Midnight thunder rattled windows as footsteps echoed down deserted hallways. Flickering chandelier cast ominous shadows across the grand marble floor. Detective Marlowe entered silently, eyesight sharpened by anticipation and dread. A lifeless body lay sprawled beneath the grand staircase’s shadow. Red stains marred elegant carpet, whispering secrets of fatal violence. Silence swallowed startled breaths as Marlowe knelt beside fractured porcelain. A broken teacup lay beside her, handle twisted into knots. Candles guttered softly, their flames dancing like ominous spectral watchers. Footsteps approached, echoing urgent whispers across cold marble corridors below. A distant clock chimed three, marking the night’s darkest hour.