The mansion was cloaked in dim light.

Nathaniel moved forward, each step swallowed by the deepening night. The only thing visible was his shadow stretching out before him, cast by the faint glow from behind.

The silence was suffocating.

"Honey," he called softly, his voice low and tentative. But the darkness around him offered no response—just more quiet.

Ahead, the door to the second-floor bedroom stood closed.

He tried the handle.

Locked.

"Honey, ...