Phantoms Of The Ancient Manor

By Blaze Drake

Amelia Blackwood discovers she has the rare ability to communicate with ghosts. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she inherits Ravenswood Manor, a centuries-old estate with a dark and haunted history, from an enigmatic distant relative.

 

As Amelia explores the manor's shadowy halls and hidden rooms, she begins to unravel a sinister plot that spans generations. With the help of the manor's ghostly inhabitants, including the charming and mysterious spirit of a young man named Edward, Amelia learns that her family is connected to an ancient curse that has trapped countless souls within the manor's walls.

 

Determined to break the curse and free the trapped spirits, Amelia delves deeper into the manor's secrets, facing treacherous supernatural forces and uncovering shocking truths about her own identity. As she races against time to unravel the mystery, Amelia realizes that the key to saving both the living and the dead lies in confronting a powerful and malevolent entity that has orchestrated the curse for centuries.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lovestruck Publishing
• Release date: Mar 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224345977

Blaze Drake

Blaze Drake burst onto the paranormal romance scene with her smash hit debut Forbidden Flames, enthralling readers with its tale of fated supernatural lovers. While new to publishing, Blaze has nurtured a lifelong passion for love stories with fantastical twists which is evident in the fiery imagination, intensity and allure woven throughout her breakout first novel. Hailing from the Midwest, she grew up enthralled by dark fairytales and cosmic romance novels, filling her free time scribbling poems and startup fiction which leaned heavily into mystical themes of eternal bonds. After pursuing her English degree with special focus on gothic romantic influences, she continued steeping herself in rich mythological lore and narrative archetypes across different cultures.  Blaze knew she had crafted something special when her undying love for the genre synthesized into Forbidden Flames. The book's perfect alchemical fusion of tender romance with otherworldly stakes proved a hit with audiences. Fans clamor to know if the star-crossed phoenix and dragon lovers will return for more heart-racing adventures exploring the intersections between magic and desire. When not meeting reader's insatiable demands for her unique brand of paranormal passion stories, Blaze enjoys venturing into remote wilderness locations to center herself and collect inspiration for crafting her next world of wonder. She also devotes time to various animal rescue organizations, claiming she gets her best plot ideas while caring for creatures great and small just like her fictional shifter darlings.  Stay tuned for what otherworldly romance Blaze Drake has in store next! If her smash debut is any indication, this ingenious author aims to continue raising the bar in fantasy-fueled amour.

Book preview

Phantoms Of The Ancient Manor

Echoes from the Past

Copyright © 2024 by Blaze Drake.

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.

First Edition : March 2024

Content

Chapter 1 : Inheritance

Chapter 2 : Arrival At Ravenswood Manor

Chapter 3 : The First Ghost

Chapter 4 : Unraveling The Curse

Chapter 5 : The Hidden Room

Chapter 6 : The Doppelganger

Chapter 7 : Silas Ravenswood's Secret

Chapter 8 : The Paranormal Investigator

Chapter 9 : The Forgotten Village

Chapter 10 : Edward's True Motives

Chapter 11 : The Cursed Painting

Chapter 12 : Alastair Blackwood's Arrival

Chapter 13 : The Sorcerer's Journal

Chapter 14 : Betrayal Revealed

Chapter 15 : The Cult's Remnants

Chapter 16 : Race Against Time

Chapter 17 : The Malevolent Entity

Chapter 18: Eliza's Tragic Past

Chapter 19 : Father-Daughter Reconciliation

Chapter 20 : The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Chapter 21 : Destroying The Artifact

Chapter 22 : The Cult Leader's Ultimatum

Chapter 23 : Lydia's Sacrifice

Chapter 24 : The Timepiece

Chapter 25 : Eliza's Redemption

Chapter 26 : The Sorcerer's Return

Chapter 27 : The Gathering Storm

Chapter 28 : Unlikely Alliances

Chapter 29 : The Curse Unravels

Chapter 30 : The Final Ritual

Chapter 31 : Battle for Ravenswood Manor

Chapter 32 : The Power Within

Chapter 33 : Breaking The Curse

Chapter 34 : Aftermath And Revelations:

Chapter 35 : A New Beginning

Chapter 1 : Inheritance

THE LETTER ARRIVED on a gloomy Tuesday, sealed with crimson wax bearing an unfamiliar crest. Amelia Blackwood turned the heavy envelope over in her hands, a shiver tracing down her spine as she read the return address: Ravenswood Manor.

She knew little of the place, only whispered rumors of a once-grand estate that had fallen into disrepair and ruin. Some said it was cursed, haunted by the tormented spirits of those who had perished within its crumbling walls. Others spoke of dark deeds and unspeakable rituals conducted in hidden chambers deep beneath the earth. 

