Following the chilling success of their first collection, Lady Eckland, Glenn Riley, and new collaborator, Bella Darkwood return to guide you through the shadowy corridors of fear with their second compendium, *Whispers In The Dark 2*. These master...
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Kaifeng, China, 1126 AD Song Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Qinzong
Night blanketed the palace, the glow of lanterns clawing back the encroaching shadows. Under their cold flicker, two men kept a silent vigil in an antechamber just beyond the arched entrance to the imperial bedchamber.
Captain Wu stood with arms folded, feet planted wide. Though still a young man, responsibility had etched lines at the corners of eyes that belied his thirty years. Beside him stood Elder Ma, Royal Alchemist and Lorekeeper, white beard wispy, shoulders bowed by the weight of eighty summers.
Sudden cries pierced the darkness - the keening wails of a woman locked in torment, echoing from within the bedchamber walls. Captain Wu tensed, hand moving to sword hilt.
Elder Ma placed a restraining hand on his arm. “There is nothing to be done. Let it pass.”
The cries faded as swiftly as they arose. Captain Wu grit his teeth. “How can this continue? The Emperor must be told.”
“And tell him what?” Elder Ma arched an eyebrow. “That his beloved Imperial Consort is not what she seems?”
Captain Wu turned on the old man. “So you insist she is a demon, yet stand idly by?”
“I did not say demon.” Elder Ma held up a placating hand once more. “I have merely noted certain...peculiarities regarding the Lady Huang. Such things require further investigation before bothering His Majesty.”
“Peculiarities?” Captain Wu scoffed. “Unnatural wailing in the night. Sudden illnesses befalling those who anger her. Whispers at court speak of far worse.”
Elder Ma smiled thinly. “One expects gossip to fly about the halls regarding a newest arrival to the Imperial Harem, especially one of such mystery.”
It was true. Lady Huang’s unexpected appearance in court three months prior had sparked endless speculation. Of seemingly humble origin, she possessed uncommon beauty and wit, immediately entrancing the Emperor during a provincial tour. He had made her First Consort within a fortnight of returning to the palace, heedless of tradition dictating years of service before a concubine could gain such status.
For Elder Ma, Lady Huang’s sudden good fortune was only the first in a string of curiosities surrounding her. But proving unwholesome forces at work within the heart of the palace would not be simple. Thus he tempered the impatience of youth with the caution of age.
Before Captain Wu could retort, faint scratching drifted from an adjoining chamber. He turned, hand once more hovering over his sword. “There should be no one else near these private rooms. Stay here, Elder. I will search for intruders.”
Elder Ma nodded reluctantly. As Captain Wu stalked toward the adjacent chamber, he stole back inside the bedchamber, moving to the bed’s elaborately carved headboard.
