Chapter 2 - A Ghost in the PlasterAnna followed the sound into the east wing.
The corridor was dimmer than the ballroom, its antique portraits disappearing into pools of shadow. Guests were forbidden from entering this section of the estate during renovations.
The scratching came again.
Closer.
Anna slowly approached the wall.
She pressed her palm against the cold plaster.
Nothing.
Then—
THUMP.
Anna jumped.
Her breathing stopped.
She leaned closer.
A tiny voice came through the wall.
"Help..."
Her face went pale.
It wasn't an animal.
It was a child.
Anna looked down the empty corridor.
For a moment, fear told her to walk away.
She could lose her job.
She could be accused of trespassing.
She could become another disposable servant in a world where powerful people controlled everything.
But then the voice came again.
"Please..."
May you like
Anna closed her eyes.
Humanity won.
