Preview of Part 1: 

“This is it.”

“This?” Eric echoed, looking around the room in confusion. “We broke into a haunted house just for what looks to once have been a nursery?”

Rolling your eyes, you moved over to the unique wall panelling. “This is why. Look at how exquisite this detailing is.”

“I have to admit. It is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

Running your hand gently along the ornate detailing, you sighed dreamily. “The artist behind this was phenomenal. We truly don’t have this style of panelling readily accessible today. It must have taken whoever created this several solid weeks to complete it.”

“It was months, actually,” a new voice mentioned, and you froze, glancing over your shoulder.

“Who-who are you?” Eric asked in a little more than a whisper.

The newcomer was void of a reaction, his cold eyes penetrating yours. “The caretaker of this home. You’re not meant to be in here, now, are you?”

“Sorry, I just–”

“We’re leaving!” Eric cut in with a squeak, tugging on your arm. “We won’t come again!”

Watching the man as Eric dragged you to the exit of the room, you wondered why his gaze grew sombre. Yanking free from Eric, you turned back for the stairs, but he latched onto your waist.

“Don’t go back up there, Y/N!”

“He seems to know about the panelling!”

“Before he calls the cops, come on!” Eric urged, and you groaned, following Eric to the front door.

But all the way home, you couldn’t help but envision the strange man’s dark eyes.

As if he had a story worth listening to.