As Calian scanned the main hall, his eyes locked onto a sight that sent a jolt of fear racing through his veins. He spotted a trail of bloodstains leading up the stairs that led to the second floor.
Without hesitation, he began to ascend the stairs, his heart pounding in his chest. He clutched the photograph and newspaper close to his chest, hoping that finding Jalen would provide some semblance of answers to the bizarre turn of events.
As the uncertain man reached the second floor, he noticed an old, but luxurious, model telephone resting on a nearby table. Calian's eyes lit up with hope. Perhaps, if he could call for help, they could find a way to escape the mansion's clutches.
He hurried over to the telephone, his mind racing with the possibilities. But as he lifted the receiver, his heart sank. The line was dead, and the antique device was rendered useless.
"Damn it!" Calian cursed under his breath. He replaced the receiver, feeling more helpless and alone than ever. With no other leads, and no way to contact the outside world, he continued his search for Jalen, determined to unravel the mansion's dark secrets and save his friends.
As his eyes scanned the vastness of the second floor, he realized just how large the mansion truly was. Each room was hidden behind heavy, wooden doors, and the labyrinthine corridors seemed to stretch on for miles.
A wave of weariness washed over him, realizing that this search would take far longer than he initially anticipated. But the thought of Jay, and the others, spurred him on. Calian took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and began to make his way down the corridor, determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest to find his friend.
The first door he came across was adorned with an ornate brass handle, and he could not resist the urge to push it open. As the door creaked open, he found himself standing in a room filled with antique furniture and an old, musty scent. A wave of unease washed over him, but he pushed it aside and continued on, his determination to find someone fueling his steps.
In the next room, he discovered another grand library with shelves reaching the ceiling, filled with anthropology books of all sizes and shapes. The flickering light from the single, dusty chandelier above cast spectral shadows across the room, but Calian didn't let that deter him. He stepped inside, drawn to the potential wealth of knowledge the room offered, even as he continued his search for his friends.
"I guess this really is a research institute, but even so this is a bit..." his thoughts were spoken in the form of whispers, as he walked through this other library, even larger than the previous ones.
Calian began to scan the titles of the books, hoping to find some clue or connection to the mansion's dark past. His fingers traced the spines of the books, feeling the weight of history as he passed by each one.
As he delved deeper into the antique room, he noticed a large, leather-bound tome resting on the lowest shelf. It was unlike any of the other books, as if it had been hidden away from prying eyes. A shiver ran down his spine as he pulled the heavy book free, the pages creaking and groaning as he opened it.
Inside, he found a collection of old newspaper clippings, all detailing grisly murders and disappearances in the area. Some of the names and dates matched those in the newspaper he'd found earlier. Calian's heart raced as he realized the horrifying truth: the mansion's history was far more sinister than he could have ever imagined.
"..."
Calian's mind raced, overwhelmed by the chilling revelations he had just discovered. As he tried to make sense of the twisted history of the mansion, his thoughts became a jumbled mess. He didn't know what to think or believe, but one thing was clear in his mind and it was the fact that the mansion held many dark secrets. Now, it was up to him to unravel them and save his friends.
But, for now, he had to focus on his friends. Pushing the book back onto the shelf, he left the library, determined to continue his search and find Jalen, even as the weight of the mansion's dark secrets pressed down upon him.
"But how?" the man asked himself, his brow furrowing in deep thought. The enormity of the task ahead weighed heavily on his shoulders. He knew that time was of the essence, and he needed to find Jalen and the others before it was too late.
He continued his search, scanning each room with a newfound sense of urgency. The mansion's secrets threatened to consume him, but he refused to let fear take hold. As he ventured deeper into the labyrinth, Young's determination to unravel the mansion's mysteries and save his friends only grew stronger.
Calian then approached the next door, his heart pounding in anticipation. As he reached for the handle, he suddenly heard a faint creaking sound, as if coming from within the room.
His pulse quickened, and he pushed the door open, bracing himself for what he might find. But as he stepped inside, he saw only the billowing curtains, the wind and snow swirling in through the open window.
Deflated, the somewhat relieved young man cursed under his breath. It was just the wind, a false alarm in his quest to find his friends. He closed the window, doing his best to seal out the harsh winter, and continued on his search, his spirits dampened, but his determination unwavering.
