Haunting Passion

Chapter 2

The rusty gates groaned in protest as Samantha pushed them open and slipped through onto the overgrown grounds of Ravenwood Manor. Thorny vines and unkempt rosebushes reached out to snag her skirt as she carefully made her way up the winding cobblestone path.

A full moon was rising, casting an ethereal glow across the once-splendid home. Gargoyle statues lined the roof, their snarling faces leering down at her. She shivered, the cool night air raising bumps along her exposed arms and legs.

Her eyes were drawn to the large oak doors as she stepped up onto the covered portico. Hesitantly, she reached out and grasped the heavy iron knocker, letting it fall against the wood with a hollow thud.

For several moments, there was only eerie silence. Then, just as she was considering knocking again, the doors creaked open. Barely stifling a gasp, Samantha took a step backwards.

"H-hello?" she called out tentatively. "Is someone there?"

No response. She craned her neck, trying to peek through the murky darkness that seemed to cling to the interior of the manor like a living presence.

"My car broke down just outside," she said, raising her voice. "I was hoping I could please use your phone to call for help?"

Only the haunting hoot of an owl replied. Gnawing her lower lip nervously, Samantha made a decision. If no one was home, surely it would be okay to wait inside until her phone regained a signal or her roadside assistance arrived.

Steeling her nerves, she crossed the threshold and stepped into the abandoned mansion.