Emilia couldn't sleep that night, her mind racing with thoughts of the Shadow Lady and the pact Malcolm had made. She tossed and turned, feeling the weight of the manor's history bearing down on her.
Finally, she threw off the covers and got out of bed, deciding to explore the manor further. She made her way to the library, hoping to find some answers in the old books.
As she walked, the creaking of the floorboards seemed to echo through the empty corridors. Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine, but she pressed on, determined to uncover the truth.
When she reached the library, she was surprised to see a figure sitting in one of the armchairs. It was Thomas, his eyes fixed intently on a book.
"You couldn't sleep either?" Emilia asked, trying to sound casual.
Thomas looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. "No," he said, his voice low. "I've been researching the Shadow Lady. I think I've found something."
Emilia's curiosity was piqued, and she sat down beside him. Thomas showed her an old diary entry, one that spoke of a ritual Malcolm had performed to summon the Shadow Lady.
"It says here that the ritual can be reversed," Thomas said, his eyes serious. "But it will take courage and determination."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat as she realized the implications. "You mean we can break the pact?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thomas nodded. "Yes, I think we can. But we have to be careful. The Shadow Lady won't give up her power easily."
As they pored over the diary entry, Emilia felt a presence watching them. She glanced around, but there was no one there.
Suddenly, the lights flickered and died, plunging the library into darkness. Emilia's heart racing, she felt a cold breeze brush against her skin.
"What's happening?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Thomas's eyes locked onto hers, his face serious. "I think she's coming," he said, his voice low. "The Shadow Lady is coming."