***
As the cold wind howled through the treetops, a solitary figure stood firm in the midst of the Northern Appalachian Mountains. The snow, piled high and thick, enveloped the figure, making it impossible to discern their gender or appearance. All that could be seen was the outline of their heavy snow apparel and coat, shielding them from the bitter cold.
The figure's legs, buried in the snow up to their waist, quivered slightly from the icy chill. But they refused to move, their gaze fixed on the star-filled sky above. The moon, a bright, glowing orb, cast its silvery light upon the snow-capped landscape, illuminating the tranquil scene.
In this still, frozen moment, the figure seemed to be at peace. They breathed deeply, inhaling the crisp, clean air, feeling it warm their lungs. As they exhaled, their breath hung in the air, a ghostly mist in the frigid night.
The silence that enveloped the mountainside was occasionally interrupted by the crunch of snow beneath their feet, or the snapping of a branch in the distance. The unknown person stood, undeterred, seemingly at one with the vast, snowy wilderness that surrounded them.
And so, they remained, a solitary soul in the midst of the snow, lost in thought, yet unbothered by the harsh elements. The cold, unforgiving mountains held no sway over them, for they stood strong, defiant, and at peace in the heart of the storm.
As the howls of wild wolves echoed through the surrounding forest, the mysterious figure remained motionless, seemingly unfazed by the danger that approached. The sound of their heavy paws pounding through the snow grew louder, and the figure could feel the earth shake beneath their feet as the pack of wolves closed in.
In the blink of an eye, the figure found themselves surrounded. The wolves, snarling and baring their teeth, circled them, their intent clear. Yet, as the moon's light cast shadows across the snow, the figure's eyes, previously hidden by the depths of their hood, began to glow a fierce, red hue.
A sudden, inexplicable fear gripped the pack of wolves. Their hackles lowered, and their growls turned to whimpers. As one, they turned tail and fled, disappearing back into the dark woods. The once-menacing creatures seemed to have encountered something far more terrifying and powerful than they could handle.
Still enshrouded in their heavy coat and hood, the mysterious person stood tall and unyielding. The snow that blanketed the ground muffled the sound of their quiet, victorious laughter. For, in that moment, the world around them, including the mighty wolves, had been reminded that there were forces at play beyond their comprehension.
The figure turned to face the direction from where they'd first caught a glimpse of the isolated mansion. The distant flicker of low lights, a beacon of warmth amidst the icy wilderness, seemed to draw them in.
As they trudged through the snow, the sound of their footsteps crunching through the thick, white blanket was the only noise that broke the eerie silence of the night. The cold continued to bite at their exposed skin, but the promise of respite at the mansion seemed to give them the strength to carry on.
The silhouette's pace quickened, their resolve unwavering. With each step, they grew closer to the sanctuary of the mansion. The snow that had once seemed insurmountable now seemed like a mere inconvenience as they made their way towards the shelter that awaited.
Finally, the figure emerged from the trees, revealing the grand, isolated mansion. The low lights within glowed warmly, casting flickering shadows on the snow-covered ground.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Once the figure had reached the edge of the mansion's grounds, they paused, standing still in front of the grand, isolated building. They seemed to be waiting, their gaze fixed on the entrance, as if they anticipated the arrival of someone or something. The cold wind continued to howl, but the figure showed no sign of discomfort, remaining patient and unwavering in their vigil.
***
After searching some of the other rooms without success, Calian's heart sank as he discovered more bloodstains, a sick feeling rising in the pit of his stomach. He knew he couldn't leave without finding Jalen and the others, but the thought of going downstairs, where the stains seemed to be most concentrated, filled him with dread.
Inside one of the large, windowed rooms, the snow swirled outside, obscuring the landscape beyond. The thought of hiking back down through the blizzard, in the dark, with no guarantee of finding a clear path, was a daunting one.
"Shit!" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He couldn't leave his friends behind, but the mansion held too many dangers for him to face alone.
As he paced the room, his mind raced, trying to come up with a solution. But then, a thought struck him: the wolves. They had chased them up the mountain, and it was possible they were still nearby, lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.
