In the quiet town of Meadowgrove, night fell swiftly. A piercing scream echoed through the cold air. Lights flickered on in once-dark homes. Shadows danced, whispers flew like autumn leaves. Detective Hartley arrived at the old mansion. The grand doors creaked open ominously. A body lay lifeless in the dim hall. Candles flickered, portraits stared down eerily. Blood stained the floor, a grim pattern. The victim's face, frozen in shock and fear.