV.
"Why don't we check it out?" Ember exclaimed, her mischievous grin lighting up her face.
"No way. My parents think I'm at a cafe, remember? They'll get suspicious. No shoe gets this icky at a cafe!" Violet protested, wiggling her heels.
Undeterred, Ember unzipped her ember green sling bag and pulled out a pair of Converse, tossing them towards Violet, who barely managed to catch both shoes. "Are they even my size?" Violet asked, examining the shoes.
"No, but wear them if you don't want to get caught," the younger girl replied. Despite the mismatched size, Violet slipped on her friend's shoes. The risk of her parents finding out about their secret adventure was too great.
"So, are we going?" Ember asked once more, her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.
"I don't know... it's getting late. We should probably head home soon," Lucy hesitated, glancing at her wristwatch.
"Oh, come on! I really, really want to see!" Ember pleaded, clinging onto Lucy's arm like an excited child and giving her the most irresistible puppy eyes.
"Fine!" Lucy finally relented, unable to resist Ember's constant and adorable whining. Meanwhile, Wren, Evelyn, Zane, and Caspian were already completely captivated by Ember's infectious enthusiasm.
Ember squealed 'Yay,' her voice a little high pitched, while Zane couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.
The group proceeded towards the mansion, blissfully unaware of the impending consequences that awaited them. Step by step, they ventured deeper into the unknown, until Violet's keen eyes caught sight of something peculiar about the place. "Is that fog?" She questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty.
Caspian, too, noticed the thick mist enveloping the mansion and voiced his concern. "Why is it so misty?" he pondered aloud. Alder chimed in, confirming their suspicion. "There was no fog when we first laid eyes on it." Indeed, from a distance, no trace of fog could be discerned. Yet now, an eerie mist shrouded the entire vicinity.
To their surprise, the moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon the scene. Dead plants lay at the doorstep, their pots shattered and scattered across the ground. The air felt tainted, causing Caspian to cough involuntarily with each breath. A carpet of withered leaves blanketed the area, a testament to its long abandonment. Despite its aged appearance, the house stood sturdy, its structure intact, albeit in dire need of a thorough cleaning.
Led by Ember, the group approached the doorstep. Just as Ember reached out to twist the doorknob, Caspian interjected, his voice laced with caution. "Woah, shouldn't you knock first?" Ember responded with an eye roll and a chuckle. "As if anyone would answer," She retorted, before turning the rusty, dust-covered knob. With a click, the door swung open, emitting a spine-chilling creak.
"Damn, who would leave a place like this?" Alder muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the desolate surroundings, as if searching for answers in the shadows.
The room was filled with cobwebs, insects, and a thick layer of dust. A solitary chandelier hung in the centre, casting eerie shadows as a few spiders scurried out, causing some to recoil in disgust. Their cautious footsteps left faint trails as they ventured further into the mysterious space. Lucy switched on her flashlight, illuminating the corners of the room, revealing its hidden secrets. The windows were tinted and blurred, adding to the sense of secrecy that permeated the air. An unfamiliar scent lingered, sending a surge of adrenaline through their veins. Despite the neglect, the mansion exuded an air of opulence. The furniture, including the well-preserved couches, and a bookshelf tucked away in the left corner, spoke of a bygone era. The group treaded carefully, mindful not to disturb anything that might bring about regret.
