Emilia's determination to find the key had grown stronger than ever. She was convinced that it was the only way to unlock the secrets of Ashwood Manor and escape.
As she searched the manor, Emilia stumbled upon a hidden room that she hadn't noticed before. The door was concealed behind a bookshelf, and it looked like it hadn't been opened in years.
Emilia's heart was racing as she pushed the door open. The room was small and dimly lit, with cobwebs covering the furniture.
As she stepped inside, Emilia noticed a desk in the corner of the room. It was old and dusty, with a single drawer.
Emilia's hands trembled as she opened the drawer. Inside, she found a small, ornate key.
The key was attached to a leather strap, and it looked like it hadn't been used in years. Emilia felt a surge of excitement.
This must be the key, she thought.
As she turned to leave the room, Emilia noticed a piece of paper on the desk. It was a note, written in a familiar handwriting.
The note read: "For Emilia, with love."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the handwriting. It was Elizabeth's.
Suddenly, Emilia felt a chill run down her spine. What did the note mean? And why had Elizabeth written it?
As Emilia stood there, trying to make sense of things, she heard a faint whispering in her ear. "Be careful, Emilia."
Emilia spun around, but there was no one there.
She knew she had to get out of the room, and fast. Emilia tucked the key into her pocket and made her way back to her bedroom.
As she locked the door behind her, Emilia felt a sense of relief. She had found the key, and she was one step closer to uncovering the secrets of Ashwood Manor.
But as she looked around her room, Emilia couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.