Chapter 2: Blackthorn Manor – Evelyn Arrives at the Decaying Mansion

You've seen pictures of grand old houses in books or movies, haven't you? The kind that look like they belong in fairy tales—tall windows, sweeping staircases, and gardens full of roses. But what happens when those houses fall into disrepair? When the paint peels, the wood rots, and the air inside smells like dust and forgotten memories?

That's what Blackthorn Manor was like the first time Evelyn set foot inside it.

First Impressions

Liam led her up the cracked stone path to the front door, which groaned as he pushed it open. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of mildew and age. Sunlight streamed through broken panes of glass, casting uneven patterns across the floorboards. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling like ghostly curtains.

"This is it," Liam said, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. "Your new workplace."

Evelyn hesitated, taking it all in. The grandeur of the mansion was undeniable, even in its current state. Massive chandeliers dangled precariously from the ceiling, their crystals clouded with grime. A staircase spiraled upward, leading to shadowy hallways filled with mystery.

"It's... impressive," she finally managed, though the word felt inadequate.

"Don't let the decay fool you," Liam added. "Underneath all this, it's still beautiful."

His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, Evelyn wondered if he was talking about the house—or her.

Exploring the Grounds

For the next few hours, Liam gave Evelyn a tour of the mansion. They started on the ground floor, where rooms lay buried beneath layers of debris. In the kitchen, rusted appliances sat abandoned, while the dining room boasted a long table covered in dust. Upstairs, bedrooms were scattered with remnants of past lives: torn wallpaper, shattered mirrors, and empty wardrobes.

But it wasn't until they reached the attic that something truly unusual caught Evelyn's eye.

 The Attic Revelation

The attic was cluttered with boxes, furniture, and other odds and ends. As Evelyn sifted through the mess, her fingers brushed against something smooth and cool. Pulling it out, she found an antique locket. It was tarnished but intact, its surface etched with intricate designs.

"What's this?" she asked, holding it up for Liam to see.

He frowned, stepping closer. "I don't know. I haven't been up here much myself."

Opening the locket revealed a faded photograph inside. Two women smiled back at them—a younger version of Evelyn and Claire. Her breath hitched as recognition dawned.

How did this get here?

Before she could ask, Liam spoke again. "We should take a break. There's more to explore tomorrow."

She nodded, slipping the locket into her pocket. But as they walked away, questions swirled in her mind. How had Claire's things ended up in this house? And why did it feel like the mansion itself was trying to tell her something?

 Plot Twist: A Hidden Room

Later that afternoon, while organizing tools in the basement, Evelyn noticed a loose brick in the wall. Curiosity got the better of her, and she pried it free. Behind it, she discovered a narrow passageway leading deeper into the house.

Heart pounding, she grabbed a flashlight and stepped inside. The passage twisted and turned, eventually opening into a small hidden room. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with journals, letters, and photographs. One journal entry caught her attention:

 June 15, 1937 

 They say the truth will set you free, but sometimes the truth is too dangerous to uncover. If anyone finds this, beware. The secrets of Blackthorn Manor run deep.

Who wrote this? And what secrets was the journal referring to?

Before she could investigate further, footsteps echoed down the hall. Quickly, she replaced the brick and hurried back upstairs, leaving the hidden room—and its mysteries—behind.

Building Suspense

As the day came to an end, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that Blackthorn Manor held answers to questions she hadn't dared to ask. Was it coincidence that Claire's belongings were here? Or was there a connection between the mansion and the events of her past?

And then there was Liam. He seemed so confident, so sure of himself. But how much did he really know about the house—and about her?

You wouldn't believe everything you're told, would you? Neither does Evelyn. And as she settles into her new life at Blackthorn Manor, she begins to realize that some truths are harder to face than others.