Heart of darkness

Chapter 18: Heart of Darkness

Sophie and the detectives reached the heart of the forest, the trees towering above them like sentinels. They fanned out, searching for any sign of Emily.

One of the detectives shouted, pointing to a rusted van hidden behind a screen of foliage. Sophie rushed over, her heart racing.

As they examined the van, they found clues: footprints leading into the forest, a discarded rope, and a piece of torn fabric caught in a thorn bush.

The trail led them deeper into the forest, the trees growing twisted and gnarled. Finally, they stumbled upon an ancient house, its wooden beams weathered to a silvery gray.

Meanwhile, Emily's chatter with The Shadow revealed a shocking secret about Oakwood's past. The Shadow whispered of human sacrifices, of dark rituals performed under the light of the full moon.

Emily's eyes widened in horror as she listened. She knew she had to escape, but she also knew she couldn't leave without defeating the locking spirit.

With The Shadow's guidance, Emily began to hatch a plan. She would need to gather her strength, wait for the perfect moment to strike.

But as she thought, Emily heard footsteps outside her cell. The door creaked open, and a figure loomed in the doorway.

"Time to begin," the figure said, its voice dripping with malice.