Chapter 1 - Invitation
Nicole’s phone buzzed in her hand as she stepped away from the mailbox, an envelope clutched in her fingers. She opened her messages and quickly typed:
"Nicole: Uh, Just got a letter from my mailbox."
A few seconds later, a reply popped up.
"Yvonne: Ooo what is it?? Who’s it from? Is it a love letter? HAHAHA"
Nicole rolled her eyes and smiled.
Nicole: Girl 💀 Please. Highly doubt it. I’ll text ya later, byee
Yvonne: Okayy byebyee
Nicole tossed her phone onto the couch and sat down beside it. The envelope in her hand was thick, its paper textured and slightly yellowed at the edges like something from a time long past. She ran a thumb under the seal, careful not to tear it.
"To: Nicole Gail
Good Evening, Miss Gail!
You are cordially invited to an exclusive evening of mystery, wit, and reward.
A private game will be hosted at the secluded Manor. The event will begin promptly at 7:00 PM on Saturday.
once entered, the game cannot be abandoned.
Come alone, no technology, no outside contact. Just you, the house, and the others. Solve the mystery. Play your role. But most importantly... Stay alive. A single night. A thrilling challenge. A grand prize of $250,000 awaits the sole winner
Located at:
472 Emberfall Road
Black Hollow Manor
Ravencliff Woods
You will find Black Hollow Manor nestled beyond the treeline of Ravencliff Woods, located just off Emberfall Road. Look for a sign marked" 472". The drive is narrow, unmarked, and easy to miss-watch for the lantern post on the right-hand side.
Parking is available directly in front of the manor. Do not veer off the path. And again, Guests are expected to arrive no later than 7 PM Saturday.
From: Listair Griffinwood, The Host and Gamekeeper"
Her eyes widened.
“250k?” she whispered, scanning the words again just to be sure she hadn’t misread it. “I could clear my college loans… help my parents… maybe even donate a bit.” She traced her fingers across the address typed neatly at the bottom of the page. “Emberfall Road. Sounds so elegant, and its like a fantasy name. Never even heard of it before.”
2 days later
The engine of Nicole’s car hummed steadily as she drove through the winding roads that led out of town. The farther she drove, the quieter the world seemed to become, as though the trees themselves had hushed in anticipation, she could even hear the birds chirping.
Eventually, she reached a narrow signpost carved with a looping script: Emberfall Road.
“Woah…” Nicole muttered, taking in the sight before her.
The road was flanked by towering trees that reached toward one another, their branches brushing like fingers in a secret handshake. Dappled sunlight spilled through the leaves, and birdsong drifted in the air like music from a forgotten dream. Moss crept along the bases of trees, and the scent of wildflowers tickled her nose.
Then, just ahead, a weathered sign came into view.
472
She slowed the car and turned right, her tires crunching over a gravel path that slipped quietly into the shadowed hush of Ravencliff Woods. There was only one road in—lined with overgrown greenery and delicate blooms that peeked out from beneath the underbrush.
Eventually, the trees parted.
A stone manor loomed ahead, proud and mysterious, with black wrought-iron details and tall windows that caught the light. A faded wooden plaque read: BlackHollow Manor – Guest Parking.
Nicole pulled into a space and killed the engine. For a moment, she sat in silence, taking in the grandeur and eerie charm of the estate. She stepped out of the car, her eyes widening of how gothic and big the manor was. Eventually, she made her way toward the entrance, her footsteps echoing against the cobbled drive. She was the first to arrive.
1 hour later
Engines rumbled in the distance, and one by one, other guests began to appear. Cars rolled to a slow stop, tires crunching on gravel that sparkled like silver threads beneath the late afternoon sun. The drive curved elegantly before the manor, guiding each vehicle to the designated parking area—where Nicole’s car already sat, the first among many....
