Shadows Behind the Door
Evelyn's heart pounded in her chest. The door that had once been firmly shut now stood slightly open, revealing only darkness beyond. Had she left it open? No. She was sure of it.
Clutching the letter in her trembling fingers, she took a cautious step forward.
"Hello?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
No response.
The air felt heavier, colder. She glanced at the hallway light switch—it was on, but the bulb flickered weakly, casting jittery shadows along the walls.
Gathering her courage, Evelyn pushed the door open.
A gust of stale air rushed past her. The room inside was pitch black, the only light spilling in from the hallway.
Then, she saw it.
A figure—standing near the window.
A sharp gasp left her lips as she stumbled back. Someone was in her house.
"Who are you?" she demanded, forcing her voice to stay steady.
The figure didn't move. Didn't speak.
Evelyn's fingers twitched toward the nearest object—a brass candlestick sitting on a small table near the door. She grabbed it, her pulse hammering in her ears.
"I'll call the police."
The figure took a step forward.
Just as Evelyn's grip tightened on the candlestick, the hallway light flickered again—this time flooding the room with a brief, golden glow.
The figure's face was revealed.
Adrian Blackwood.
Evelyn's breath came out in a rush, half-relieved, half-infuriated. "What the hell are you doing here?"
He studied her, his usual smirk missing. "I told you," he said, voice lower than before. "This house isn't empty."
She exhaled sharply, dropping the candlestick onto the table. "And breaking into my house proves what, exactly?"
"I didn't break in," Adrian said, nodding toward the window. "It was already open when I got here."
Evelyn's stomach twisted. "That's impossible. I locked all the windows."
Adrian crossed his arms. "Then maybe you should ask yourself… who unlocked them?"
A shiver ran down her spine.
Because she suddenly realized something chilling.
Adrian had been standing by the window when she walked in.
But when she first opened the door…
The shadow she had seen was standing by the closet.
And it was still there.
Watching.
Waiting.
Evelyn wasn't alone.
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