Whispers in the Dark

A Map to the Forbidden

Back at the Pikeswood Historical Archives, the scent of old books embraced Greta like a familiar, comforting blanket. Penn and Emma followed closely behind, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous room.

"This place gives me the creeps," Penn muttered, shivering despite the warmth of the evening.

Greta chuckled softly. "You've always been afraid of libraries, Penn. But don't worry, we're here for a reason."

Penn ran a hand through his unruly hair, a nervous habit he hadn't quite outgrown since their school days. "So, what's the plan, Greta?"

Greta pulled out a worn leather-bound journal from the nearest shelf, its pages yellowed with age. "We start by searching through these old maps and documents. There must be something here that can lead us to the mansion."

The trio spread out, each pouring over different sections of the library in search of clues. Greta's heart raced with anticipation, her mind buzzing with the possibility of uncovering long-buried secrets. As they searched the library, Penn and Emma found themselves standing near a stack of dusty volumes, their fingers tracing along the spines as they exchanged quiet words.

Emma hesitated, her gaze flickering to the shadows that danced along the edges of the room. "Do you wonder if we're getting in over our heads, Penn?"

Penn paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "We might be. But then I think of why we're doing this. Greta needs us, and we can't let her face this alone."

Emma nodded, her expression softening. "You're right. Greta and I have come this far together, and we can't turn back now."

Penn smiled, a faint glimmer of determination shining in his eyes. "Exactly. And now I've joined the club. We're sticking together, no matter what."

Emma smiled.

Minutes turned into hours as they sifted through dusty tomes and faded parchment, their determination unyielding. Finally, Greta's fingers brushed against something unexpected - a map tucked away in the back of a forgotten volume.

"I think I found something," she called out, her voice trembling with excitement.

Penn and Emma rushed to her side, their eyes widening in disbelief as they examined the ancient map. It depicted the outskirts of Pikeswood, with a faded trail leading deep into the heart of the forbidding forest.

"This trail," Penn murmured, tracing a finger along its winding path. "Do you think it leads straight to the mansion."

Greta and Emma share a worrying glance.

"Where else would it lead to?" Emma says.

Greta's heart pounded in her chest as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. "We need to follow this trail, no matter what dangers may lie ahead."

Penn and Emma exchanged a nervous glance, but their resolve was unwavering. Together, they would uncover the truth behind Pikeswood's dark secrets, even if it meant facing their deepest fears.

Penn, now visibly sweating from nervousness, "Screw it, let's do it!" as Greta and Emma nod in silent approval.

"But, on one condition." Penn starts "we have to go during the day!" causing Greta and Emma to chuckle ever so nervously.