The House Of Halloween

By JT WULF

On Halloween night, the abandoned house on the corner of Maple Street lights up with eerie orange hues, beckoning the neighborhood children to come closer. Frank M. Kirby, Timothy Wall, and Irene Sanders, three brave teenagers, answer the call, but they never return home. The house is known as the House of Halloween, a place where no one dares to tread. But when the candy left outside isn't enough, the trio decides to venture inside, and that's when things take a turn for the worse.

The house has been vacant for a decade, ever since the family that lived there vanished without a trace. A mother, father, and their ten-year-old son disappeared into thin air. The neighborhood kids whisper about what might have happened to them, but no one knows for sure. The house looks abandoned most of the year, but on Halloween night, it comes alive with ghostly apparitions and spooky sound effects. The kids think it's all part of the show until they realize they can't get out.

Frank, Timothy, and Irene find themselves trapped in a maze of dark hallways and ominous rooms. They hear voices that don't belong to them and see things that can't be explained. As they search for a way out, they stumble upon the family that vanished years ago. But they're not alive – they're ghosts. The teens are shocked but soon realize that they're not alone in the house. An evil ghost named Faang has taken over and turned the family into unwilling spirits.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Mar 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224206230

JT WULF

JT WULF is a best selling author in the genres of horror and suspense thriller. His books include: The Transition Hole, Dead, The Inn, The Cellar Door, The RIP Club, A Town Called Thereafter, Karma: The Final Payment 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The wind howled through the gnarled branches of the ancient oak tree, casting twisted shadows on the crumbling facade of the abandoned house that loomed before them. Frank, Timothy, and Irene stood on the sidewalk of Maple Street, their breaths visible in the chilly night air and their eyes fixed on the eerie orange lights flickering from within the forsaken abode.

––––––––

Guys, this is it, Frank whispered, his blue eyes widening with a mix of curiosity and excitement. This has to be the place.

––––––––

Sure looks like it, Irene agreed, her green eyes gleaming with determination as she tightened the ponytail that held her long black hair back. I can't believe we're actually going to see it for ourselves.

––––––––

Remember what Mr. Wilkins said about the House of Halloween? Timothy piped up, nervously adjusting his glasses. His red curls danced in the breeze as he recounted the tale. He said that there's a secret hidden inside, something so terrifying that nobody who's ever discovered it has lived to tell the tale.

––––––––

Frank exchanged nervous glances with his friends, but their determination to investigate the enigmatic dwelling overrode any lingering fear. As the trio cautiously approached the front door, Frank clenched his fists; his bravery and quick thinking had gotten them out of tight spots before, and he was prepared to protect his friends no matter what awaited them inside.

––––––––

Alright, Irene said, taking a deep breath. We've come too far to chicken out now. Are you guys ready?

––––––––

Ready as I'll ever be, Timothy muttered, clutching his flashlight tightly. His vast knowledge of ghost stories, myths, and legends fueled their interest in this eerie adventure, and despite his timid exterior, his intelligence, and critical thinking skills were invaluable to the group.

––––––––

Let's do this, Frank declared, his voice steady and confident as he stepped closer to the door. The feeling of anticipation and trepidation filled the air as they prepared to venture into the unknown, armed only with their courage and determination.

––––––––

Who knows? Irene mused, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Maybe tonight, we'll finally uncover the truth about the House of Halloween.

––––––––

The door loomed before them, a weathered sentinel guarding the haunted secrets within. Frank's pulse quickened, his hands tingling with anticipation and trepidation.

––––––––

Alright, guys, he said, taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

––––––––

Wait! Irene whispered suddenly, her green eyes wide with apprehension. What if... what if something happens to us in there?

––––––––

Hey, Frank reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. We've got each other's backs, remember? We'll be fine. I promise.

––––––––

Okay, Irene nodded, biting her lip nervously.

––––––––

Besides, Timothy chimed in, trying to inject some levity into the situation, if we don't go in, we'll never know what's behind those orange lights, right?

––––––––

Right, Frank agreed, nodding resolutely. He reached out a trembling hand and grasped the cold, rusty doorknob, taking one last look at his friends before turning it slowly.

