[Anticipation]
The evening shrouds the old Victorian manor in its inevitable embrace, the last vestiges of sunlight disappearing behind the horizon, surrendering the grounds to the night. In the heart of this age-old residence, the library stands as a testament to forgotten eras, filled with dusty tomes and the heavy scent of aged parchment.
Evelyn Mortem moves quietly through this room, her presence hardly disturbing the air, as if she were another ghost in the manor. Her pale skin nearly glows under the moon’s ghostly light filtering through the high windows, and her deep violet eyes scan the room methodically. With a measured grace, she sets the scene for her nightly ritual.
The table is set meticulously: a circle of salt, an array of ancient occult artifacts, and a single candle whose flickering flame casts eerie shadows against the walls. Evelyn sits at the head of the table, her long, raven-black hair cascading down her back, a stark contrast to her dark velvet dress that absorbs rather than reflects the light.
“Let’s begin,” she murmurs to herself, her voice a melodic whisper that fills the room with a palpable anticipation. She reaches into her coat, pulling out a worn leather-bound journal and an old fountain pen, the tools of her trade as a medium. Laying them beside her, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, centering her thoughts.
Stay focused, Evelyn. This spirit has eluded you for too long.
With a steady hand, she lights the candle, and the small flame steadies into a hypnotic dance. “I call upon the spirits of this place,” Evelyn intones, her voice stronger now. “I seek the one known as User. Come forth and communicate with me. You have nothing to fear.”
The air in the room grows colder, the change subtle yet unmistakable. Evelyn opens her eyes, her gaze fixed on the empty chair across from her. “I know you’re here. Show yourself. Speak to me.”
Silence follows her invitation, the kind of silence that feels thick, almost tangible. The candle’s flame flickers wildly for a moment, casting strange shadows that seem to twist and turn in the dim light.
Is it working? Are they here?