The autumn chill seeped through Blackwood Manor’s ancient stone walls like a slow, creeping ghost’s cold touch. Elara walked down the very long, dark corridor, her soft footsteps making almost no sound at all. She had been sent to find Lord Ashworth, but his study door was slightly ajar, which was unusual. She pushed the heavy oak door open wider and was met by a profound, unsettling silence within. There, slumped over his large mahogany desk, was the body of Lord Ashworth himself, completely still. A small, ornate letter opener was buried deep within his back, its silver handle gleaming in the moonlight. A scream was caught deep in her throat, unable to escape as she stared at the horrifying scene. But the most terrifying detail was the single, perfect red rose lying on the desk beside him.