Chapter 2 - Grandfather Steps Toward The Forbidden Upstairs Room
Arthur Parker gripped seven-year-old Lily’s small, cold hand tightly within his own weathered palm.
His sharp eyes, usually filled with warmth, narrowed into dangerous slits as he stared down the trembling woman.
Elena stumbled back against the kitchen counter, her face draining of all color as she realized her control was slipping.
“You have no right to go up there, Arthur! It’s private property!” Elena shrieked, her voice cracking with rising panic.
Arthur ignored her frantic protests entirely, his jaw set with the unyielding determination of a protective grandfather.
He looked down at Lily, whose wide blue eyes reflected both terror and a glimmer of newfound hope.
“You’re safe with me, sweetheart. Nobody is ever going to hurt you in this house again,” Arthur promised softly.
He lifted his gaze toward the grand winding staircase that led to the darkened eastern wing of the sprawling mansion.
May you like
Elena lunged forward like a cornered animal, trying to block the pathway leading toward the heavy wooden doors.
Arthur raised his free hand, stopping her dead in her tracks with a single, commanding glare that silenced the room.
Related Stories
