Rain tapped the windowpane. Footsteps echoed down the hall. A clock struck midnight sharply. Silence gripped the grand mansion. Then a scream shattered stillness. Candles flickered, casting wild shadows. Someone gasped behind the curtain. A body lay cold, lifeless. Blood pooled near marble flooring. A locket dangled, slightly open. Wind howled through cracked windowpanes. Footprints marked the dusty carpet. A glove rested far from hand. Clock hands froze at twelve. Crows circled above the rooftop. Smoke rose from cold fireplace. Guests whispered behind cupped hands. One name passed through lips. Secrets buried deep resurfaced loudly. Murder always leaves faint traces.