Ashwood Manor loomed at the end of a winding dirt road, its spires piercing the sky like black daggers. Thunder growled overhead as Eliza's car crunched over the gravel driveway. The mansion seemed alive, its windows glinting like watchful eyes.
The front doors creaked open before she could knock. A butler, impossibly gaunt and dressed in a suit that seemed decades out of fashion, greeted her with a deep bow.
"Miss Rivers," he said, his voice a dry rasp. "Master Sebastian awaits you in the drawing room."
The interior of the manor was a labyrinth of dark wood, ornate tapestries, and flickering candlelight. Shadows danced on the walls, forming grotesque shapes that seemed to twist and leer at Eliza as she passed.
Sebastian was waiting by the fireplace, his sharp features illuminated by the flickering flames. He looked unchanged, as if the years had barely touched him.
"Eliza," he said warmly, extending his hand. "You made it."
"I almost didn't," she admitted, her unease growing with every second. "This place… it feels - "
"Alive?" Sebastian finished, his smile tight. "It does that to everyone. Come, let me show you to your room."