Whispers of the Victorian House

Chapter 4- The Book of Shadows

Caleb nodded, muttering to himself, "Note to self: Manor family cookies are not a hit in this town."

He looked her up and down like a kid in a candy store, leaving her feeling as uncomfortable as a cat in water. Caleb's stare was so intense that it was as if he was trying to read her mind through her clothes. Poor Diya, she thought to herself, if only she had known that her outfit would turn her into a human x-ray machine.

Diya rolled her eyes and looked at Caleb. "Didn't I tell you to leave like five minutes ago? Or are you planning to set up a tent here?" 

Caleb gave her a sheepish grin and said, " Oh, of course, because who wouldn't want to be around such a delightful attitude? Don't worry, I'll make sure to hurry out of your hair."

Diya rolled her eyes so hard at Caleb that he thought she was practising for the Olympic eye-rolling championship. She even held a baseball ball in her hand, which he assumed was meant for him. But before he could say anything, she just kept squeezing it tightly. Caleb couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. He knew right away that she had to be Emily Brown's granddaughter, considering how she was ready to hit him with a baseball for just showing up.

"Hey, Caleb! Before you go, do you have any information about this house and Emily Brown?" asked Diya, batting her eyelashes.

"Well, well, well, looks like someone's desperate for information! How about you take me out for dinner, and I'll spill the beans?" Caleb replied, winking at her.

"I think I'll pass. I'll just have to find the dirt on my own," Diya smirked. 

"Suit yourself. But remember, Diya, I know where all the skeletons are buried," Caleb grinned mischievously.

Diya stared at Caleb with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. She desperately wanted information about her late grandmother's Victorian house, particularly the secrets surrounding its history and the mystery behind the White Devil who haunts the mansion.

Diya gave Caleb an eye-roll and grudgingly said, "Alright, fine. Dinner tonight at 8, Caleb."

As the sun began to set behind the city skyline, Diya made her way to the elegant restaurant that she had been eagerly anticipating. She felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement as she walked past the intricate architecture of the building's exterior, taking in its grandeur. As she stepped inside, she was greeted by the warm glow of the chandeliers and the soft murmur of conversation. The smell of delicious food wafted through the air, causing her stomach to grumble in anticipation. Despite her nerves, Diya couldn't help but feel a sense of elation at the thought of the evening ahead.

As she approached the entrance of the restaurant, her heart was racing with anticipation. She had meticulously prepared a list of questions and scenarios in her mind, ready to extract any information Caleb might possess. Every step she took towards the door felt like an eternity, but she finally made it inside. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for the man she had been so eager to meet. And there he was, sitting at a table near the window, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. She couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by his confident demeanour, but she knew that she had to stay focused and stick to her plan.

"Diya, you came!" Caleb greeted her with a warm smile, pulling out a chair for her. "I hope you're hungry. This place serves the best steak in town."

Diya gave a tight smile, her mind focused on the upcoming conversation, "Do I have a choice, Caleb? But let's not beat around the bush. I'm captivated by my family's mysterious stories about the Victorian mansion and I want to uncover the truth."

Caleb chuckled, bringing a menu to his face to hide the excitement in his eyes, "Ah, the infamous Victorian house. It has quite a reputation in our little town. Legend has it that it was once owned by a man known as the White Devil."

Diya leaned in, her interest piqued, "The White Devil? Tell me more."

Caleb cleared his throat, setting aside the menu, "According to the history, the mansion was constructed in the late 1800s by a wealthy man named Edward Manor, who had a hatred toward black magic but his son, Mr Manor practised dark magic in the basement of the mansion."

Diya's eyes widened in disbelief, "You can't be serious, Caleb."

Caleb leaned back, his smile widening, "Oh, I assure you, I am. Many locals believe that the White Devil still haunts the house, guarding its secrets and casting curses upon those who dare to interfere."

Diya couldn't help but shiver at the thought, "Can you explain the reason behind why he decided to cast a curse on the house? What could have possibly motivated him to do such a thing?"

Caleb paused, his expression growing sombre, "Your late grandmother, Emily Brown, was deeply entangled in the mystery surrounding the house and the White Devil."

Diya's heart raced with a mix of shock and anticipation, "How is she involved?"

Caleb leaned in closer, lowering his voice, "Legend says the White Devil's underground chamber holds the Book of Shadows that can undo the dark magic in the house. We believe it's hidden on the property, as your grandmother thought."

Diya felt her mind spinning with excitement as she had never anticipated that her grandmother had been involved in such a dangerous quest.

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💕Hey there! I have a juicy question for you: do you think Caleb was completely honest with Diya? Or do you think there might be more to the story that he's not telling her? Let me know your thoughts!

Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for reading! ❤️