The old clock chimed midnight softly. Moonlight streamed through tall, thin windows. Footsteps echoed in the silent hall. A shadow moved, quick and quiet. Cold wind blew, chilling to bone. The front door creaked ominously open. Darkness enveloped the ancient mansion's facade. Silence fell again, heavy and thick. A single lamp flickered on, weakly. Inside, chaos reigned in candlelight. Shattered glass littered the hardwood floor. Red stains marred the pristine carpet. Detective Brown arrived, breathless and wary. He surveyed the unsettling crime scene.