The Forgotten Diary

By Morgan Sterling

Dive into "The Forgotten Diary," where shadows whisper and secrets lie waiting in the heart of an ancient mansion. Involving a haunting mystery, a centuries-old curse, and an unlikely partnership between Alex and Jamie, this gripping tale captivates. Fate brings together them to uncover the truth hidden within the mansion's walls.

A forgotten diary leads them to a world where the past merges with the present. In this world, spirits roam and a malevolent curse seeks to hold on to trap souls. As they delve deeper, they discover a story of betrayal, lost love, and a quest for redemption that spans the ages.

With courage and a desire to make things right, Alex and Jamie embark on a perilous journey. Despite being faced with challenges that test their resolve, they have no choice but to confront their deepest fears. But as they piece together the diary's secrets, they realize the mansion has its own plans, and breaking its curse may demand a price they're not prepared to pay.

"The Forgotten Diary" is not just about ghosts and curses. If you're brave enough, open the diary and immerse yourself in a story where every page hides a secret waiting to be unveiled.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anastasia Publishing
• Release date: Mar 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224877935

Book preview

The Forgotten Diary

Unveiling Secrets, Breaking Curses

Morgan Sterling

Copyright © 2024 by Morgan Sterling

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1.Inheritance of Shadows

2.Whispers from the Past

3.The Echoes of Elizabeth

4.The Librarian's Warning

5.Shadows Among the Dust

6.Unraveling the Curse

7.The Locket's Secret

8.Betrayal and Blood

9.Ritual of Shadows

10.Dawn of Peace

Chapter 1

Inheritance of Shadows

Achilly autumn breeze nipped at Alex Mercer's skin as they stood before the majestic yet dilapidated Hawthorne Mansion. Its formidable silhouette stood stark against the dreary afternoon sky, its windows like dark, watchful eyes scrutinizing their every move. Although Alex, a history major with a love for the concrete realities of history over the uncertain murmurs of ghost tales, couldn’t ignore the spooky ambiance that enveloped the mansion, as if a ghostly veil draped over it.

I can't believe this is all mine now, Alex muttered to themselves, their voice a blend of wonder and disbelief. The news of their unexpected inheritance had come out of the blue, a distant relative they’d never heard of leaving them a mansion that time seemed to have forgotten.

Their friend Jamie, who had tagged along for moral support—and because of a fascination with the paranormal—bounced on their heels. This is amazing, Alex! It’s like something straight out of a horror movie.

Alex gave Jamie a skeptical glance. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's just an old house in need of a lot of work, nothing more."

As Alex pushed the massive front door open, its hinges groaned, issuing a solemn greeting that echoed through the vacant corridors.A cool breeze wafted through, a welcome respite from the stifling heat outside. Despite being certain they were alone, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching them.

As they ventured further, exploring the ground floor with cautious steps, Alex’s practical mind cataloged the restoration work ahead. Look at this woodwork, though. It’s going to be a project, but imagine how it’ll look once it’s all done.

But

But Jamie found the enigmatic atmosphere of the house captivating. Hey, do you perceive that? they asked, wrapping arms around themselves. It’s like... a cold draft, but there’s no breeze."

It's an old house, Jamie. They're drafty, Alex replied, though they couldn't ignore the sudden drop in temperature.

In what had once been a grand library—likely the heart of the house, with its towering bookshelves and massive fireplace—Alex noticed a small, leather-bound book hidden in a crevice behind the mantle. Curiosity piqued, they reached for it, the leather cool and damp to the touch.

Alex discovered tidy, cursive writing that filled the pages upon lifting the cover. It’s a diary, they announced, thumbing through the aged pages. Looks old, old.

Jamie leaned over Alex's shoulder for a better look. Whose is it?

Elizabeth Hawthorne, Alex read the name penned on the first page. I guess she was one of my ancestors.

They were about to flip to another page when a sudden, inexplicable chill filled the room, the kind that sinks deep into your bones. The air hummed with an unseen presence.

Jamie stepped back with wide eyes. Did you feel that?

Alex snapped the diary shut and tucked it under their arm, a wave of discomfort churning in their gut. Yeah, I felt that. Must be the wind, they remarked, though the windows were shut tight and the curtains hung motionless, betraying no hint of a breeze.

As they left the library, heading back toward the entrance, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on their back, watching their departure. The logical part of their brain reasoned it was just the effect of the house, its history, and the diary’s sudden appearance playing tricks on them.

But as the door closed behind them with a resolute thud, sealing the mansion and its secrets within, Alex felt the inexplicable connection to the place tighten. It was a feeling that went beyond mere ownership or curiosity. It was as if the house itself had chosen them, for reasons yet to be revealed.

Let’s go, Alex said, reassuring themselves. We’ll come back tomorrow, with supplies and... maybe this extra help.

Jamie nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their eyes. Yeah, let’s do that. Is this only the start?

Seems so,