––––––––

The door creaked open, its protestations echoing through the night air like the groans of an ancient, slumbering beast. A dimly lit hallway stretched before them shrouded in shadows and lined with peeling wallpaper that seemed to writhe and dance in the faint orange glow. Dusty cobwebs adorned every corner, transforming the once-grand entrance into a macabre tapestry of decay.

––––––––

Wow, Timothy breathed, his flashlight casting eerie patterns across the floor as they stepped cautiously inside. This place is incredible.

––––––––

Creepy, you mean, Irene corrected, shivering as she glanced around the gloomy interior.

––––––––

Both, Frank admitted, swallowing hard as he led the way down the shadowy corridor. Every creak of the floorboards beneath their feet sent an icy shiver down his spine, but he refused to let fear deter him from their mission. They had come to uncover the truth, and he was determined to see it through to the end.

––––––––

Keep your eyes open, he instructed, his voice low and steady. We have no idea what we're dealing with here.

––––––––

Got it, Timothy nodded, his hand gripping the flashlight even tighter as they ventured further into the heart of the haunted house.

––––––––

Let's just hope we find something worth all this, Irene muttered under her breath, her own fears momentarily forgotten in the face of their shared curiosity and determination.

––––––––

Timothy's flashlight beam cut through the murky darkness, casting strange, elongated shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and every breath felt like swallowing a mouthful of dust. As they stepped further into the abandoned house, their footsteps echoed loudly in the emptiness, amplifying their shared sense of unease.

––––––––

Can you believe this place has been abandoned for so long? Timothy asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers gripped the flashlight with white-knuckled intensity, betraying his outward calm.

––––––––

Maybe there's a reason for that, Irene replied, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting something to jump out at them from the shadows.

––––––––

Or maybe it's just an old house, Frank countered, trying to sound braver than he felt. Come on, let's see what we can find.

––––––––

The trio moved cautiously through the ground floor, their senses on high alert. Every creak of the floorboards beneath their feet sent icy shivers down their spines, and the faint sound of distant whispers seemed to follow them wherever they went.

––––––––

Hey, Tim, Frank said, glancing over at his red-haired friend. What do you know about this place? Any stories or legends?

––––––––

Timothy hesitated for a moment, sifting through the vast library of ghostly tales stored in his brain. There are plenty of rumors but nothing concrete. Some say it's haunted by the spirits of those who died here; others claim it's cursed by some ancient evil. Honestly, nobody knows for sure.

––––––––

Great, just what I wanted to hear, Irene muttered sarcastically. But deep down, she couldn't deny the thrill of fear and anticipation that coursed through her veins.

––––––––

Hey, look at this, Timothy called out suddenly, his flashlight illuminating a dusty old portrait of a stern-faced woman. Do you think she's one of the spirits that haunt this place?

––––––––

Could be, Frank mused, studying the painting with a mixture of fascination and dread. But we won't know unless we keep looking.

––––––––

Right, Timothy agreed, his curiosity overriding his fear. Let's keep going.

––––––––

As they continued to explore the eerie, decaying rooms of the house, the distant whispers grew louder, making it impossible for them to ignore any longer.

––––––––

Guys, do you hear that? Irene asked, her voice shaky.

––––––––

Those whispers... Timothy murmured, his heart pounding in his chest. He wondered if this was the moment when their investigation would finally reveal the truth about the House on Maple Street.

––––––––

The eerie whispers seemed to wrap around the trio like tendrils of mist, permeating the air and making the hair on the back of Irene's neck stand up. Her eyes darted across the room, taking in every detail of their decaying surroundings as she searched for any sign of the source of the unsettling sounds.

––––––––

Guys, Irene said softly, her voice barely audible over the persistent murmurs that haunted the otherwise silent house. Look there. She pointed her trembling finger toward a dark corner where a staircase was partially hidden by shadows.

––––––––

Good find, Irene, Frank said, his admiration evident in his voice despite his own nerves. Timothy shone his flashlight on the staircase, revealing its worn steps and peeling paint.

