The rain had started again in Blackwood.
Late that night, the streets were almost empty as Ryan's black car moved quietly through the dark roads of the city.
He stopped near the edge of town.
In front of him stood an old building surrounded by tall trees and broken iron gates.
The Verma Mansion.
Once, it had been the most beautiful house in Blackwood. Now it looked abandoned, silent, and forgotten.
Rayan stepped out of the car and looked at the mansion for a moment.
This place held memories he had tried to forget.
But the message from the railway station kept repeating in his mind.
"The truth is buried where the past sleeps."
Slowly, he pushed open the rusty gate and walked toward the mansion.
The wooden door creaked as he entered.
Inside, the house was dark and covered in dust. Old paintings hung on the walls, and broken furniture lay scattered across the floor.
But Ryan knew exactly where he needed to go.
He walked down the long hallway until he reached the library.
Years ago, his father had forbidden anyone from entering this room.
Ryan stepped inside.
Moonlight from a broken window fell across the shelves of old books.
For a few seconds, nothing moved.
Then Ryan walked toward a large bookshelf at the back of the room.
He reached out and pressed a small hidden button behind one of the books.
A quiet click echoed in the room.
Slowly, part of the bookshelf began to move.
Behind it was a hidden door.
Ryan stared at it, his expression serious.
He knew this door existed.
But he had never opened it before.
Tonight… everything was different.
Ryan pushed the door open.
A narrow staircase led down into darkness.
Cold air rose from below.
For the first time that night, Ryan hesitated.
Then he took a step forward and began walking down the stairs.
Deep under the mansion…
something was waiting.
And it had been hidden there for many years. 🌑📖