t of the library. The air felt heavier now, as if the house itself was holding its

ed, her voice barely above a

y. "I don't know exactly. No one does. But what

rd. "And you think

nal. She called it 'the key to the abyss.' She said it was the

"So, what? We just... g

his tone firm. "Me. Y

my house, and if there's something down ther

r. "Clara, this isn't a game. Whatever's behi

lara interrupted, crossing her arms. "

nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But stay close to

id, though her voi

De

ed and splintered with age. A heavy iron padlock hung from the latch, rusted and covered

asked, gla

Clara admitted. "Bu

rust as he turned it. The lock clicked open, and the door creaked

mildew and something else-something metallic, like blood. Clara's stomach turned, but she forced

gotten relics. Dust-covered furniture loomed in the shadows, and the floor was littered with br

symbols were carved into its surface, their meaning lost to time. The air around it

ot said, his voic

heart pounding. "What do

if we're going to stop whatever's happe

Ri

door. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small vial of salt, whic

hat for?"

Elliot said. "

se of

oward the door, the skeleton key in his hand. Clara's breath hitched as h

trembling. "What if this is a mistake

have a choice, Clara. Whatever's behind this

ry instinct screamed at

turned

Awak

he entire house. A cold wind rushed out, extinguishing the flashlight and plunging them int

, her voice shaking.

ing in on her from all sides. She could hear something moving in

laughte

ore menacing. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, echoing in her

screamed. "W

amed again before realizing it was Elliot.

aid, pulling her towa

steps and into the hallway. Elliot slammed the basement door

manded, her voice shrill.

thing ragged. "I don't know. Bu

Contin

ng as if alive. Clara stared at Elliot, her mind racing. They'd opened

s coming