––––––––

Should we go up? Timothy asked hesitantly, his grip on the flashlight tightening as if it were a lifeline.

––––––––

Of course, Irene declared, her innate determination pushing aside her fear. If we're going to get to the bottom of this mystery, we can't leave any part of this house unexplored.

––––––––

Alright then, Frank agreed, trying to put on a brave face as he took a deep breath. Up we go.

––––––––

With each creaking step, the friends' hearts pounded louder in their chests, almost drowning out the whispers that seemed to follow them upward. Irene tried to focus on the sensation of the rough wood beneath her feet, anything to distract her from the trepidation that threatened to consume her.

––––––––

Timothy, keep that light steady, she whispered, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. I don't want to trip and break my neck on these stairs.

––––––––

Sorry, Timothy mumbled, doing his best to control his shaking hands. The beam of light danced across the steps, casting distorted shadows that only added to the eerie atmosphere.

––––––––

As they reached the top of the stairs, Irene couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at her own courage. She had always been the one to take charge in situations like this, and she wasn't about to let fear get the better of her now.

––––––––

Alright, she said, her voice barely above a whisper as they stood on the landing, surrounded by darkness. Let's see what secrets this old house is hiding.

––––––––

With their hearts pounding and their senses on high alert, the friends stepped forward into the unknown, determined to uncover the truth behind the House on Maple Street.

––––––––

The sudden gust of wind that rattled the windows at the top of the stairs felt like an icy finger running down their spines. Their hearts skipped a beat as they jumped in surprise, instinctively clinging to one another for support.

––––––––

Wh-what was that? Timothy stuttered, his voice trembling with fear.

––––––––

Probably just the wind, Frank tried to sound reassuring, but even he couldn't mask the uneasiness in his voice. He glanced over at Irene, whose eyes were wide and alert, searching for any sign of danger. Her bravery had always been one of her defining traits, and it seemed to be contagious.

––––––––

Let's keep going, she said, determination etched in her features. We've come this far.

––––––––

Right, Frank nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew that his friends were counting on him, so he mustered every ounce of courage he had and led the way down the dimly lit hallway.

––––––––

The air around them grew colder as they ventured deeper into the house, their footsteps echoing eerily against the wooden floorboards. The shadows cast by Timothy's flashlight seemed to dance along the walls, creating a macabre ballet that sent shivers down their spines.

––––––––

Frank, do you think we'll find anything here? Irene asked, hugging herself to ward off the chill that seemed to permeate every inch of the old house.

––––––––

Whatever is causing those orange lights has to be here somewhere, Frank replied, his jaw set with determination. And we're not leaving until we find out what it is.

––––––––

Even if it's something... dangerous? Timothy hesitated, his voice barely audible.

––––––––

Especially if it's something dangerous, Frank shot back, his blue eyes blazing with resolve. We have to know the truth.

––––––––

As they continued onward, each step filled with anticipation and trepidation, the whispers that had followed them up the staircase returned, growing louder and more insistent. But Frank refused to let fear control him, his mind racing with possibilities as he focused on the task at hand.

––––––––

Whatever's waiting for us, he thought, we'll face it together. And we'll make it out alive. I promise.

––––––––

The faint orange glow pulsating like a dying candle caught Frank's eye as they rounded a bend in the dim hallway. Look! he hissed, pointing at the door that was slightly ajar.

––––––––

Maybe that's where the light is coming from, Irene whispered, her eyes wide with curiosity and apprehension.

––––––––

Only one way to find out, Timothy said, adjusting his glasses nervously. Let's go.

––––––––

As they crept closer to the door, the whispers grew louder, sending chills down their spines. Despite their fear, the friends couldn't resist the pull of the mysterious glow.

––––––––

Ready? Frank asked his hand on the doorknob. Irene and Timothy nodded, their breaths held captive by anxiety and anticipation.

––––––––

With a collective breath, they pushed open the door, revealing a room bathed in an ethereal orange glow. The light seemed to have a life of its own, casting eerie shadows on the walls and floor.

