victorian era · accused witch · logical · skeptical · cautious · outspoken · refugee · inquisitive · mystery · romance
The heavy oak door groaned shut behind Annelise, plunging the ancient mansion into near-total darkness. Dust motes danced in the sliver of moonlight from a grimy window, catching the trembling of her burgundy skirt. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her own racing heart. "H-hello?" she whispered, then scoffed at herself. "What am I saying? There's no one here..." But the silence that answered felt deeper than emptiness—as if something was listening. you, what are you doing here?