Amelia had always dismissed such tales as idle gossip and superstition. But as she held the mysterious letter, an icy tendril of unease coiled in the pit of her stomach. With trembling fingers, she broke the seal and unfolded the thick parchment.

Dear Miss Blackwood, the letter began in an elegant, old-fashioned script. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the passing of your distant cousin, Mr. Silas Ravenswood. As the sole remaining heir to the Ravenswood estate, it is my duty to convey that you have inherited the family manor and all its holdings.

Amelia's breath caught in her throat. Inherited a manor? From a relative she had never even heard of? It seemed too fantastical to be true. And yet, as she scanned the letter, the solicitor's words were simple and official. Ravenswood Manor was now hers.

Questions swirled through her mind. Why had Silas Ravenswood chosen her, a virtual stranger, to inherit his estate? What secrets lay hidden within the manor's ancient stones? And why did the very thought of setting a foot inside fill her with such inexplicable dread?

Determined to unravel the mystery, Amelia packed a small suitcase and boarded a train bound for the remote village of Ravenswood. As the countryside rolled past in a blur of fall colors, she tried to picture the manor in her mind's eye. Would it be a grand, stately home, or a decrepit ruin ravaged by time and neglect? 

Hours later, the train shuddered to a halt at a tiny, deserted platform. Amelia stepped out into the damp, misty air, her luggage in hand. A solitary figure awaited her, a gaunt man with a somber expression. Miss Blackwood, I presume? he said, his voice thin and reedy. I am Mr. Giles, the caretaker of Ravenswood Manor. If you'll follow me, I have a carriage waiting.

Amelia nodded, an uneasy feeling settling over her as she trailed after the caretaker. The village seemed eerily quiet, its narrow streets empty save for a few furtive shadows that vanished into darkened doorways as they passed. At the edge of town, a horse-drawn carriage stood waiting, its black lacquer gleaming in the weak sunlight. 

As they wound their way up a narrow, twisting road, the manor came into view. It loomed atop a craggy hill, a sprawling Gothic monstrosity of blackened stone and ivy-choked walls. Turrets and gables jutted at odd angles, and gaping windows stared down like soulless eyes. Amelia suppressed a shudder. It was even more foreboding than she had imagined.

Mr. Giles brought the carriage to a halt before a massive, iron-banded door. Welcome to Ravenswood Manor, Miss Blackwood, he said, helping her down from the carriage. I'm afraid the house has fallen into quite a state of disrepair in recent years. But I've done my best to make a few of the rooms habitable for your arrival.

Amelia forced a smile, trying to shake off the sense of foreboding that clung to her like a shroud. Thank you, Mr. Giles. I'm sure it will be... adequate. 

The caretaker produced a heavy iron key and unlocked the door, its hinges shrieking in protest. Amelia stepped over the threshold into a cavernous foyer, its once-grand furnishings draped in dust covers and cobwebs. The air was thick with the scent of decay and neglect, and an unnatural chill seeped into her bones.

I've prepared a room for you on the second floor, miss, Mr. Giles said. If you'll follow me... He led the way up a sweeping staircase, the floorboards groaning beneath their feet. Amelia's imagination played tricks on her in the gloom, conjuring spectral figures lurking in the shadows.

The bedroom was small but tidy, with a four-poster bed and a crackling fire in the hearth. Amelia set down her suitcase, trying to ignore the unease prickling at the back of her neck. Thank you, Mr. Giles. This will do nicely.

The caretaker nodded, his expression inscrutable. Dinner will be served in the dining room at seven o'clock. I'll leave you to settle in. With that, he turned and vanished down the darkened hallway.

Alone at last, Amelia sank onto the bed, her mind reeling. What had she gotten herself into? What dark secrets lay buried within Ravenswood Manor's haunted halls? She had a feeling that the answers would be far more terrifying than she could imagine.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows across the room, Amelia suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and goosebumps erupted on her skin. Slowly, she turned to face the far corner of the room. 

There, materializing out of the darkness, was the translucent figure of a man. He was dressed in antiquated clothing, his features distorted and wispy like mist. Amelia's heart hammered against her ribcage as the ghostly apparition drifted closer, its eyes boring into hers with an intensity that stole her breath.

Welcome to Ravenswood Manor, Amelia Blackwood, the specter rasped, its voice echoing as if from a great distance. We've been waiting for you...

And with those chilling words still hanging in the air, the phantom vanished, leaving Amelia alone once more in the oppressive darkness of her new home.