––––––––

Wow, Irene breathed, stepping inside cautiously.

––––––––

Have you ever seen anything like this? Timothy asked, his voice quivering with awe.

––––––––

Never, Frank replied, his heart pounding in his chest. But what's causing it?

––––––––

As they scanned the room, their minds raced with theories and explanations, each more fantastical than the last.

––––––––

Could it be... Faang? Irene murmured, her eyes darting around the room for any sign of the evil ghost.

––––––––

Or maybe it's the vanished family, trapped here forever, Timothy suggested his voice barely above a whisper.

––––––––

Frank frowned, his brow furrowed in concentration. I don't know, he admitted, his blue eyes filled with determination. But we're going to find out. We owe it to ourselves and to everyone who's ever been affected by this house.

––––––––

Agreed, Irene said firmly, her green eyes blazing with resolve. Let's do this together.

––––––––

Right, Timothy added, his voice stronger now. There's no turning back now. We're in this to the end.

––––––––

The pulsating orange glow seemed to wrap its tendrils around them, casting monstrous forms on the peeling wallpaper. Frank shared a wide-eyed glance with Timothy and Irene, feeling a shudder of excitement ripple down his spine, despite the unsettling atmosphere.

––––––––

Is it just me, or does this place feel alive? Irene whispered, her green eyes darting between the shifting shadows.

––––––––

Alive... and hungry, Timothy added, his voice wavering as he adjusted his glasses.

––––––––

Frank swallowed hard, squaring his shoulders. Alright, let's split up and look for any clues about what's going on here. But be careful; we don't know what we're dealing with.

––––––––

Got it, Irene nodded, her determined expression betraying no fear.

––––––––

Same here, Timothy agreed, gripping his flashlight like a lifeline.

––––––––

As they explored the room, Frank couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He ran his fingers along an old dusty bookshelf, his mind racing with thoughts of Faang and the vanished family. What secrets did this household have?

––––––––

Guys, check this out! Irene called from across the room, her excitement palpable. She pointed to a tattered photograph hanging on the wall. It showed the vanished family, their faces contorted in anguish, yet their eyes glowed with the same eerie orange hue that filled the room.

––––––––

Could that be the source of the light? Timothy pondered aloud, studying the photograph with keen interest.

––––––––

Maybe, but why would they be trapped like this? Frank questioned, his brow furrowed with concern. And how do we help them?

––––––––

Perhaps there's a link between the family and Faang, Irene suggested, her intuition kicking in. If we can figure that out, we might be able to set them free.

––––––––

Right, and maybe put an end to this nightmare once and for all, Timothy added, his determination shining through his initial fear.

––––––––

Frank clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. We're going to get to the bottom of this, he declared, looking between his friends. Together.

––––––––

Absolutely, Irene agreed, her voice strong and unwavering.

––––––––

Without a doubt, Timothy echoed, a newfound courage in his eyes.

––––––––

United in their purpose, they delved deeper into the room, ready to uncover the secrets of the House of Halloween and confront whatever malevolent forces awaited them.

CHAPTER 2

Alright, here we go, Frank said, gulping as he took the first tentative step into the House of Halloween. His blue eyes flicked from side to side, scanning for any signs of danger.

––––––––

Wait up, guys! Timothy called, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to catch up to his friends. He adjusted his glasses nervously. I've read about this place – it's supposed to be haunted for real.

––––––––

Haunted or not, we're going in, Irene declared, her green eyes blazing with determination. She brushed a strand of long black hair out of her face as she stepped across the threshold, following closely behind Frank.

––––––––

Whoa, Frank muttered as they entered the dimly lit hallway. The flickering light from the few remaining candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, making the faded wallpaper look like it was alive. The peeling edges curled inward as though trying to escape the horrors within the house itself.

––––––––

Look at this place, Timothy whispered, his voice trembling slightly. The wallpaper is so old, it's actually disintegrating.

––––––––

Timothy, focus, Irene snapped, shaking her head. We need to stay alert and stick together.

––––––––

Right, of course, Timothy stammered, reaching out to grasp Irene's hand for comfort.

