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New Home
The massive house loomed before them, its towering frame casting long shadows in the afternoon sun. It was old, but not in a way that felt entirely abandoned—more like something waiting, something that had seen too much.
Jacob, the ever-enthusiastic one, gasped as he stepped onto the cracked stone path leading to the porch. "Wow! It's so big!" he exclaimed, his voice bouncing off the towering structure.
Tina, Raphael's little sister, clung to his side, her small fingers tightening around his hand. "Brother," she said in a quiet voice, "do you like massive houses?"
Raphael turned to her, noticing the tension in her face. There was something hesitant in the way she stared at the house, like she wasn't entirely sure about stepping inside.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Tina hesitated before answering, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't like it."
There was a certainty in her tone that made Raphael uneasy. He knelt in front of her and held both of her hands. "Would you stay with me?" Tina asked, her large eyes pleading with him.
"You know I would never leave you," Raphael assured her.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She didn't seem convinced, but after a brief moment, she nodded.
Settling In
The Johns family had a lot of work ahead of them. The house, though grand, was coated in dust, and an eerie silence filled its vast halls. The moment they stepped inside, Jordan took the initiative to bless the house, gathering the family in the dimly lit living room.
The prayer was short but firm. Jordan, the most devout of them, spoke with conviction, asking for protection and peace within these walls. Raphael wasn't sure why, but as the words left Jordan's lips, a chill crawled up his spine.
After the prayer, everyone began exploring their new home. Some halls stretched longer than expected, rooms seemed too vast, and the air smelled like old wood and something faintly metallic. No one mentioned it, but Raphael noticed how everyone moved a little quicker than usual, their gazes darting toward dark corners as if expecting something to emerge.
After a few hours of inspecting the rooms, they started cleaning. Dust swirled in the air as old furniture was wiped down and floors were swept. The process was exhausting, and by nightfall, everyone was too tired to do much else. Dinner was quiet but comforting. For a moment, the eerie feeling of the house faded as laughter filled the dining room.
When it was time to sleep, Raphael spoke up. "Mom, Tina and I would like to be in the same bedroom."
Tina nodded eagerly, her grip tightening on his sleeve.
Bianca smiled at the two of them. "You kids really do care for each other," she said, bending down to kiss Tina on the cheek. "Alright, that's fine. But go to bed soon. We have a long day tomorrow."
Raphael lifted Tina in his arms. "Good night, Mom."
"Good night, Mommy," Tina added, resting her head on Raphael's shoulder.
"Good night, dears."
As they left, Bianca's smile faded slightly. She glanced at Albert, who had been unusually quiet throughout the night. He met her gaze but said nothing.
The Cottage in the Forest
Far away, deep within a dense forest, an old cottage stood quietly, its wooden walls weathered with age. Inside, dim candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
A man stood at a wooden table, his hands covered in blood. He was butchering a boar, slicing through the thick flesh with practiced ease. The sound of the knife scraping against bone filled the air.
After a moment, he stopped, setting the knife down. He turned to the fireplace, where flames crackled warmly. A slow, almost knowing smile stretched across his face.
The shadows in the room shifted unnaturally.
The Nightmare
Raphael woke suddenly, his heart pounding. He turned to his side and froze.
Tina wasn't there.
He sat up, his breathing unsteady. "Tina?" he called softly, glancing around the dimly lit room.
No answer.
He got up quickly and checked the bathroom. Empty.
"She isn't here…" he whispered, his voice shaky.
Then, he heard it.
A scream.
It was faint but unmistakable.
Tina.
His legs moved before his mind could catch up, taking him out of the room and down the hallway. The house was colder than before, the air heavy with something he couldn't place. The scream had come from the basement.
His hands trembled as he grabbed the doorknob. The moment he did, the screaming stopped.
Silence.
Raphael swallowed hard and opened the door. His breath caught in his throat.
Tina lay at the bottom of the basement stairs, her small body twisted unnaturally. Her neck was slit open, blood pooling beneath her. Her glassy eyes still held a silent plea, as if she had been waiting for him to save her.
Raphael fell to his knees, his entire body shaking. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Then, from the darkness behind him, a pair of glowing blue eyes appeared.
Awakening
Raphael gasped as he shot up in bed, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His face was wet with tears. His hands clenched the sheets as he tried to steady his breathing.
"It was just a dream…" he whispered.
He turned to his side. There she was—Tina—sleeping peacefully, a small smile on her face.
The sight made his chest ache. He pulled her closer, holding her tightly against him.
"I will protect you," he murmured, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "No one will hurt you."
But he didn't sleep again. He couldn't.
The Writing on the Wall
Morning came too soon. Raphael woke still holding Tina, the dream lingering in his mind like a bad omen.
He stretched, rubbing his face as he headed to the bathroom. Turning on the tap, he let the cold water wash over his skin, trying to shake off the lingering fear.
Then, in the mirror, he saw it.
Faint writing on the wall behind him.
Slowly, he turned.
The words were written in what looked like smeared charcoal:
"WHEREVER YOU GO."
A chill ran through him.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Tina's voice pulled him back to reality.
He turned to see her standing at the door, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Nothing," he lied, forcing a smile.
Tina grinned. "Good morning!" She ran up and hugged him.
Raphael hesitated before hugging her back.
"Good morning, Teddy," he said, teasing her.
Tina immediately frowned. "Don't call me that!"
"Do you want chocolate?" Raphael offered, smirking.
Tina huffed. "I don't do bribes."
"What kind?"
"Godiva Chocolate and Cadbury Milk."
Raphael sighed, laughing. "Fine."
Tina extended her little finger. "Pinky promise."
Rolling his eyes, he linked his finger with hers. "Promise."
Breakfast & Unease
As they joined the family for breakfast, Raphael couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. Across the table, Mia barely touched her food, staring blankly at her plate.
Then, she looked up—and their eyes met.
Raphael's stomach twisted.
There was fear in her gaze.
And it wasn't just fear.
It was a warning.