Chapter Eight: The Knock at the Door

Leon's words lingered in the air.

A grave that should not exist.

Elena swallowed hard, her breath coming unsteady. The lantern's flame had nearly gone out, leaving only a dim glow against the damp stone walls. The loose wooden plank gaped open like a wound in the foundation, the darkness behind it stretching too deep.

And then—

A knock.

Not from the basement.

From upstairs.

Sharp. Loud. Insistent.

Elena jolted, her pulse hammering against her ribs. Her gaze shot to Leon, but he was already turning, his posture shifting—not tense, but alert.

"Who—?" she started, but the knock came again.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

More urgent this time.

They weren't expecting anyone.

No one came to the farmhouse at this hour.

Elena shot a glance toward the darkness behind the plank, her instincts screaming that whatever was down here was not something to be left alone. But the pounding above them was relentless. Whoever—or whatever—it was, they weren't leaving.

Leon exhaled slowly. "Go."

Elena hesitated. "What about—"

"I'll follow," he said, gaze unreadable.

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver through her. But she didn't argue. She turned, gripping the lantern tightly as she climbed the stairs.

The knocking didn't stop. Bang. Bang. Bang.

She reached the top, her fingers unsteady as she grasped the doorknob and—

She pulled it open.

And there, standing in the dim porch light, was Mr. Holloway.

The town's oldest resident.

His face was pale, his breath coming in quick, uneven gasps. His weathered hands gripped the wooden cane he never left home without, but there was something different about him tonight.

His eyes—normally clouded with age—were clear. Sharp. Afraid.

"Elena," he rasped. His voice was hoarse, almost desperate.

Behind her, she felt Leon step into the doorway.

Mr. Holloway's gaze snapped to him.

And then—

The old man staggered back, his cane clattering to the porch.

"No," he whispered. His voice trembled. His hands shook.

Then—louder.

"No, no, no—you shouldn't be here."

And before Elena could say a word—before she could ask what he meant—

Mr. Holloway turned and ran.