HeatMarie

A part of me wanted to turn back hoping to see Chip. Where was he? Was he safe? Hell, was he even a he? Damnit Haley, focus. I was in the middle of a storm, one that had turned violent, the temperature dropping as a fierce wind howled in the opposite direction.

It wasn’t just a storm, it was a beast. The wind whipped against my skin with a force that made each step feel like I was in battle. No, not a battle—a war, I was at war. Each raindrop was a fierce ally to the storm, pinching my skin with its sharp daggers that came from every direction with no place for me to hide. I kept my focus and forced my body forward. The mud, the last line of defense in the storm’s relentless assault, came in as reinforcements, their muddy hands tugged at my shoes with every stride. 

Reaching the mansion’s door, I pounded my fists against it, desperate for someone to let me in. “Please, if you’re home…” My voice, swallowed by the roaring wind and driving rain. A low, menacing rumble drew my gaze over my shoulder. A massive black funnel cloud loomed over the cornfield, twisting and churning, pulling up dirt, corn, and stalks. I couldn’t tell which way it was headed, but panic surged through me. I spun back to the door and threw my fists against it hoping that someone would let me in.

Still, no answer. Fuck it, I pressed my hand against the cold knob, turning it, I sighed with relief and pushed the door open, just as a fierce gust slammed into me.

Shutting the door was the last part of the battle as the wind fought to keep it open. I leaned into it, with all my strength, the wind howling in defiance as I struggled to get it closed. Halfway there, I turned, bracing my back against the door, and with a final push, it shut with a resounding clunk.

Exhaustion hit me like a wave, I slid down to the floor, my back pressed against the door, my body drained. I buried my head in my hands, struggling to catch my breath, then I let my head fall back against the door.

As I looked up, I realized I was sitting in the entry hall of a grand mansion. Everything was elegant and beautiful–from the intricate designs on the floor to the small decorations that adorned the space. A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the room. In front of me, a spiral staircase, its polished wood gleaming, curled with grace, upwards to a landing that crossed above. To the side was an archway leading to another room.

“Hello!” I called out, my voice echoing through the vastness. “Is there anyone here?” The silence that followed was almost as overwhelming as the storm outside. “You have a beautiful home,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else, as I pushed myself to my feet. Bracing my hands against the door, I gave it one last check, latching it securely just in case. The reassuring clink of the bolt gave me some comfort as I turned my attention to the rest of the mansion.

There was something about the place that almost made me feel at home, even with the dim lighting accentuating the luxurious decor and the intricate carvings on the banister. Unsure what to do, I decided to explore the small room tucked behind the staircase.

Before I even reached the doorway, the scent of old polished wood met me, rich and inviting. Inside, mahogany bookcases lined the walls, filled with countless books. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting just enough light to read the titles. It was the perfect refuge from the chaos outside. Despite the thunder rumbling and the wind howling against the stone walls, a sense of safety and security settled over me.

There were a million questions I should have been asking, but they all seemed distant, unimportant. Instead, I wandered from shelf to shelf, marveling at the sheer number of books. The sight of ceiling-high shelves crammed with volumes was something I’d only ever encountered in bookstores. But here, in someone’s home, it felt different. There was something more awe-inspiring about knowing that endless worlds were just within reach, all neatly lined up and waiting to be explored. Every type of book imaginable was tucked away, the room was a treasure trove of stories and knowledge. I smiled and plucked one at random. 

Heading over to the Victorian couch, with a beautiful ornate wooden frame and plush upholstery. I plopped myself down and laid on my back. This feels nice. I lifted the book and opened it to the first page, “You’re not supposed to be here. You shouldn’t be here. Leave, now!” The words melted from the page like fresh ink being washed away, as I squinted my eyes to read them. Dread filled my stomach, I sat up and flipped to the next page, “Not even in your dreams, Haley Lynn.” the words screamed the image of Grams, her stern words and concerned look. Like a hot burning flame, I tossed the book and forced my eyes closed. “Nope, not doing this. I don’t do well with the creepy and this, this is creepy.” 

I had to sit and convince myself that I was not in the creepy mansion that lay outside of town. I had never seen it, but there was no way. A place so haunted and so evil could not be beautiful. This is not that place, I am dead. Frank killed me with his bare hands. And no evil should live here. “Unless I am in hell. I wasn’t a bad child by any means. Or I didn’t think so. Not until I broke Angel’s nose. But that was only an accident. It was, I promise!” There was no one there to hear me cry out. I was alone, in a mansion, inside its library. That was all. 

I closed my eyes and ripped the thought of Grams and the mansion out of my mind. Why? Why would I even think such a stupid thought? It was then that I retraced that night. I was at the park, Angel came, I punched her, the book… Now it makes sense. It’s just the last thoughts I had. That’s why I am seeing this. It gave me some reassurance, but regardless, I was stuck there, at least for the time being.

The music played, a haunting and beautiful melody that seemed to float through the air. I closed my eyes, letting the sound wash over me, and for a moment, I let my thoughts drift away. Entranced, I stood up, feeling as though I were in a dream, and began to follow the music in a daze.