Chapter 2 : Arrival At Ravenswood Manor

AMELIA STOOD FROZEN, heart pounding, staring at the spot where the ghostly figure had appeared just moments before. Her mind reeled, trying to process the impossible sight. A ghost, here in Ravenswood Manor. The whispered rumors and dark tales suddenly took on a chilling new meaning. 

Shaken, she forced herself to take a deep breath and looked around the room with fresh eyes. The shadows seemed deeper now, more menacing. Every creak of the floorboards and groan of the old house settling made her jump. 

A sudden knock at the door nearly sent Amelia leaping out of her skin. Miss Blackwood? came Mr. Giles' muffled voice. Dinner is served.

Amelia swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. I'll be right down, she called, surprised at how steady her voice sounded. 

She quickly freshened up and made her way downstairs, following the flickering light of the gas lamps. The dining room was cavernous, dominated by a long mahogany table that could have easily seated twenty. But only one place was set at the far end. 

Mr. Giles emerged from the shadows, carrying a silver tray laden with covered dishes. He set the tray down and served, his movements precise and silent. Amelia sat, feeling tiny and alone in the vast, empty room.

Tell me, Mr. Giles, she said, breaking the oppressive silence. How long have you worked at Ravenswood Manor?

The caretaker paused, his eyes flickering to hers for the briefest of moments. Many years, miss. I served under the late Mr. Ravenswood since I was a lad.

And in all that time, have you ever... noticed anything strange? Anything out of the ordinary?

Mr. Giles' hands stilled, his expression unreadable. The manor is an old house, miss. It has its secrets, like any place with a long history. But it's not my place to speak of such things.

Amelia leaned forward, fixing him with an intent gaze. Please, Mr. Giles. I need to know. I... I think I saw something. Upstairs, in my room.

The caretaker's eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Saw something, miss?

A ghost, Amelia whispered. Or at least, I think it was a ghost. It spoke to me, welcoming me to the manor.

Mr. Giles was silent for a long moment, his face a mask of conflicting emotions. Finally, he seemed to decide. You're not the first to see them, miss. The spirits of Ravenswood Manor.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. Them? There are more than one?

The caretaker nodded gravely. The manor is haunted, miss. Has been for as long as anyone can remember. Some say it's cursed, doomed to be a prison for lost souls.

A chill ran down Amelia's spine. Do you know why? What happened here to trap the spirits?

There are many stories, Mr. Giles said hesitantly. Dark tales of forbidden rituals, unspeakable crimes, and a great evil that lurks within the manor's walls. But the truth has been lost to time.

Amelia's mind raced, trying to process this new information. She thought of the ghostly figure in her room, the intense way it had looked at her. As if it knew her, had been waiting for her.  

I need to know more, she said, rising from the table. Mr. Giles, is there a library in the manor? Somewhere I might find records, histories of the Ravenswood family?

The caretaker hesitated, then nodded. There is, miss. But I must warn you, some secrets are best left buried. Seeking the truth of Ravenswood Manor could be... perilous.

Amelia met his gaze, determination hardening her features. I have to know, Mr. Giles. I was brought here for a reason. The spirits welcomed me. I believe I'uncover the truth, no matter how dangerous it may be.

The caretaker held her gaze for a long moment, then bowed his head. As you wish, miss. Follow me.

He led her through a maze of darkened corridors, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous silence. At last they reached a set of heavy wooden doors, dust-streaked and cobwebbed. Mr. Giles produced a large iron key and unlocked them with a resounding clunk.

The doors swung open, revealing a vast, shadow-draped room. Towering bookcases lined the walls, crammed with ancient tomes and yellowed scrolls. A mammoth fireplace dominated one end, cold and dark. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and long-held secrets.

The Ravenswood library, Mr. Giles said, his voice low. Every record of the family and the manor's history is here. But be warned, miss. Some truths are better left in the darkness.

With that ominous statement, he turned and left; the doors closing behind him with a hollow boom. Amelia stood alone in the library, the weight of the manor's secrets pressing down on her. 

She took a deep breath, steeling her resolve, and stepped forward into the gloom. She had come too far to turn back now. The ghosts of Ravenswood Manor had welcomed her, chosen her. It was her destiny to unravel the truth, no matter how dark or dangerous it may be.

As Amelia ran her fingers along the spines of the ancient books, a sudden chill filled the air. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she spun around, her heart in her throat. There, materializing out of the shadows, was another ghostly figure.

But this one differed from the spirit in her room. It was the translucent form of a young woman, her clothing and hairstyle distinctly old-fashioned. She looked to be around Amelia's age, with delicate features and a melancholy air about her.

