The Haunting of his Shadow

Chapter 4: The Secrets in the Walls

Lena couldn't get rid of the unsettling impression that the house was attempting to inform her something, as if there was a secret hiding beneath the surface. Though the note in her pocket felt weighty, the mysterious words "You aren't safe, Lena" kept repeating in her thoughts. "Leave while you can."

Since that experience with the image, she had not talked to Damien. With each hour that went by, the tension between them became heavier and heavier like a heavy cloud. Reverting to the shadows, Damien dodged her inquiries concerning the woman shown in the painting, the mansion, and his peculiar familiarity with both.

Later that day, Lena searched for a diversion by poring over some ancient volumes in the library. The bookshelves, full of worn books, had tales that had been lost over time. However, there was also a disquieting quality to this space, as if the walls themselves concealed unpublished tales. Since moving in, she had stayed away from this room because it felt off to her, like though the atmosphere was too still and too thick.

Her mind returned to the closed chamber above as she leafed over each page of a very ancient book. Whom was the woman depicted in the artwork? And how was she known to Damien? The feeling was of a physical connection that was just out of grasp, like a shadow dancing on the brink of her mind.

Then a slip of paper flew out from among the pages as she flipped another fragile page. Its edges were ragged and frayed, and the handwriting on it was jagged and pointed, not like it belonged in the book. When Lena brought the paper closer to read, her hands began to shake.

The home is recollective. The secrets you've tried to hide are kept behind the walls. Lena, exercise caution. It's not you first. You are not the last one. — A.S.

Another letter.

Lena felt her heartbeat quicken and her mind filled with inquiries. How were these letters of correspondence coming into the hands of A.S., and who was she? With a start, the chair squeaking on the wooden floor, she got up and rushed to the hallway. It felt like the very atmosphere was bearing down on her now, the mansion feeling colder.

Breathing heavily in spurts, she raced up the huge staircase and made her way to the closed room. What was behind that door, she had to know. But as soon as she got there, she came to a stop, her hand stuck on the doorknob.

The home recalls.

Lena looked around, as though the walls were watching. She twisted the handle, but it remained in place just as it had previously. She felt a wave of frustration come over her. In desperation, she hammered on the door, her knuckles aching from the aged wood.

Out of nowhere, there was a voice behind her.

"What you're looking for won't be in there."

Startled, Lena turned around. At the very end of the hallway stood Mrs. Morgan, her eyes unfathomable and dark, her face engraved with wisdom and age.

Lena murmured, "Mrs. Morgan," and moved away from the door. "Can you tell me anything about this room? Why is it secured?

With cautious and patient strides, Mrs. Morgan walked closer. "Child, there are items in the house that you should leave alone. For those who delve too far, their past has a way of haunting them.

Lena scowled. "I'm not attempting to delve into the history. All I want to know is what's happening. A.S. is who? And what connection does it make to Gabriel? Along with me?"

Although Mrs. Morgan's countenance softened, sadness was still visible in her eyes. "Lena, the mansion has a long memory." It has witnessed a great deal, both terrible and dark. However, I'm not in a position to tell you everything. Some things, you have to find out for yourself.

Lena's annoyance flared up once more. "I have discovered letters. I'm being warned and told to leave by someone. Is the home the problem? Are you the one?

The housekeeper gave a slow shake of her head. It's not me. But in a strange way, maybe it is the house. The walls can speak occasionally if you pay close enough attention.

A shiver went down Lena's spine. "What is Gabriel's involvement in this matter?" she questioned, her voice wavering. "He claimed to have known the woman depicted in the painting. Who was she?"

Mrs. Morgan became stern-faced. "Lena, exercise caution. It's not who Gabriel looks to be.

Her comments made Lena's heart sink. The way Gabriel had slithered into her life, endearing but dangerous, was something she had known from the start. However, she felt more and more confined the more she attempted to separate his presence from the mansion.

Lena said in a whisper, "I need answers." Without knowing the truth, "I can't keep living in this... this nightmare."

With a heavy sigh, Mrs. Morgan's thin hands quivered a little. Then, kid, you have to confront the reality. But be aware that there is no going back once you open the door.

Lena remained silent while Mrs. Morgan walked around and out of sight down the corridor. The house hummed about her, as though anticipating her next step. Lena slowly pulled out the letter and read the contents one more.

"The home is recollective. The secrets you've tried to hide are kept behind the walls."

Lena was desperate to uncover whatever it was that was hidden here.

Lena finds herself waiting outside Damien's room later that night. She needed to face him. He was concealing more information than he really was about the house, the woman in the picture, and now these letters.

When she banged on the door, it nearly instantly flew open. With a face that betrayed his expectation of her, Damien stood there.

Despite the nerves shooting through her, Lena murmured, "We need to talk." Regarding the letters. Concerning the female subject depicted in the artwork. I must discover the reality.

Lena stated, "We need to talk," her voice solid despite the nerves she was feeling. Concerning the letters. about the female subject of the painting. I must be aware of the reality.

Leaning against the doorframe, Damien fixed his gaze on hers. "Lena, you're not prepared for the truth. Not quite yet.

Anger surged through Lena's body. "I'm stuck with no option. The home is acting on its own. It is revealing things to me, and I must comprehend why.

Damien's eyes became gloomy. "You might not like what you find if you dig too deep."

Lena stepped forward, determination setting in. Tell me. Who is she?

For an extended period, Damien remained mute, his eyes flickering with an unintelligible meaning. At last, he uttered a low, menacing voice.