Story 955: The Gate of the Damned

A cold wind howled through the desolate ruins as the survivors trudged forward, the moon looming unusually large and bright overhead. Behind them, the remnants of the Ghoul Train still smoldered, casting an eerie green glow over the shattered tracks.

Zara wiped sweat from her brow, her fingers twitching over the hilt of her knife. “Tell me we’re close to something that isn’t trying to eat us.”

Elias nodded toward the distance. “Look ahead.”

A massive, iron-wrought gate loomed before them, twisting into unnatural, serpentine shapes. Beyond it, an ancient, gothic mansion stretched into the night, its windows glowing faintly with candlelight.

Mira felt a pulse from the Cursed Book in her grasp. “This place is important.”

Draven scowled, gripping his shotgun. “Yeah. And probably cursed.”