When Helena is accepted on a scholarship at New York University her excitement is tinged with the sadness that she will have to leave her grandparents behind. They had raised her after the death of her parents, but now with her new life beckoning she would be living with her aunt's family in their sprawling New York mansion.
Almost as soon as she arrives at the house she is reminded of the tragedy that had unfolded there just a few years previously when her cousin Sophia had committed suicide. Now Sophia's brother, Alaric, lives as a recluse on the third floor of the house, where Helena is advised never to go.
Before long, the idea that Sophia took her own life begins to seem unlikely and there is a suggestion that someone perhaps killed her instead. Soon Helena is hearing noises from the old, locked room where the tragedy unfolded and is driven almost mad by the unnerving house with its huge rooms.
Worse, there is a sinister presence lurking in the shadows. Helena can feel it, a looming presence that stalks her, watching her movements and waiting for its chance to strike.
As mysterious incidents continue to unfold and Helena's exciting new life begins to disintegrate before her eyes, she must try to solve the mystery before she ends up as the next victim of a crazed fanatic who is a lot closer to her than she could have imagined.
◆◆◆◆◆ Epilogue ◆◆◆◆◆
I finished the rest of the semester online. My Uncle had enough clout to arrange it and given the circumstances, getting their agreement was easy.
Alaric accepted my Uncle's offer to take over from him in running the company. He is planning a yearlong holiday cruise with my Aunt.
My Grandma agreed to stay with us in the mansion but not Grandpa. He refused to leave his farm but he agreed to come over weekly to visit Grandma and me.
My Aunt and Uncle asked my grandparents if they could adopt me, to which they agreed. During the following New Year Ball they hosted, they introduced me as Helena Lancaster.
I was happy because Alaric is now officially my brother. He is still bipolar and many of the employees fear him but he is always soft to me. He had me working in the New York office part time. He said to prepare me when the right time comes.
My Aunt is finally at peace. I know she loved Sophia and I can never replace Sophia in her heart but I want to be there for her. After their holiday cruise, she decided to clean Sophia's room.
We were sorting through Sophia's things when I found Sophia's diary under her bed. I turned the pages and started reading the page she marked.
I can't do this anymore. I don't understand him. He said he doesn't mind about the baby now he wants me to abort it. He said he will talk to Mom and Dad. Tell them the truth about us. I love him so much, I love Julian...my brother.
And my nightmare begins...
★★★★★
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