The house loomed ominously in the fading light, its dark silhouette casting eerie shadows that danced across the overgrown garden. Neakita, drawn in by its haunting charm, felt an undeniable pull toward it.
"A professor of parapsychology might appreciate creepy houses, but this one?" Real estate agent Nancy shuddered at the thought, realizing it was unlike anything she'd encountered in her twenty years in the business.
The winding road, steadily climbing the hilly terrain of the Rocky Mountains, took a sharp and unsettling turn. It revealed a bizarre house nestled among twisted trees, surrounded by a jungle-like garden alive with the eerie hoots of owls.
Before the house stood a colossal hill, resembling a guardian of darkness, casting deep shadows over the front yard. Beyond this menacing formation, the road continued, leaving the unsettling dwelling behind.
Nancy was a dedicated and experienced real estate agent, well-acquainted with her field. Yet, this house unnerved her. Every instinct urged her to leave, but Lan seemed entranced, eagerly wandering its creaky floors and peering into the dimly lit rooms with childlike excitement—as if he were ready to sign the papers at any moment.
"Young people are drawn to the weird and haunted, but this one..." she remarked, only to be interrupted by the sharp call of an owl echoing through the trees. The evening air grew thick with tension, prompting Nancy to wonder—what kind of owl comes out before dusk?
Looking outside, she took note of the surrounding wilderness, a tangle of ancient trees hinting at the eerie howls of wolves as night approached.
The house itself felt like a relic from another era, perhaps built by an eccentric scientist in the early 1900s. It featured a dusty sky observation room on the top floor, where faded star charts hung on the walls. The peeling paint and musty smell only added to its mysterious allure, suggesting countless forgotten papers hidden in dark corners.
"Professor, would you like me to check the water system?" she asked confidently, hoping to divert his attention from the unsettling atmosphere.
"Nope," he replied curtly, irritation flickering across her face. It was apparent she didn't appreciate her attempts at being a typical realtor.
"Alright then, I guess I'm buying it. Let's head back," Neakita declared, striding away without waiting for a response.
As they walked toward the parking area, another owl hooted, making Nancy's heart race. She nearly cried out; the sound sent chills down her spine. Twilight enveloped them, and the world faded into darkness. Nancy silently sought a sign of safety, her thoughts racing. "What's up with that creepy woman in the hat?" she wondered. "Could she be a demon?" The assumptions piled up like leaves in the autumn chill.
"Professor Norman, do you live alone?" she asked, trying to quell her unease as they settled into the car. The moment she heard his response, dread washed over her.
"How many years do you wish to live, lady?" Neakita asked, her voice cold and unfeeling.
"Uh... Yes! Sorry," Nancy stammered, gripping the steering wheel tightly as she focused on the road, avoiding Neakita's intense gaze.
"Ma'am, please relax; I'll drive carefully," she asserted, her voice steady but laced with urgency.
"Why? Did my simple question scare you? Ha ha ha…" Neakita chuckled darkly, the sound echoing in the cramped space of the car.