★ＨＡＵＮＴＥＤ ＭＡＮＳＩＯＮ★

★06

The drive to the mansion was filled with a mix of chatter and nervous anticipation. As they pulled up, the imposing structure loomed before them, its shadow stretching across the yard. It was more magnificent—and intimidating—than any of them had imagined. The ivy-covered walls seemed to whisper secrets, and the windows, dark and foreboding, felt like eyes watching their every move.

"Wow," Tayla breathed, stepping out of the car. "This place is something else."

"Something else indeed," Jaxon replied, a hint of awe in his voice.

Kai was already making his way toward the front door, his excitement palpable. "Let's see if it really is haunted!"

Amber hesitated at the bottom of the steps, glancing back at the car. "I can't believe we're actually doing this."

Tayla placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We've got this. It's just a house, right?"

As they approached the entrance, the old door creaked open at Jaxon's push, revealing a dimly lit foyer filled with dust motes dancing in the sunlight. The air was thick with history, and Tayla felt a shiver run down her spine, both from the chill and the thrill of stepping into the unknown.

"Welcome to our new home," she whispered to herself, her heart racing with possibilities.

But just as the excitement began to swell, Jaxon's voice broke through, laced with annoyance. "But we can only move in tomorrow. What bullshit is this?"

Tayla exchanged a glance with the others. Kai shrugged, unfazed. "Guess we'll have to make a real haunted mansion adventure out of it then."

Amber rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Great. First, we have to survive one night here."

"Exactly! It'll be like a horror movie where we spend the night in a creepy old house," Kai said, grinning.

Tayla took a deep breath, looking around the vast foyer. "Come on, guys! Let's at least explore a bit while we're here. Tomorrow, we'll make it ours."

Jaxon sighed but nodded. "Fine. But if I hear a ghost whispering my name, I'm out."