The ghostly woman drifted closer, her movements fluid and otherworldly. You seek the truth, she said, her voice a haunting whisper that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. But the truth of Ravenswood Manor comes with a price.

Amelia swallowed hard, fighting back the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. Who are you? she asked, her voice trembling slightly. 

I am Eleanor, the spirit replied. Eleanor Ravenswood. Or at least, I was in life. Now I am but one of the many lost souls trapped within these walls.

Amelia's eyes widened. A Ravenswood ghost, here before her. Please, she said, taking a step forward. I need to know what happened here. Why the manor is cursed, and how to break it?

Eleanor's transparent face was etched with sorrow. The curse is an old and powerful one, she said. Born of greed, betrayal, and a love so twisted, it doomed us all. To break it, you must first understand its origins.

The ghost glided towards one bookcase, pointing a wispy finger at a large, leather-bound tome. There, in the Ravenswood chronicles. The dark history of the manor, penned by those who lived it. But be warned Amelia Blackwood. The truth you seek may shatter everything you thought you knew.

With those chilling words, Eleanor faded away, leaving Amelia alone once more in the library. Heart pounding, she reached for the book the ghost had showed. It was heavy in her hands, the leather cover cracked and dusty with age.

Taking a deep breath, Amelia opened the tome and read, the secrets of Ravenswood Manor spilling out before her like the haunted whispers of the dead. Unaware that with each page, she was delving deeper into a mystery that would soon entangle her in its web of darkness and danger.  

The truth was waiting. And it would change everything.

Chapter 3 : The First Ghost

AMELIA SAT AT THE MASSIVE oak desk in the library, the Ravenswood chronicle open before her. The leather-bound tome was filled with page after page of elegant script, detailing the history of the manor and the family who had once called it home.

As she read, a picture emerged of a once-proud dynasty, wealthy and influential, their lives intertwined with the grand estate. But there were darker threads woven throughout the tapestry of their history - whispers of occult practices, forbidden rituals, and a creeping madness that had slowly poisoned the Ravenswood line.

The more Amelia read, the more she felt a chill settle into her bones. The words seemed to come alive on the page, painting vivid pictures of the manor's dark past. She could almost hear the whispers of the dead, the echoes of their torment trapped within the walls.

Suddenly, a gust of icy wind swept through the library, extinguishing the candles and plunging the room into darkness. Amelia leaped to her feet, heart pounding. The temperature plummeted, her breath misting in the air before her.

And then, out of the shadows, a figure took shape. It was the ghost of a young man, dressed in the fashion of a bygone era. He was handsome, with chiseled features and dark, piercing eyes. But there was a pale luminescence to his form, a translucence that marked him as something other than living.

Forgive the intrusion, he said, his voice a rich, cultured baritone. But I felt compelled to make your acquaintance. I am Edward Ravenswood, at your service.

Amelia's eyes widened. Another Ravenswood ghost. You... you're one of them. The spirits trapped in the manor.

Edward inclined his head. Indeed, I am. And you are Amelia Blackwood, the new mistress of Ravenswood Manor. The one who unravels the secrets of our cursed estate.

Amelia nodded, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she was conversing with a ghost. I'm trying to understand what happened here. Eleanor - your ancestor, I presume - said the curse was born of greed, betrayal, and twisted love. But the chronicle doesn't give specifics.

Edward's expression turned somber. Ah, yes. The great tragedy of Ravenswood Manor. It's a Tale of Two Brothers, Gideon and Virgil Ravenswood. They were my ancestors, you see. Gideon was the eldest, the heir. A man of noble ambition and ruthlessness. Virgil was the younger, a dreamer and a scholar. He was gentle where Gideon was cruel, kind where his brother was merciless.

Amelia leaned forward, captivated by the tale. What happened to them?

They fell in love with the same woman, Edward said. A beautiful, mysterious lady named Lilith. She was a sorceress of great power, versed in the dark arts. Both brothers vied for her affection, but it was Virgil who won her heart.

A sad smile touched the ghost's lips. They were happy, for a time. But Gideon's jealousy and anger grew like a cancer. He couldn't bear to see his brother with the woman he desired. So he hatched a plan, a terrible betrayal that would doom them all.

Amelia's heart raced. What did he do?

Edward's face contorted with old grief. Gideon agreed with dark forces, trading his soul for the power to destroy his brother and claim Lilith for his own. He lured them to the manor, to this very library, and here he enacted a foul ritual that ripped their souls from their bodies, trapping them for eternity.

The curse, Amelia whispered, cold horror washing over her. Gideon's betrayal created the curse that haunts Ravenswood Manor.

The ghost nodded gravely. "And so we have lingered,