Calian knew he couldn't risk leaving the mansion until he found his friends. He needed to search the mansion, floor by floor, until he uncovered the truth and brought his friends back to safety. It was a daunting task, but he knew he had no other choice.
With a deep breath, he steeled himself, and continued his search, his mind focused on the task at hand. The mansion's secrets and dangers might be overwhelming, but Calian refused to let them break his resolve. He would find Jalen and the others, and together, they would face whatever the mansion had in store for them.
As he ventured deeper into the mansion, the creaking of the old wooden floorboards and the flickering of the dying fire seemed to echo the memories of his childhood. He couldn't help but recall the time when, as a young boy, he had gotten lost in the dense woods of the Northeastern United States.
The memories flooded back: the bitter cold that numbed his fingers and toes, the howls of wolves that seemed to stalk him from the shadows, and the fear that gripped his heart as he realized he was utterly alone. The memory of the towering, menacing bears that roamed the woods, always lurking just beyond his sight, made his heart race once more.
But then, there was the relief he had felt when, after what felt like an eternity, his grandfather and some friends had finally found him. The traditional Native American old man, named Nodin, had given him a stern scolding for wandering off, but Calian could only remember the overwhelming sense of relief and happiness that washed over him. He had been saved from the icy grasp of the forest, and he had his family by his side once more.
Calian drew strength from that memory, knowing that no matter how dark and foreboding the present seemed, there was always hope. As he continued his search for Jay and the others, he held onto that hope, determined to bring his friends back to safety and face the dangers of the mansion head-on. The past had taught him resilience, and now, it was time to use that resilience to overcome the present.
He then reached for the Atahensic goddess bracelet that adorned his wrist. It was a gift from his grandfather, given to him as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and courage. He clenched his fist around the bracelet, the cold metal comforting in its familiarity.
In the native cultures of the region, these distinctive symbols play a significant role. They're used to directly embody the divine entities and, in doing so, to draw down their divine favor upon the possessors. These symbols, in essence, function as authentic, powerful talismans of good fortune.
And at that moment he made a silent promise to his friends; "I will take all of us out of here, come what may." he vowed. He wouldn't let the dangers of the Institute's mansion or the harsh elements of the storm break his resolve. With the strength of his ancestors and the wisdom of the Atahensic goddess, he would see this through and bring his friends back to safety.
Calian's determination burned like a beacon, guiding him as he continued his search. The mansion's secrets and dangers might be overwhelming, but he would not falter. With each step, he drew closer to his friends, and with each passing moment, the promise he made to them grew stronger. He would not rest until they were all safe and back in the warm embrace of the cabin.
Proceeding towards his goal, Young's heart raced as he stumbled into the guest room, the sight before him making him lose his footing. The body on the floor, seemingly embalmed, was a shocking and disconcerting discovery. The lack of blood around or on the corpse itself only served to heighten the unease that had been growing within him.
His shock was so overwhelming that he could not say or think of anything. The horrifying sight of that dead figure in front of him affected him immensely. As he stood there for a while, just staring, he realized that the poor victim had both of his ears cut off. He also noticed that it was no one he knew.
"What in the fuck is happening here?!" he then hissed, straining to keep his voice low as he approached the unmoving body of an unknown man on the floor. This unfortunate soul had evidently been dead for a few days, leaving a putrid stench in the air.
He hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. Was this the fate that awaited Jalen and the others? A shiver ran down his spine, but he knew he couldn't linger here. If he wanted to find his friends and bring them back to safety, he needed to seek help.
Gathering his courage, Calian forced himself to focus on the task at hand. He knew that, with the storm raging outside, it might be difficult to find a clear path to the cabin. But he couldn't give up. The thought of leaving his friends behind, in the clutches of whatever dangers lurked in the mansion, was unbearable.
The fickle nature of this snowstorm was unpredictable, shifting from appearing overnight to persisting for prolonged periods, leaving observers and travelers alike in constant uncertainty.
The young man took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stood up. With a final, cautious glance at the eerie sight before him, Calian turned and left the room, his mind set on finding a way to safety. The mansion's secrets and dangers were many, but he refused to let them break his resolve. He would find his friend, and together, they would face whatever the storm and the mansion had in store for them.
