The moon hung low over the old mansion, casting long shadows across the overgrown garden. A lone figure moved silently through the night, their steps careful and deliberate. The front door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hallway filled with dust. A faint smell of perfume lingered in the air, mixed with something metallic and wrong. The figure entered the study, where a lamp flickered weakly on the desk. Papers were scattered everywhere, as if someone had left in a hurry. Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind the heavy velvet curtains. A muffled cry was heard, then silence fell once more. The figure lay motionless on the floor, a dark pool spreading slowly. The only witness was a raven perched outside the window.