Julie’s brow furrowed as she looked at Amanda, her curiosity piqued by Amanda’s sudden fascination with the past. “You’ve really immersed yourself in this whole ‘illumination’ thing from fifty years ago,” Julie remarked, a hint of disbelief in her tone. “I’ve never seen you so engrossed in something like this before.”

Amanda shifted uneasily, her cheeks flushing with an uneasy warmth. “I guess you could say that,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s just that this house... it’s gotten under my skin. I can’t stop thinking about it—day or night.”

Julie’s eyes widened. “I remember when you were practically dragged into this place. You were so reluctant, I practically had to drag you in!”

“That’s how I am,” Amanda admitted. “I’m cautious about new things, but once I’m in, I’m all in. And nothing I’ve ever encountered has fascinated me as much as this house does. I’m determined to light the candles in the locked-up room.”

Julie hesitated as they ascended the narrow staircase once more. “I don’t understand your obsession with that room. It makes me feel so uneasy—I hate being near it. I prefer the library and the portrait of the Lovely Lady.”

Amanda didn’t respond. Instead, she focused on lighting the candles in the locked-up room, her movements deliberate and methodical. Once she was finished, they returned to the drawing-room. With nothing left to do but enjoy the ambiance, the girls settled into a cozy, worn-out couch, mesmerized by the glow of the candles. The room was transformed, bathed in a soft, flickering light that seemed to breathe life into its shadowy corners. They spoke in hushed tones, occasionally breaking the silence to comment on the scene. They marveled at the sight, their eyes trying to capture every detail for memory.

Julie’s voice was filled with wonder. “This is breathtaking! It’s even more magical than a Christmas tree! Candlelight has this incredible way of making everything look so enchanting.”

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Amanda, though visibly tense, nodded in agreement. “It’s like stepping back in time. This house must have been a sanctuary of candlelight—there weren’t many other options in those days. It feels like it’s keeping a secret.”

Julie glanced at Amanda, noting her growing restlessness. Amanda fidgeted, getting up several times to pace around the room. She checked her watch repeatedly, her anxiety palpable.

“How long do you think these candles will last?” Julie asked, peering at her own watch. “They’ve barely burned a third. I could sit here forever and watch this.”

Suddenly, Amanda stiffened, her gaze fixed on the door. “Did you hear that?” she whispered, her voice strained.

Julie sat up, listening intently. “I don’t hear anything. What’s wrong with you today, Amanda?”

Amanda’s eyes darted towards the front door. “I don’t know. I’m just... nervous.”

Julie’s eyes widened as she heard a faint, eerie click. “Good grief, Amanda! What if someone’s trying to break in? They might have seen the light through a crack and are coming to investigate!”

The sound of cracking wood echoed through the house, sending both girls into a panic. They clung to each other, their faces pale with fear. The front door’s lock had been breached. The sound of footsteps in the hallway confirmed their worst fears.

“Quick! We need to get out of here!” Julie whispered urgently. “We could get arrested for trespassing! Let’s sneak down to the cellar and escape through the window.”

Amanda shook her head firmly. “No, Julie. I’m not running away. Even if we manage to escape unnoticed, they’ll find out sooner or later. We’ve left too much evidence. I’m going to face whoever’s coming and explain that we meant no harm.”

The rattling of the main door grew louder, followed by a resounding crack as it was forced open. Footsteps approached, and Julie’s fear rendered her motionless, her voice failing her. They were trapped. Amanda’s calmness was striking, a stark contrast to Julie’s terror.

“Come on!” Amanda urged, her voice resolute. “We need to face this head-on.”

The drawing-room door creaked open, revealing the intruder’s silhouette against the dimly lit hallway. The girls braced themselves, their hearts pounding as they prepared to confront the unknown visitor who had interrupted their candlelit reverie.