Midnight thunder rolled through the abandoned manor corridors, illuminating dusty portraits while shadows danced beneath flickering candlelight, whispering forgotten memories. Detective Eleanor Sterling arrived silently, her polished shoes echoing across marble floors as candle flames guttered ominously overhead, heightening suspense. She paused by an ornate oak door, steeling her nerves before turning the brass handle toward looming unspeakable violence inside. A sudden gasp echoed through the hallway, voice trembling with horror before sinking into ghastly silence that chilled every spine. Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat as she stepped inside, confronted by a lifeless figure sprawled beneath crimson-stained Persian carpet. Moonlight filtered through tall windows, dust motes dancing above the body where unnatural stillness reigned under the opulent, glistening chandelier. Blood pooled around the victim’s head, its dark sheen reflecting pale moonbeams like sinister jewels set against cold marble floor. Eleanor knelt carefully, examining the gruesome wound while her trained eyes noted every clue concealed within the decadent drawing room.