Shadows of the Past

at the old mansion that loomed in the distance like a forgotten ghost. The place hadn't changed in the five years since she last visited. T

's passing. "We're sorry for your loss," she had said, as if those words would make a difference. Claire had

ctations he had for her. As an acclaimed historian in their small coastal town, he had always been more absorbed in his research and

Claire had refused. Instead, she had opted to visit the house first-her inheritance, her ob

father's sanctuary. The room was as she remembered-lined with shelves of books, papers scattered across the desk, a half-open wind

ther's elegant, yet precise script. The letter was short, its mess

o her father. The letter felt heavy in her hands, a beacon drawing her deeper into the myste