Lisa took a deep breath, heart racing from the spell she had dared to whisper. But whatever she expected to happen next—something, anything—never came. She was left only with the silence of her darkened room, the shadows seemingly receding back into place. With a sigh, she set down the necromancy book, half-relieved, half-disappointed.
The following day, Lisa decided she needed backup, someone she could trust. And even though Emily might not understand the weight of everything going on, Lisa knew she'd be game for a little thrill. After all, wasn't Emily the one always dragging her into horror movies?
Lisa pulled out her phone, dialing Emily with a surge of excitement.
"Hey, Em," Lisa began, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm. How would you feel about a real-life ghost hunt?
Emily laughed. You're kidding, right?
Lisa's silence on the other end said otherwise.
Oh my god, you're serious?! Emily finally exclaimed. Where are we going, and should I bring a crucifix? Or... maybe, like, salt or something?
Lisa couldn't help but laugh. Just meet me at my place. I'll explain on the way.
That evening, with flashlights in hand and adrenaline bubbling in their veins, they headed toward the outskirts of town. Lisa had read about an abandoned section near the old mill that people claimed was haunted. It had become overgrown, forgotten, and ignored—except by the occasional curious soul or reckless teen with something to prove.
So… why, exactly, are we doing this? Emily asked as they crunched along the gravel path leading into the deserted area. Her flashlight flickered against the dilapidated walls of what might have once been small shops or homes, but now were just shadows and ivy-covered rubble.
Curiosity, Lisa replied, half-avoiding the truth. She didn't want to dive into the details of the strange whispers and shadows she'd been experiencing—not yet. "It's just… a mystery. There are so many rumors about this place, and, well… I thought it'd be fun.
Emily shot her a side glance. Fun. Right. Says the girl who didn't want to go to movie night because it was too creepy.
Lisa smirked. Okay, fine, you got me there. But I don't know. There's something about this… It feels different.
Different like dangerous? Emily arched a brow, her tone dripping with mock fear. I knew I should have brought holy water.
Lisa laughed, nudging her friend playfully. Please, you're not even scared.
Oh, I am, Emily retorted, just prepared.
As they ventured further, a chill crept into the air, and a fog began to roll in, thickening around them. Lisa felt the hairs on her arms prick up as the atmosphere shifted, a sensation like stepping into another world. The abandoned buildings took on an eerie glow, and the silence grew heavier, pressing down on them.
Emily shivered. Okay, now I'm definitely feeling something. Like... do you ever just get the sense that you're not alone?
Lisa nodded, but her eyes remained fixed ahead, scanning the overgrown paths and broken walls as if looking for something specific. The shadows twisted and warped in the corners of her vision, and more than once, she thought she saw shapes moving in the mist. She told herself it was just her imagination—until she saw it.
Ahead, partly obscured by tangled branches and weeds, was a small plot of ground where the fog seemed to gather more densely. There was a mound, barely noticeable, but enough to catch her eye.
Em, look, Lisa whispered, grabbing her friend's arm.
Emily followed her gaze, her eyes widening. Is that…?
They moved closer, their flashlights illuminating what appeared to be an unmarked grave. No headstone, no plaque, nothing but the bare, uneven mound of earth. Lisa felt a chill, a strange pull drawing her toward it.
This is it, she whispered, more to herself than to Emily.
Emily scrunched her nose. It's creepy, I'll give you that. But unmarked graves aren't that unusual, right? Especially in a place this old?
Maybe, Lisa murmured, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this. Standing so close to the grave, she could feel a strange energy radiating from it, as if the ground were somehow alive. The air felt charged, thick with something she couldn't quite identify.
Suddenly, Emily grabbed her arm. Did you hear that?
They both froze, straining their ears against the silence. And then, faintly, like a whisper carried on the wind, they heard it—a voice, soft, almost pleading.
Help me…
Lisa's heart skipped a beat. The voice was barely there, more like an echo than an actual sound, but it was unmistakable.
Emily tightened her grip on Lisa's arm. Tell me you heard that.
Lisa nodded, her pulse racing. I did.
For a moment, they stood there, listening, waiting. But the voice didn't come again, and the silence settled heavily around them once more.
Emily swallowed hard. Maybe… we should go?
Lisa hesitated. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to leave this place behind. But something deeper, more compelling, held her there, rooted to the spot.
What if it's… him? she whispered, the thought slipping out before she could stop it.
Emily looked at her, confused. Him? Lisa, what are you talking about?"
Lisa took a shaky breath. There's… someone I've been trying to… reach. Someone who died, a long time ago. I think… I think he's connected to all of this."
Emily stared at her for a long moment, the flashlight casting shadows across her face. Then, with a small, resigned sigh, she said, You know what? You're my best friend, and if you're saying this is important, then I'm not leaving you here alone.
Lisa felt a surge of gratitude, and for a moment, the fear and tension lifted. She smiled, reaching out to squeeze Emily's hand.
Thank you, she whispered.
But just as she said it, the fog thickened, swallowing the space around them. The grave seemed to pulse, as if it were alive, and the voice returned, clearer this time.
Please… help me…
Lisa and Emily exchanged a look, both girls now fully aware that they'd crossed a line into something far beyond an ordinary ghost hunt.
Just as Lisa opened her mouth to respond, the ground under her feet trembled slightly, and a cold wind whipped through the air. The chill was so intense, it felt as though it were slicing right through her. She felt Emily's hand tighten around hers, and a part of her wanted to turn and run.
But she couldn't. She needed answers—answers she was certain lay buried here, in this unmarked grave, among the whispers of the past and the mysteries she'd only begun to uncover.