Episode 6. The Walls Are Closing In
1040 Words
Lexi's eyes remained fixed on the photograph, her mind racing with questions. Who took this picture? Why are my family members smiling like that? And what's the significance of the mansion in the background?
Asher's voice broke the silence. "Lexi, we need to get out of here. This place is not safe."
But Lexi's feet felt rooted to the spot. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the image. "I need to know what this means," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asher hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, let's take the picture and investigate further. But we need to be careful. Whoever left this here might be watching us."
As they carefully picked up the photograph, Lexi felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to uncover the truth about her family and their secrets, no matter what it took.
Asher carefully places the photograph in a secure folder, his eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of surveillance. Lexi's mind is racing with possibilities - who could have taken this picture, and why are they taunting her with it now?
As they exit the abandoned hideout, Lexi notices a strange symbol etched into the wall. It looks like a cross between a signature and a warning. She points it out to Asher, who frowns.
"That's the mark of the Order of the Blackwood," he says, his voice low and serious. "They're a secret society, rumoured to be connected to your family's past. We need to be careful - they're not to be trusted."
Lexi's heart races as she realizes the danger they're in. She's not just uncovering secrets - she's uncovering a web of lies and deceit that could put her and Asher in grave danger.
Asher's eyes narrow as he examines the symbol. "We need to get out of here, now. This place is no longer safe."
Lexi nods, her heart racing. "Where can we go?"
Asher pulls out a small device from his pocket and dials a number. "We have a safe house nearby. We'll lay low there for a while."
As they exit the hideout, Lexi can't shake the feeling that they're being watched. She glances over her shoulder, but there's no one there. Yet.
As they settle into the safe house, Lexi and Asher take a closer look at the photograph. They examine every detail, searching for any hidden clues or messages.
Lexi notices a small inscription on the back of the photo, barely visible. It reads: "Ravenwood Manor, 1995". Asher recognizes the name and tells Lexi that Ravenwood Manor is an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of town, rumored to be haunted.
Intrigued, they decide to investigate further. They enlarge the photo, studying the faces and the background. Asher points out a strange symbol etched into the wall behind the family members. It looks like a mix of ancient runes and hieroglyphics.
Lexi's eyes widen as she realizes the symbol is similar to the one etched into the wall at the hideout. "This must be a clue," she says, her mind racing. "But what does it mean?"
Asher suggests they research the symbol and its possible connections to the Order of the Blackwood. Lexi agrees, and they start searching online and through books, hoping to uncover more secrets.
As they delve deeper, they discover that the symbol is linked to an ancient cult that worshipped a mysterious deity. The cult was thought to be long extinct, but the symbol's presence in both the photograph and the hideout suggests otherwise.
Lexi and Asher realize they're getting close to something significant. But they're not sure what they'll find, or what dangers they might face, as they continue to unravel the mystery.
Lexi and Asher decide to explore the abandoned Ravenwood Manor, hoping to find more clues and connections to the Order of the Blackwood. They pack their gear, including flashlights, cameras, and a first-aid kit, and set out for the mansion.
As they approach the manor, they notice an eerie atmosphere. The once-grand building stands tall, but its windows are boarded up, and the doors are covered in cobwebs. Lexi feels a shiver run down her spine, but she's determined to uncover the secrets within.
They enter the manor, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls. The air inside is musty and stale, filled with the scent of decay. They begin to explore, room by room, searching for any signs of life or clues to the mystery.
In the library, they find a hidden compartment in a bookshelf. Inside, they discover a cryptic letter addressed to "Eleanor," mentioning a hidden key and a secret room. The letter is unsigned, but the writing style seems familiar to Lexi.
Asher suggests they search for the hidden key, hoping it will lead them to the secret room. Lexi agrees, and they begin to search the manor, following a series of cryptic clues and hidden passages.
As they navigate the treacherous maze of corridors and rooms, they stumble upon a hidden door. The symbol from the photograph and the hideout is etched into the door, and Lexi feels a surge of excitement. They've found the secret room.
Lexi and Asher frantically search for an exit, their hearts racing with every creaking step. They stumble through the darkness, hands outstretched, desperate to find a door or window. The footsteps grow louder, closer, and Lexi's breath catches in her throat.
Asher grabs her hand, pulling her toward a faint light in the distance. They dash toward it, hoping it's a way out. As they reach the light source, they find a small door hidden behind a tapestry. The door creaks open, revealing a narrow passageway.
"Go, go, go!" Asher urges, pushing Lexi ahead.
She sprints down the passageway, Asher close behind. The footsteps echo through the corridor, getting closer and closer...
Just as they think they've escaped, the passageway ends abruptly, leading them to a dead end. Lexi's heart sinks. They're trapped.
Suddenly, the walls begin to close in, the stones sliding together with a deafening crash. Lexi and Asher are sealed in, the darkness suffocating.
And then, a voice echoes through the darkness, chilling their bones: "You shouldn't have come here, Lexi. Now you'll never leave."
- Writer
