Wraithbourne Legacy: Shadows of Wraithbourne, #1

By Morrow Blackwood

Beneath the brooding skies of the English countryside, Wraithbourne Manor stands as a monument to mysteries long buried and secrets that refuse to remain silent. Eleanor "Nora" Wraithbourne, inheriting this decrepit estate, is thrust into a realm where the whispers of the past bleed into the reality of the present. Armed with a skeptic's mind and a heart veiled in pragmatism, Nora is forced to confront the unimaginable as the manor reveals its spectral inhabitants, challenging everything she believes.

Amidst the encroaching darkness, an unexpected alliance forms with Professor Julian Blackwood, a scholar haunted by the very curse that ensnares the manor. Their quest for answers propels them through shadowed corridors and into the heart of ancient riddles, where diary entries speak of dread and artifacts echo with the malice of forbidden rituals.

The arrival of Isabella "Izzy" Thorn, a medium burdened with her own spectral visions, introduces a pivotal turn in their investigation. Izzy's connection to the otherworldly offers a fragile bridge to the tormented souls that roam the manor, illuminating their plight and the dark forces that hold them captive.

As the enigma deepens, Detective Marcus Flint emerges from the realm of logic and reason, his skepticism eroded by the undeniable evidence of the supernatural. His expertise becomes a beacon of hope as they navigate the labyrinth of ancient curses and confront the legacy of the Wraithbourne family—a lineage marked by dark pacts and a thirst for power.

"Shadows of Wraithbourne: Book 1: Wraithbourne Legacy" transcends the bounds of gothic horror, weaving a tale rich with intrigue, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. This odyssey into the unknown challenges our heroes to face not only the phantoms that haunt the manor but also the darkness within themselves. With each step closer to the truth, they must ask themselves: Can they break the curse that binds them, or will they fall victim to the manor's sinister legacy?

Dare to step into the shadows of Wraithbourne Manor, where the legacy of darkness meets the courage of those who seek to light the way. This is not just a story of haunted halls and spectral visitations but a testament to the power of unity in the face of an all-consuming darkness. Will Nora and her unlikely companions rise above the curse, or will they be consumed by it? Uncover the secrets of "Shadows of Wraithbourne" and witness a battle for the soul of Wraithbourne Manor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bacon Smile
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224405459

Book preview

Morrow Blackwood

Chapter 1: The Inheritance

Eleanor Nora Wraithbourne had always considered herself grounded in reality, a woman of science and skepticism. So, when she received the letter informing her of an inheritance from a distant relative she had never heard of, her initial reaction was disbelief, followed by a flicker of curiosity. The inheritance was Wraithbourne Manor, an estate located in the remote countryside, wrapped in histories and legends she had yet to discover.

The journey to the manor was long and solitary. As her car veered off the main road onto a narrow, winding path, the world seemed to shift. Mist clung to the ground, and ancient trees arched overhead, their branches forming a somber welcome. The further she drove, the denser the fog became, until finally, the imposing silhouette of Wraithbourne Manor emerged from the gloom.

The estate was a Gothic marvel, a testament to architectural grandeur now fallen into despair. Its stone façade was marred by time, ivy clutching its sides like desperate fingers. Nora stepped out of her car, her gaze climbing the towering spires and the broken windows. A chill ran down her spine, not from the cold, but from the realization that this place was now hers.

She was greeted at the door by Mrs. Blackwood, the caretaker, a woman whose stern appearance softened as she offered a smile. Miss Wraithbourne, welcome to your new home, she said, her voice a mix of warmth and melancholy.

Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood, Nora replied, stepping into the grand foyer. The interior was as she expected: grand staircases, portraits of long-dead relatives, and a thick layer of dust covering every surface. It was a house frozen in time, each room telling a story of decline.

As Mrs. Blackwood led her on a tour, Nora listened intently to the history of the manor. Your ancestors were once the most prominent family in the region, Mrs. Blackwood explained. But with great power came great tragedy. It's said that the Wraithbourne line is cursed.

Cursed? Nora echoed, her skepticism surfacing. How so?

The details are murky, but legend has it that an ancestor made a pact with dark forces. Since then, tragedy has befallen the family, leading many to believe the manor itself is cursed, Mrs. Blackwood said, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Nora couldn't help but smile. I'm not one to believe in curses, Mrs. Blackwood. There's always a logical explanation for everything.

Mrs. Blackwood simply nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. Perhaps you're right, Miss Wraithbourne. But there are things about this place that defy explanation.

The tour ended as the day began to fade, casting long shadows through the broken windows. Mrs. Blackwood excused herself, leaving Nora alone to explore. The silence of the manor was profound, a stark contrast to the noise of the city life she was used to. She wandered from room to room, each step echoing on the ancient floors.

It was in the library that it happened. The room was vast, shelves lined with books that whispered tales of the past. Nora ran her fingers along the