Reflection

By Evelyn Rivers

"The Reflection" is a gripping tale of mystery and suspense, blending elements of the paranormal with a deep exploration of family legacies and personal growth. Set within the enigmatic confines of Hawthorne Mansion, the story follows Eliza Hawthorne as she inherits the estate and delves into its dark past. Guided by an ancient mirror, Eliza uncovers secrets that have been buried for generations, confronting curses, apparitions, and the haunting echoes of her ancestors' choices. As she unravels the mysteries of the mansion, Eliza must navigate a journey of self-discovery, courage, and redemption, forging new alliances and confronting sinister forces along the way. "The Reflection" offers readers a captivating narrative that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end, blending supernatural thrills with poignant reflections on the power of resilience and the enduring bonds of family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Infinite Horizons Publishing
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223973850

Book preview

The Reflection

Eternal Echoes: A Tale of Redemption and Renewal

Evelyn Rivers

Copyright © 2024 by Evelyn Rivers

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Contents

1.The Inheritance

2. Arrival at Hawthorne

3. Discovering the Mirror

4.The First Reflection

5. Research and Revelations

6.The Mirror's Curse

7.Encounters and Warnings

8. The Ritual

9. The Gathering Storm

10.Shattered Reflections

11.Aftermath

12. New Beginnings

Chapter one

The Inheritance

Eliza sat at her desk, the glow of the computer screen casting shadows across the room. The cursor blinked back at her, a silent challenge. Another day, another blank page. The stifling atmosphere of her small apartment seemed to compress around her, squeezing the creativity from her mind. She rubbed her temples, a sigh escaping her lips.

A sharp knock at the door shattered the silence. Eliza glanced at the clock. Nearly 9 p.m. Who could it be at this hour? She rose, crossing the room, her steps a soft shuffle against the hardwood floor. The peephole revealed a man in a suit, holding an envelope.

Can I help you? Eliza asked as she opened the door, her voice laced with caution.

Miss Eliza Hawthorne? The man inquired, his tone professional yet warm.

Yes, that's me.

I'm Mr. Adams, an attorney. May I come in? I have something rather important to discuss with you.

Eliza hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside, allowing him entry. Mr. Adams entered with a courteous nod, scanning the modest living space with a quick, practiced eye.

Please, have a seat, Eliza offered, gesturing to the couch. She took the armchair opposite, curiosity mingling with apprehension in her gaze.

Thank you, Miss Hawthorne. I'll get straight to the point. Your great-aunt, Agatha Hawthorne, recently passed away. I'm sorry for your loss.

Eliza blinked, surprise etching her features. Great-Aunt Agatha? I'm afraid I don't.

She was quite reclusive and lived in the old Hawthorne Mansion upstate. It appears you've never met, but she knew of you. Quite fondly, in fact.

Eliza's mind raced. The Hawthorne Mansion? A distant memory surfaced, whispers of a grand estate shrouded in mystery, seldom mentioned by her parents.

I didn't even know she was... What does this have to do with me?

Your great-aunt left you the Hawthorne Mansion, along with a sizable portion of her estate. You are, as it turns out, her sole heir.

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Eliza's heart skipped a beat. The mansion? Hers? The possibilities unfurled in her mind like the petals of a blooming flower.

But, why me? Surely, there were others more closely related to her?

Mr. Adams smiled, a touch of sadness in his eyes. Agatha was a private person. She had her reasons, though she didn't disclose them to me. Perhaps she saw something in you, a kindred spirit.

Eliza processed the information, a mix of emotions swirling within her. The weight of her current struggles, her stifled creativity, and the yearning for something more, something different, seemed to find an answer in this unexpected inheritance.

I need to see this mansion, Eliza stated, more to herself than to Mr. Adams.

Of course, Miss Hawthorne. I can arrange for you to visit the estate whenever it suits you. You might find it... quite inspiring.

Inspiring? Eliza echoed, a spark of hope igniting in her chest.

The mansion has a history, stories embedded in its very walls. For someone seeking muses, it could be a treasure trove.

A treasure trove. The phrase resonated with Eliza, a promise of escape and perhaps the key to unlocking the creativity that had eluded her for so long.

When can we go? Eliza asked, her decision made in the span of a heartbeat.

Tomorrow, if you're ready. I'll handle the arrangements.

Tomorrow, then, Eliza confirmed, a sense of adventure beginning to take root.

Mr. Adams rose, placing the envelope on the coffee table. All the details are here, along with the keys. I'll see you in the morning, Miss Hawthorne. Prepare yourself; the Hawthorne Mansion is quite unlike anything you've ever seen.

With a final nod, Mr. Adams left, leaving Eliza alone with her thoughts and the sealed envelope before her. She reached for it, her fingers trembling slightly as she broke the seal. Inside, she found photographs of the mansion, its grandeur, and mystery leaping from the glossy prints. A shiver of anticipation ran through her. This was it, the beginning of a new chapter.