Calian retraced his steps through the maze-like halls of the mansion, his mind now focused on finding a way out. As he moved, he paid closer attention to the surroundings, hoping to spot a potential exit.
The storm outside raged on, the sound of howling winds and pounding rain serving as a constant reminder of the dangers they faced. Calian pushed on, his determination fueled by the thought of reuniting with his friends and the promise he made to them.
He soon stumbled upon a large, ornate mirror that reflected the dimly lit hallway behind him. In the reflection, he caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows. His heart leapt into his throat as he prepared for whatever may come, but when he turned around, there was nothing there.
Regaining his composure, Calian continued on, his focus unwavering. The memory of that half-decayed corpse in the guest room served as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked within the mansion, but he would not let it break him.
He eventually found a set of stairs leading upwards, to the smaller and less complex third floor, and he started to climb. The storm, the mansion, and whatever else lay in wait for him, he would face it all. For his friends, he would not falter.
As Calian ascended the stairs, the dim lighting grew even more sparse, leaving him to rely on the faint glow of his phone for guidance. The steps creaked under his weight, the sound echoing through the empty halls. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, but he pressed on, his determination to find his friends fueling his every step.
Reaching the top of the stairs, he found himself in a small landing. A door to his left seemed to be the only way out, as it was the only one that wasn't locked. He took a deep breath, his heart racing, and pushed the door open. The door led to a small attic space, filled with cobwebs and old, forgotten boxes.
In a state of desperation, Calian frantically searched the room for any indication of an exit. As he was about to give up hope, his eyes fell upon a small, almost invisible window in the corner. He lifted it, revealing a narrow ladder outside that led downwards. Without a moment's hesitation, he began his descent, clinging to the hope that this would, at last, guide him to safety.
The staircase ended in a cramped, confined room on the floor below. The dim light illuminated a small window, and beyond it, a faint glimmer of hope: the night sky, free from the oppressive storm clouds. Calian's heart swelled with relief as he realized that he was, at last, close to escaping the mansion's clutches.
Outside, the window gave access to part of the mansion's roof. He climbed up to it, pushing aside the aged, dusty curtains that obstructed his view. The refreshing, cool night air rushed in, filling his lungs with a freshness that had been sorely lacking for what felt like an interminable amount of time.
He was relieved to see that the storm clouds had dissipated, leaving the sky clear and starry. With a renewed sense of hope, he looked around, scanning the landscape for any sign of his friends or a way to safety. It was possible to see some lights in the direction of the forest nearby.
As Calian watched the small group with lanterns approaching the front of the mansion, another surge of relief flooded through him. It could only be his friends, and the thought of finally reuniting with them spurred him into action.
Despite the lingering fear of whatever had caused the death of that poor man he'd discovered earlier, Calian knew he had to go back to the entrance hall to find his friends. He had to lead them to safety, and that meant facing the mansion's dangers once more.
He went back inside and ran back down the hallway, looking for the main stairs. As he reentered the maze-like halls, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The uncanny silence seemed to close in around him, the only sound the soft thud of his footsteps.
Young pressed on, his heart racing with every step. As he approached the stairs that led to the entrance hall. Calian's hand gripped the banister tightly as he stood at the top of the main stairs, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. The thought of whatever he'd glimpsed just moments ago still lingered in the back of his mind, and his heart raced with each creak of the old wooden stairs.
He took a deep, steadying breath and forced himself to focus. He couldn't let fear control him; his friends were waiting, and he had to find a way to save them all.
"You're almost there... Be brave, Calian." he whispered, urging himself forward with will power.
With excruciating slowness, he began his descent, each step feeling like an eternity. His eyes darted from side to side, scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he could feel the cold sweat dripping down his temples.
As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he paused, taking one last look around before making his way towards the entrance. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and it seemed as if the very air around him was pulsating with unspoken menace. He couldn't shake the unnerving sensation that he was not alone, that a watchful presence had been with him all along, observing his every move.
But with a gritted jaw and determination in his eyes, Calian continued on, knowing that each step closer to his friends was a step closer to ending the nightmare that had befallen them all. The constant darkness and pervasive fear not only exacerbated the situation, but also led to his mind manipulating reality. It was this state of mind that the young man had to cling to in order to persist in his pursuit of his ultimate objective.