Emilia's heart racing, she tried to focus on the diary, but her eyes kept drifting toward the door. The footsteps grew louder, and she could sense the weight of someone's presence outside the library. She tried to call out, but her voice caught in her throat.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a figure loomed in the doorway. Emilia's breath caught as she saw Thomas standing there, his eyes fixed intently on her.
"Thomas, you scared me," Emilia said, trying to laugh off her fear.
Thomas didn't smile. Instead, he stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the space as if searching for something. "I saw you sneaking around the manor," he said, his voice low. "What are you looking for, Emilia?"
Emilia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just trying to find some answers," she said finally. "This place is full of secrets."
Thomas nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Yes, it is. Secrets that are better left unspoken."
Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thomas took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I mean that some things are better left in the past. Ashwood Manor has a history, Emilia. A dark history."
Emilia's eyes locked onto Thomas's, searching for answers. "What kind of history?" she pressed.
Thomas hesitated, then seemed to make a decision. "Come with me," he said, his voice low. "I'll show you something."
Without another word, Thomas turned and walked out of the library, expecting Emilia to follow. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should trust him. But something in his eyes told her that he knew more than he was letting on.
With a deep breath, Emilia followed Thomas into the darkness of the manor, unsure what lay ahead.
As they walked, the shadows seemed to move around them, like living things. Emilia felt a presence watching her, following her. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Where are we going?" she asked Thomas, trying to keep her voice steady.
"You'll see," he replied, his voice low and mysterious.
Emilia's curiosity was piqued, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into danger. What secrets lay hidden in the manor? And what would Thomas show her?