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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Chapter 1
The Invitation
Glenn Riley stared at the embossed invitation in his weathered hands, a wry smile playing at the corners of his mouth. At forty-nine, he thought he'd seen it all in the world of horror—both on the page and off. But this? This was something new.
"You gonna open it or just admire the calligraphy?" Bella Darkwood quipped from across the room, her combat boots propped up on the antique desk, much to Glenn's chagrin. At nineteen, the rebellious literature student had already made a name for herself in the horror community with her twisted, boundary-pushing stories.
Glenn shot her a look before carefully breaking the wax seal, revealing the elegant script within:
"My Dearest Glenn and Bella,
It is with great pleasure that I extend to you an invitation to my secluded estate for a gathering of the most extraordinary nature. As fellow purveyors of the macabre, I believe you will find this experience both enlightening and utterly unforgettable.
I eagerly await your arrival on the eve of the new moon.
Yours in Darkness, Lady Eckland"
Bella let out a low whistle. "Well, that's not cryptic at all. What do you think the old bird has up her sleeve this time?"
Glenn furrowed his brow. "I'm not sure, but knowing Lady Eckland, it's bound to be something... unusual."
They had both previously collaborated with the enigmatic Lady Eckland on her chilling anthologies "Whispers In The Dark 1 and 2" and "Monstrum: Echoes Of Terror," but had never met the reclusive author in person.
"Guess there's only one way to find out," Bella grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "When do we leave?"
Chapter 2
The Arrival
The sprawling Victorian mansion loomed before them, silhouetted against the moonless sky. Glenn and Bella exchanged a glance as they approached the ornate front door, the flickering light from the gas lamps casting eerie shadows across their faces.
Before they could knock, the door swung open, revealing a tall, slender woman draped in a velvet gown the color of midnight. Her raven hair was swept up in an elaborate updo, accentuating her sharp, angular features and piercing green eyes.
"Glenn, Bella," she purred, her voice like silk. "Welcome to Eckland Manor. I'm so delighted you could join me."
"Lady Eckland," Glenn nodded, extending his hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person."
The lady of the house graced him with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "The honor is all mine, my dear. Please, do come in."
As they stepped across the threshold, Bella couldn't shake the feeling that they were crossing into another world entirely—one where the lines between reality and fiction were blurred beyond recognition.
