The study was dimly lit, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the mantle. Dr. Finch's voice was low and soothing, but Mia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.
"As I'm sure you're aware, Dr. Grey has been experiencing some... unusual symptoms," Dr. Finch began. "Mood swings, memory lapses, and an increasing sense of paranoia."
Mia's eyes locked onto her father's, searching for any sign of recognition. But his eyes seemed distant, haunted by some unseen force.
"We've run several tests, but so far, we haven't been able to determine the cause of his condition," Dr. Finch continued. "I fear it may be related to his work, perhaps some sort of... exposure."
Mia's mind was racing. What kind of exposure could have caused her father's condition? And what did Dr. Finch mean by "unusual symptoms"?
As the conversation continued, Mia began to feel a creeping sense of dread. Something was terribly wrong, and she wasn't sure if anyone knew what it was.
Just as Dr. Finch was about to conclude his examination, a loud crash echoed from outside the study. Mia's heart skipped a beat as she jumped to her feet.
"What was that?" Lady Grey asked, her voice trembling.
Dr. Finch's expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "I'll go and see," he said, exiting the study.
Mia followed him, her senses on high alert. As they entered the foyer, she saw that the front door was open, creaking gently in the breeze.
But what caught her attention was the figure standing just beyond the threshold.
The same stranger she had seen earlier.
His piercing yellow eyes locked onto hers, and Mia felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Who are you?" Dr. Finch demanded, stepping forward.
The stranger didn't respond. Instead, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Mia with more questions than answers.
What was going on? And who was this mysterious stranger?
As Mia turned to re-enter the study, she caught a glimpse of something on the floor.
A small piece of paper, folded into a neat square.
She picked it up, her heart racing with anticipation.
As she unfolded the paper, she saw that it was a note, scrawled in hasty handwriting:
"Meet me in the old oak forest at midnight. Come alone."
Mia's eyes widened as she stared at the note.
Who had written this? And what did they want from her?