––––––––

Let's keep moving, Frank urged, taking the lead once more as they pressed deeper into the house. Their hearts pounded in their ears, each beat a testament to their growing fear – and excitement.

––––––––

Guys, we can do this, Irene insisted, her grip on Timothy's hand tightening. We're strong, and we have each other. We won't let this house win, whatever it throws at us.

––––––––

Frank led the way, his athletic frame tensed and ready for anything. As they ventured further into the house, an otherworldly chill crept into the air, causing goosebumps to rise on their skin. Irene shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the cold.

––––––––

Does it feel colder to you guys? Frank asked, pausing for a moment.

––––––––

Definitely, Timothy replied, adjusting his glasses as he squinted into the darkness. It's like we just walked into a freezer.

––––––––

Ghostly cold spots are common in haunted houses, Irene said, drawing on her knowledge of the paranormal. Spirits can draw energy from their surroundings, causing the temperature to drop.

––––––––

Great, Frank muttered. That's exactly what we needed – more evidence that this place is actually haunted.

––––––––

Stay alert, guys, Irene warned, her voice strained with tension. We don't know what's waiting for us around these corners.

––––––––

The trio continued cautiously down the hallway; their footsteps muffled by the dusty carpet underfoot. Suddenly, a creaking sound echoed through the dimly lit corridor, making them jump and exchange nervous glances.

––––––––

Wh-what was that? Timothy stammered, his eyes wide behind his glasses.

––––––––

Could be the house settling, Frank suggested, trying to sound braver than he felt. Old houses make weird noises all the time.

––––––––

Or it could be something else, Irene countered, her green eyes scanning the shadows for any hint of movement. We should keep our guard up.

––––––––

Agreed, Frank said, swallowing hard as he clenched his fists, ready to face whatever might come their way.

––––––––

As they pressed forward, Frank couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He tried to focus on the task at hand, but the sensation gnawed at the edges of his mind, feeding his fear like a relentless parasite.

––––––––

Stay close, he whispered to Timothy and Irene, his voice barely audible. And whatever happens, don't let go.

––––––––

Promise, Timothy replied, his grip on Irene's hand tightening even more.

––––––––

Same here, Irene added, her determination shining through her fear. We'll get through this together, no matter what.

––––––––

Moonlight filtered through the grimy windows as they continued their exploration, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls. The closed doors lining the hallway seemed to whisper secrets and hidden terrors, beckoning them to come closer.

––––––––

Guys, do you feel that? Irene asked, her voice barely a whisper. Like there are eyes on us from behind these doors.

––––––––

Y-yeah, Timothy stuttered, his grip on Frank's shoulder tightening. It's like we're walking past a row of nightmares, just waiting to be unleashed.

––––––––

Let's not think about it, Frank said, trying to focus on the path ahead. We need to find clues about the vanished family and how to get out of here.

––––––––

As they advanced, the flickering light from an old chandelier above cast haunting shadows on the walls, intensifying the sense of foreboding that enveloped them.

––––––––

Something tells me we're not alone in here, Irene whispered, her green eyes darting between the shadows.

––––––––

Same feeling, Irene, Frank admitted, swallowing hard. His heart raced, but he refused to let fear consume him. He had to protect his friends. But remember, we have each other. We've faced scary situations before.

––––––––

Timothy chimed in, his voice surprisingly steady, Yeah, we've got this. Just stay focused and don't let anything distract us.

––––––––

Right, Frank nodded, appreciating Timothy's sudden burst of courage. Let's keep going.

––––––––

As they pressed onward, Frank couldn't help but wonder what lay behind each door. What secrets did they conceal? What horrors awaited them in this haunted house? But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand – finding answers and, more importantly, a way out.

––––––––

Stay alert, guys, Frank reminded them, his voice low but firm. The real danger might be hiding in plain sight.

––––––––

Absolutely, Irene agreed, her eyes never leaving the shadows. We won't let our guard down.

––––––––

Good, Frank said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was proud of his friends' courage in the face of fear. Together, they would face the unknown and conquer it, no matter what sinister