🌕 A Stormy Night at Hollowbrook Manor Awaits... 🕯️

Detectives,

The wind howled as the old iron gates creaked open. Hollowbrook Manor stood before them, towering in the darkness like a forgotten relic of a time long past. Its windows, cracked and broken, reflected the moonlight like eyes watching from the shadows. The very air around Hollowbrook felt unnaturally heavy, as if the walls themselves were observing. A faint whisper—almost imperceptible—seemed to echo through the halls, vanishing as quickly as it came. 🌬️👀

The five guests arrived separately, each one drawn by a different call... but none knowing the real reason for their presence.

Eleanor Vaughn was the first to step inside, her hand trembling as she touched the cold brass handle. This was her family’s legacy. The house whispered to her, but the words were unclear—was it a warning? Or a call? As Eleanor crossed the threshold, the candle flickered violently—once, twice—before the flame steadied. For a moment, she thought she heard footsteps behind her, but when she turned, the hallway stood empty. Or was it? 🕯️👣

The others followed, one by one:

• Dr. Victor Green, ever the skeptic, dismissed the cold draft as a mere quirk of old architecture. “There’s always an explanation,” he muttered. 👨‍⚕️

• Cassandra White shivered, her hands trembling as she stepped into the grand foyer. She felt the unmistakable chill of a thousand eyes, spirits watching from the shadows. “They don’t want us here,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. 🔮

• James Blackwell, the historian, marveled at the details of the manor. “So much history... if these walls could talk,” he said, running his fingers over the wood paneling. 📜

• Maggie Cartwright, the journalist, clutched her notebook tightly. She wasn’t just here for a story. Something about this place unnerved her, and the faint smell of burnt wood lingering in the air—though no fire had touched the hearth in years—added to her growing sense of unease. 🕵️‍♀️✒️

As they gathered in the foyer, a loud creak echoed through the house, followed by a thud. Something… or someone… had arrived. Welcome to Hollowbrook Manor. Your first clue awaits. 🏚️🔍

🔍 Clue: In the corner of the dusty entryway, Eleanor noticed an old portrait hanging askew. It hadn’t always been that way… had it? Her pulse quickened as she stepped closer. The family was all there, but… one face had been scratched out, removed from memory. Beneath the portrait, a cryptic message was scrawled:

“Time knows all, but only those who see beyond can set me free.”

Who was this person? And why had they been erased? What does this strange message mean for those who dare to uncover the truth?

🕵️ Can you piece together the first part of this mystery, Detective? Hollowbrook Manor is already whispering its secrets… but tread carefully. This house has a way of turning on those who seek the truth.

We’ll see you tomorrow for chapter 2.

Yours in mystery,
The Mystery Society 🔍