Thunder rumbled through the deserted manor halls as Detective Marsh discovered crimson footprints leading toward the grand oak-paneled library doorway. Flickering candlelight revealed shattered glass and overturned chairs, evidence of a violent struggle echoing in cold, ancient ominous watchful silence. A solitary window cast pale moonlight upon a blood-spattered letter opener, its silver blade glinting with guilty, secret, ominous malice. Detective Marsh’s pulse quickened as distant footsteps approached, each echoing thud marking relentless pursuit of a cunning, shadowy unseen assailant. A single scream pierced midnight’s veil before abruptly cutting off, leaving only the detective’s breath reverberating in stifling, ominous darkness.