THREE

I arrive at Hope's End on a crisp autumn day, the smell of saltwater and decaying leaves filling my nostrils as I follow the winding road through the rocky coastline. The Escort shimmies and groans as I climb higher, the sound of the waves growing distant until I'm nearly nose-deep in the scrubby flora of the countryside.

As I approach the property, I spot the walls, a testament to the town's history and the family's wealth. The graffiti on the wall sets off alarm bells in my mind, painted in vibrant neon blue on the red brick, a stark contrast to the worn and weathered exterior of the mansion itself.

"ROT IN HELL LENORA HOPE" reads the scrawled message, a chilling reminder of the events that transpired within these walls. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the car door as I consider turning back, but my feet seem rooted to the spot. The thought of what lies ahead, of what secrets this crumbling estate holds, is too enticing to resist.

I take a deep breath, step out of the car, and approach the gate, where Carter, the groundskeeper, is waiting for me with a warm smile. He introduces himself, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he says, "I'll help you with the gate. It's a bit finicky, but I've learned to handle it."

As we navigate the gate, he falls into a comfortable rhythm, chatting about the property, the family, and the history that permeates every inch of this decaying mansion. I listen intently, my eyes drinking in the words, as he reveals his own connection to the Hope family.

We reach the entrance, where Mrs. Baker, the housekeeper, awaits, her eyes surveying me with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. Her gaze lingers on my outfit, a flash of blue wool and pilly fabric, before she invites me inside.

As we step across the threshold, I feel the weight of the mansion's secrets pressing in around me, the air thick with the scent of decay and forgotten memories. I hesitate, my hand reaching for the doorframe as I weigh the cost of entering this mysterious domain.

And then, with a deep breath, I step across the threshold, into the darkness, and into the unknown.

This is Hope's End, where the past collides with the present, and the truth lies hidden behind the crumbling facades and the whispered secrets. I am Kit McDeere, the latest occupant of this decaying mansion, bound for a journey that will change me forever.