My hand reached out to the banister, its surface grounded me as I began my way up the stairs. With each step, I marveled at the intricate carvings, my fingers tracing along the edges of each pattern. It was as though a warm, comforting blanket had been draped over me, filled with a sense of love and admiration. The music grew louder, more insistent, as I reached the landing I followed it down a long hallway lined with doors, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Every door held its own unique scene, each more captivating than the last. One door depicted flowers in full bloom, as if basking in the golden warmth of a perfect summer day. The next portrayed birds soaring through the sky, their wings outstretched as they rode the peaceful currents of the wind. Though there were no colors to any of the carvings, the way the birds flew together conveyed a sense of harmony and freedom. Across the hall, a door showcased wild horses galloping through an open field, their manes billowing in the breeze, a vision of untamed beauty and grace. 

As I continued down the hallway, the scenes became more enchanting, more otherworldly. Fairies twirled and danced on giant mushrooms, their delicate wings shimmering the soft light. Unicorns stood in an embrace deep within a mystical forest, their horns touching as if in a silent exchange of eternal trust. The further I went, the more these fantastical creatures seemed to come alive, pulling me deeper into a world where magic and reality intertwined. 

The hallway darkened as two suits of armor loomed ahead, standing guard with their long swords drawn. I stopped before them, an uneasy feeling settling over me. It was as if the armor itself was warning me not to pass, urging me to turn back. Yet the music, haunting and irresistible, continued to pull at me. Sweat formed in the palm of my hands as I forced myself to walk between them.

The once beautiful engravings on the walls twisted into something sinister. The trees were now bare, their branches clawing at the air, while the flowers had withered and died. Gremlins and gargoyles lurked in the shadows, their twisted faces leering at me. Wolves with dark, malevolent eyes and snarling teeth prowled along the edges, their backs arched, their tails tucked between their legs as if they were both predator and prey. A few more steps, and I could see my breath in the cold air. It felt as though all light and warmth had been sucked from the corridor, leaving only a hollow, lifeless void.

But the music persisted, my solitary beacon in the darkness. If there was music, there had to be life–just beyond the door ahead. It was large, with a rounded top, and beneath the black iron handle was an imposing keyhole of equally dark metal. The music that seeped from the other side was soft and passionate, notes of love and longing intertwined in a melody that was elegant and beautiful. I pressed my hand against the door, feeling the warmth radiating through the wood, filing my body with the heat it desperately craved. I tried to push the door open, but it wouldn’t budge, as if it were locked from within.

I knocked, my voice trembling, “I just came to tell you how beautiful your song is.” Curiosity gnawed at me, compelling me to bend down and peer through the keyhole. I saw a dark shadow move across the room, and I strained my eyes, trying to focus until my vision blurred. I stood up, blinking to clear my sight, and then leaned back down for another look.

The music stopped. My heart pounded as a fast-moving blur darted across the room. An eye, black and lifeless, was peering back at me. It was devoid of color, of life. No soul existed inside of it, no love, no hope, no fear, or anger–only pure, unadulterated evil.

I pulled away from the door as an eerie laugh echoed from the other side–a sound dripping with malice and darkness. “Welcome home, Haley,” the voice hissed, “won’t you stay a while?” 

Panic surged through me, and I stumbled backward. The door’s handle rattled, the grinding of metal on metal merging with the laughter, creating a cacophony of darkness and fear that reverberated down the hall. I fell into the door behind me, my eyes wide with terror as a dark cloud seeped from the keyhole, spreading like a living shadow. It swallowed the dim light and all the remaining warmth, plunging the hallway into utter darkness. 

Every bit of sense and emotion drained from me. I didn’t feel fear or anger or love, or betrayal. I only felt the cold, as though my heart was turning into ash and the blood had been leached from my veins. I shivered uncontrollably as the blackness crept closer, inching forward.

“Haley, wake up.” The voice, gentle, echoed in my mind coming from somewhere outside of the cold, dark corridor.

It was all a dream. I knew that then, but the realization did nothing to free me from the terror. I tried to stand, but my body refused to obey, frozen to the ground, I was a prisoner enchained by the darkness.

“Haley, wake up,” the outside voice said again, more insistent this time. 

A face emerged from the blackness, slithering closer with each passing second. The voice that accompanied it was hollow, distant, as if echoing from deep within a tunnel beneath the earth. “You are mine, Haley Lynn. You cannot run from me, so you might as well join us.” 

I looked down, horrified as my skin crawled, peeling apart as it aged and cracked. Cockroaches bursted through the fissures, their tiny bodies scrambling across my flesh and down to the ground. I screamed, but the voice overpowered mine, commanding and cruel. “Nothing but a bug, a parasite, isn’t that what you said, Haley Lynn? Isn’t that all you are? A monster? A monster just like him. I think so. So come, darling, dance with me in the darkness. Let me show you all your darkest desires. Everything you deserve is right here.” 

Desperation flooded my mind. I forced my eyes closed and screamed.