Whispers of Serpent's Manor

A deafening clamour echoed through the ominous hallway as the family scurried about, capturing Josephine’s full attention. Her ghostly figure materialised, and she gracefully descended the spiral staircase. Unchanged after a century, her hair was neatly braided, adding a touch of elegance to her spectral appearance. Her eyes, like smouldering embers, reflected her no-nonsense demeanour as she observed the unfolding scene. Coby darted in and out of the expansive doorway, loading suitcases into the old Volvo. “Gracie, Ewan!” he exclaimed urgently. “We need to leave, now!” Josephine’s curious eyes scanned the area, searching for something. “Coming!” Gracie called out from the kitchen. With a sense of urgency, Josephine glided across the hallway, the icy touch of the marble floors beneath her ethereal form, and entered the kitchen. Gracie swiftly prepared sandwiches, placing them into a plastic container. Her movements were quick and determined. Confusion washed over Josephine’s ethereal face as she gracefully glided down the dimly lit corridor and stepped into Ewan’s bedroom. Janie’s barks filled the room in alarm as she caught sight of the ghostly figure, seeking refuge under the bed as her whimpers slowly faded away. Meanwhile, the young boy, with his fiery red hair, frantically searched his room, tossing belongings in his search. “Ewan!” Coby’s frustrated voice echoed from the hallway. With her supernatural powers at her disposal, Josephine concocted a clever plan, remembering precisely where he had left his catapult. Ewan felt a sudden gust of wind, knocking over his lamp. Shadows danced wildly on the walls as Josephine whispered in his ear, guiding his frantic search. Coby’s voice grew more urgent, his footsteps pounding closer. Time was running out. Josephine’s eyes blazed with determination as she forcefully pounded on the door of the old wardrobe in the corner. Ewan’s eyes widened in recognition as he yanked open the doors, emitting an eerie creak. Camouflaged among moth-eaten clothes, his treasured catapult caught his eye, and he couldn’t resist slinging it around his neck. Josephine vanished, her presence fading into thin air. With newfound purpose, Ewan sprinted towards the hallway, joining Gracie and Coby, who were waiting anxiously by the car. “Sorry, dad!” Ewan exclaimed with mischief gleaming in his eyes, as Coby slammed the tailgate shut. Although Coby was not yet married to the boy’s mother, he cherished the sound of being called dad. He interpreted it as a prompt from the young lad, a subtle nudge for him to consider marrying his mom. Recognition flashed in his eyes as he anxiously contemplated whether he had remembered to pack the engagement ring. And then relief washed over him as he recalled where he had concealed it. With a sigh of relief, Coby reminded them, “We need to reach the Serpent’s Manor before sunset - and that means enduring a lengthy drive.” Ewan, completely engrossed in his mobile screen, absentmindedly sank into the plush back seat. Gracie stood at the driver’s door, her eyes narrowing with a fierce glare, as Coby prepared to jump into the car. “Oops, my mistake,” Coby admitted, realising his forgetfulness, and quickly made his way around the car to hold the door open for her. “That’s better,” Gracie whispered. She wrapped her arms around Coby, giving him a warm hug and a tender kiss, before climbing into the car. “Look after my house, dog, and yourself,” Coby said to his ex, Elaine, who stood on the expansive veranda, feeling the warmth of the morning sun on her face. “You have nothing to worry about,” Elaine reassured, her gentle grip on Janie’s collar matching the excited wagging of her tail. The engine roared to life as they sped away from the foreboding manor. Coby’s heart pounded in his chest as they zoomed down the steep driveway, stealing quick glances at his watch; his mind filled with a sense of urgency. Elaine waved a cheerful goodbye, unaware of the ghostly figure of Josephine standing right next to her, softly blowing kisses. Coby caught a glimpse of Elaine in the rearview mirror, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. As the golden hues of the setting sun caressed the horizon, Coby and his family embarked on their journey, their hearts pulsating with a blend of anticipation and unease. The path through the dense fog resembled an alternate realm, where shapes and shadows transformed into ethereal remnants of the past. Through the relentless rainstorms and swirling mist, they pressed forward, occasionally finding solace in brief interludes when the fading sunrays pierced through the oppressive, dark clouds. The rhythmic hum of the engine reverberated like a soothing lullaby, gently coaxing its passengers into a tranquil slumber. Coby glanced in the rearview mirror, catching sight of Ewan, who had succumbed to a profound slumber, sprawled across the backseat. The tendrils of his earphone cables dangled delicately from his ears. A fleeting glance revealed Gracie beside him, also lost in dreams, a serene smile gracing her countenance. Her hands tenderly cradled her blossoming belly, concealed beneath the confines of her snugly wrapped dress. A contented smile adorned Coby’s face as memories of their intimate moments danced through his mind. With Ewan now settled in boarding school, they had indulged in many “loving moments,” as Gracie had affectionately called their passionate encounters. Together, they had discovered a newfound passion for exploring the forgotten chambers of their grand estate. Gracie would dress herself in alluring garments, captivating Coby with her enchanting melodies resonating from the grand piano. While the sensuous notes caressed his ears, her mischievous gaze would steal glances at him, brimming with playful intent. Gracefully, she would entwine her fingers with his, leading him down uncharted corridors and into unexplored rooms. In those private sanctuaries, her dress would gracefully cascade from her lithe figure, pooling delicately at her feet. The echoes of her cries and moans reverberated in his mind, blending with the distant hum of the car engine. Suddenly, the piercing clamour of barking dogs shattered Coby’s lustful reverie. Gradually, the world around him snapped into focus. Just a short distance ahead, a flock of sheep leisurely ambled across the road. Shock surged through him, causing him to slam on the brakes, the tires screeching in protest. As the sudden stop abruptly woke them up, the barrage of insults from Gracie and Ewan bombarded Coby’s ears, causing him to wince. “Sorry,” Coby muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. Sheepdogs skilfully guided the sheep, aligning them into an orderly procession, their rhythmic movements accompanied by the sharp trill of a sheepherder’s whistle. Tipping his hat, the sheepherder bestowed a suggestive smile upon Gracie. As the echoes of the sheep’s gentle baas faded into the distance, Coby swiftly accelerated, propelling the car forward like a projectile. The sheepherder unleashed a barrage of insults, but Coby disregarded the outcries, consumed by a torrent of fury coursing through his veins. “Is there a hint of jealousy in the air?” Gracie cooed, her voice as gentle as a lullaby, the soft melody floating through the car. “I’m in a wee hurry,” Coby retorted, frustration lacing his words, his voice carrying a faint edge. But Gracie knew better, and she lightly rested her hand on his leg, her touch comforting and warm. “Dad,” Ewan urged from behind, his voice tinged with urgency, “I need to take a piss.” “Ewan!” Gracie exclaimed, her voice sharp, causing both men to startle. “We say bathroom or loo, remember? It’s not polite to say piss.” “Sorry mum, dad,” Ewan mumbled, his face turning crimson, and his shoulders slumping in embarrassment.