★ＨＡＵＮＴＥＤ ＭＡＮＳＩＯＮ★

★53

Jaxon's gaze was drawn back to the portrait hanging on the wall, his stomach twisting with unease. **"So that's why the mother has no eyes,"** he murmured, the realization sinking in. **"And the daughter has that... unsettling frown, and the dad has no head."** Amber stepped closer, examining the painting as if it might offer some answers. **"It's like they're all trapped in their expressions,"** she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. **"What if that's how they died? What if their souls are tied to this house because of that?"** Tayla felt a chill run down her spine, the implications of their words weighing heavily on her. **"Maybe that's why we keep hearing things. They want us to know what happened to them."** Jaxon shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought. **"I don't want to think about that. But it makes sense. If they died in such horrible ways, their spirits would have unfinished business. They might be trapped here."** Amber glanced at Jaxon, her brow furrowing in concern. **"What if we're just inviting trouble by digging into this? We need to tread carefully."** Tayla stepped back from the portrait, feeling a sudden urge to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the basement. **"Let's focus on finding out more about the family without bringing their energy into our lives. We need to stay safe."** Jaxon crossed his arms, determination set in his jaw. **"We can't just ignore this. If we're living here, we have to know what we're up against. Maybe there's a way to help them, to put their spirits to rest."** Amber sighed, the weight of their situation pressing down on her. **"Fine, but we need to keep things light. If this place is as haunted as it seems, I don't want to wake up to anything creepy tonight."** **"Agreed,"** Tayla said, trying to lighten the mood. **"Let's look for more clues, but we'll do it together. No splitting up."** As they stood in the dim basement, the chilling presence of the Pittsburgh family loomed over them. But united in their resolve, they began their search, determined to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the walls of their new home.