Emilia followed Julian back to the manor, her mind reeling with questions. What was the source of the whispering in the courtyard? And what secrets was Julian hiding?
As they entered the manor, Julian led Emilia to a long, dark hallway lined with cobweb-shrouded portraits. The air was thick with dust and the scent of decay.
"This is the portrait gallery," Julian said, his voice low and smooth. "It's been closed off for years, but I thought you might find it interesting."
Emilia's eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light, and she began to make out the features of the subjects in the portraits. They were all members of the Blackwood family, their faces stern and unyielding.
As she walked down the gallery, Emilia noticed that one of the portraits was slightly askew. She pushed it back into place, and as she did, she noticed something strange.
The subject of the portrait, a young woman with a haunting smile, seemed to be staring directly into Emilia's soul. Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that the woman's eyes seemed to be following her.
"Julian, who is this?" Emilia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Julian's eyes gleamed with an unnatural light as he approached the portrait. "That is Elizabeth Blackwood," he said. "She was a member of the family, a long time ago."
Emilia felt a surge of recognition. "I found a journal belonging to her in my room," she said.
Julian's smile grew wider. "Ah, yes. Elizabeth's journal. It's a fascinating read, isn't it?"
As Julian spoke, Emilia felt a creeping sense of unease. What did Julian know about Elizabeth's journal? And what secrets was he hiding?
Suddenly, Emilia heard a faint whispering in her ear. "Get out while you still can." Emilia spun around, but there was no one there.
"Julian, did you hear that?" Emilia asked, her voice shaking.
Julian's smile never wavered. "Hear what?" he asked.
Emilia's eyes locked onto Julian's, and for a moment, she thought she saw something flicker in their depths. Something dark and sinister.
But then it was gone, and Julian's smile seemed innocent once more.
"I think I'm going to go to bed," Emilia said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Julian nodded. "Of course. I'll show you to your room."
As Emilia followed Julian back to her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. And she couldn't help but wonder what secrets Julian was hiding.