Nemona: The Witch of Scaranton

Chapter 3: Acquiring the Enigmatic Mansion

As the evening deepened, the grand dining room of Scaranton Mansion was bathed in a soft golden hue, thanks to the antique chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. The mellow light cast elongated shadows, making the room seem even larger than it was. Gilbert sat at the head of the intricately carved wooden table, his scarab cane resting beside him.

After a hearty dinner, the chatter among the Winstons began to wane, and Gilbert, sensing the opportunity, cleared his throat. "Our esteemed guest," he began, nodding towards me, "has shown much interest in our new abode. Perhaps it's time I shared the tale of how we came to possess Scaranton Mansion."

I leaned forward, intrigued. This was exactly the kind of information I had hoped for.

"You see," Gilbert began, his voice deep and melodious, "I had been seeking an expansive property in London, a place fitting for the Winstons. My business ventures were expanding here, and it was only logical for my family to be nearby. That's when I chanced upon an advertisement for this very mansion."

He paused, a far-off look in his eyes. "The mansion's architecture, the intricate wooden designs, it was as if it were calling out to me. Being an avid aficionado of ancient architecture, I was immediately drawn to it. The promise of secrets hidden within its walls only added to its allure."

Everyone listened intently, even the children seemed captivated by the story. Gilbert's passion for architecture and history was evident in the way his eyes lit up as he spoke. He reached for his scarab cane, holding it up for everyone to see. "Much like this cane, a prized possession from Egypt, believed to have once been a pharaoh's wand. I cherish objects and places that carry tales from bygone eras."

He placed the cane back down gently. "The acquisition of the mansion, however, was unusual. The seller contacted me anonymously via telephone. A soft-spoken woman, she seemed to know precisely what I desired in a mansion. It felt... uncanny."

A slight frown creased his brow. "Her requests were peculiar, and the terms were oddly specific. But the deal was too good to pass up, especially given my pressing business needs."

There was a pause, as everyone let the story sink in. Gilbert seemed oblivious to the urban legend of the mansion, but as he spoke of the mysterious seller, my thoughts immediately gravitated towards Nemona. The descriptions he provided, did they align with what I knew of her? Was she behind this sale? And if so, what could she possibly be planning to do?

"Despite its mysteries," Gilbert concluded with a smile, "this mansion now belongs to the Winstons. And we intend to fill it with joy, laughter, and memories."

The room erupted in cheers, but beneath the celebrations, a sense of foreboding lingered. The tale was far from over.