Kissed by a shadow

Chapter Four (The Reflection that Lie)

Adjusting the silver pendant around my neck, I stood in the dimly lighted hallway of the estate in front of the huge mirror. The amulet was a new find that had become my frequent companion because of its comfortable and enigmatic ornate design.

I noticed something strange while I was smoothing my hair. My hand was not as lengthy at the pendant as my reflection's. I blinked, assuming it was exhaustion.

A voice yelled out from behind, "Lema," When I looked around, Daniel, the mansion's custodian, was smiling warmly at me.

As he said, "Dinner's ready," his eyes wrinkled at the corners.

"Dean, thank you. I'm going to be there."

He left me alone with the mirror after nodding and walking off. I looked at my reflection again, half expecting it to act out once more. It did, however, exactly imitate my moves.

I was not comfortable, so I went to the dining room. Two people were seated at the flat table, which was slightly lit by wax. Daniel had overtaken himself with a spread of freshly baked Cake, steaming vegetables, and fried chicken.

As I sat down, I comment, "This looks delicious."

Daniel handed a glass wine to each of us and said, "I guess we could use a nice meal," "It's been quite a while since dine together."

The only sounds that seems to be heard during our meal were the re rantling of utensils and the crackling of the fireplace. Daniel was the object of my stealthy look. I was drawn to him because of his rugged attribute, the way his dark long hair flowed across his forehead, and the empathy in his brown eyes.

His question broke the silence: "So, how is your research of finding the mansion?"

"It's... intriguing," I said, slowly selecting my words. "Every day feels like a new discovery."

He uttered the words, "I'm glad to hear that," with a tone of relaxation. "Most people find it too eerie."

Reflecting on the enigmatic portrait and the murmuring woods, I acknowledged, "I won't lie; it has its moments," "But there's a certain charm to it."

Daniel's eyes became gentler. "I'm hapy you're here, Lema."

When he said it, my heart beat for a moment. "Me too," I whisper with a low Voice.

We proceeded to the art arena after dinner. As I examine the bookcase, my fingers tracing the spines of old novels and journals, Daniel blow the ember.

"Do you play?" Nodding toward the grand piano in the corner, Daniel posed the question.

"A little," I said. "My mom taught me when I was little."

"Would you play something for me?" he asked, excitement shining in his eyes.

After a while of doubt, I agreed and moved to the wooden piano. The notes filled the room as I played a simple tune, the keys of the piano was feeling cool under my fingers.

Daniel was right behind me, watching me closely. When I was done, he gave me an applaud

"That was quite amazing," he commented, drawing nearer to me.

"Thank you," I answered, my cheeks starting to blush.

He came out. "Dance with me?"

After I put my fingers in his, he guided me to the middle of the room. As the fire's warmth enclosed us, we moved softly to the prolonging music.

The Affinity of us made my heart race. I could feel his breath massaging my ear and his heart beating constantly against mine.

"Lema," he whispered, his mouth browsing my chapel.

Our faces were inches apart as I looked up. When it was just the two of us, the world appeared to disappear.

But before we could get close in each others arms, there was a massive crash coming from the hallway.

We stood up, alarmed. With my voice trembling, I questioned, "What was that?"

Daniel's face become strong. "Stay here," he said, moving to the door.

"I'm coming with you," I requested, walking slowly behind him.

Uncertain of where the noise was coming from, we entered the dark corridor. I saw pieces of glass dropped all over the floor as we got closer to the giant mirror.

"The mirror," I murmur as I look at the shattered frame.

Daniel's brow creased as he examined the damage. "How did this happen?"

A quake of fear went down my spine as I scan through the environment around. "I have no idea. However, something doesn't look okay.

Our breaths were loud in the chilly air as the temperature suddenly fell while we were standing there.

I listened to a little whisper, which made me tremble. "Lema..."

I looked at Daniel, who had a pallid face. "Did you hear that?"

With wide eyes, he nodded.

Daniel became pale and his eyes grew wide. Taking hold of my hand, he muttered, "We must depart."

"What's happening?" With a racing heart, I asked.

"There's no time to narrate," he said, luring me to the wall.

The voices became louder as we moved higher, echoing through the halls of the palace. "Lema... Lema..."

When we arrived at the attic door, Daniel battle to find the key. "This is the only safe place here," he murmured to himself.

A tarnished room with webs and old wood works was shown as the door opened wide. As soon as we entered, Daniel secured the door.

"What is going on?" Shaking my voice, I demanded.

Daniel drew in his breath. "This house has a dark ancient story," he said at once. "The Past owners mess around in the occult, and their experience went horribly wrong."

"Experience?" A shiver went down my spine as I echoed.

His head nodded. "They tried to summon spirits, but instead, they unleashed something evil."

"And now it's likely after us?" My voice was strongly more than a murmur when I asked.

Daniel said, "Yes," with fewry in his eyes.

A strong wind wind blew through the room when the window open wide. The whisper became more strong and louder. "Lema... Lema..."

I surrendered, my heart was beating fast. "What do we do?"

When Daniel held my shoulders, I had to turn to look into his eyes. He stated firmly, "We have to deal with it,"

"Deal with it?" Fear seized me as I repeated.

His head nodded. "It's the only way to end this."

I nodded, inhaling deeply. Alright. Come on, Lema let's do this.

We went downstairs, the whisper getting louder as we went. When we arrived at the lobby, a shadowy figure appeared right before us.

It growled, its eyes blazing red, "Lema..."

I was weak instantly by fear and cold.

"Stay behind," Daniel said, moving ahead of me.

The icy sound of the figure's laughter reverberated throughout the home. The remark was, "You cannot escape me,"

Gathering momentum together, I took a step forward. "What do you want?" I requested.

The figure looked right at me. It said, "Your soul," with a menacing grin on its face.

Daniel's eyes were filled with terror as I looked at him. But there was also resolve.

I strongly stated, "You can't have it," maintaining a steady voice I despite my fear An angry expression took the place of the figure's smile. It growled and lunged at me, saying, "Then you will die,"

Daniel moved between us before I could respond, holding a silver dagger. When he stabbed it into the figure's torso, it screamed in agony.

The rumors died away as the figure vanished into a cloud of black smoke.

With my heart racing, I gazed at Daniel. "Is it over?" With a quivering voice, I asked.

With a tired smile, he nodded. "For now," he answered back.

I fell into his arms, feeling a state of consolation. I said, "Thank you," as tears fell down from my eyes running around my cheeks.

His embrace reassured me as he held me close. Murmuring, "We'll get through this,"

I kept thinking this was only the beginning as we stood there in the hauntingly still mansion.

I knew in my heart that the darkness still existed. All it was doing was waiting.