A Love Across Time

The following morning, Sophia and Liam resumed their investigation with renewed determination. The discovery of Eleanor's study had deepened the mystery, and they were certain the answer lay within the manor itself.

"I want to know more about Eleanor's family," Sophia said as she sorted through the documents they had uncovered. "What were they trying to hide?"

Liam glanced at the architectural blueprints of the manor, which he had brought from his office. "If there's anything hidden here, it might be in one of the sealed rooms. Old estates like this often have secret compartments or even entire rooms built to conceal valuables—or people."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Do you think they locked Eleanor away?"

"It's possible," Liam said, tracing his finger along the blueprint. "Look here. There's a small section on the east wing that doesn't match the rest of the layout. It's not connected to any door or hallway."

Sophia leaned over the table, her eyes narrowing as she examined the blueprints. "You're right. It's like there's an extra room… but no way to access it."

"Unless it's hidden," Liam said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

They wasted no time making their way to the east wing. The air grew colder as they entered the abandoned section of the manor, where dust and cobwebs clung to every surface.

"This place gives me the creeps," Sophia admitted, shivering despite her coat.

Liam led the way, his flashlight sweeping over the faded wallpaper and boarded-up windows. They reached the end of the corridor, where the wall seemed unremarkable at first glance.

"According to the blueprint, the hidden room should be right behind this wall," Liam said, tapping on the surface.

Sophia listened carefully as he knocked on different sections. The sound changed slightly near the center—a hollow echo that hinted at a hidden space.

"Here," Liam said, stepping back. "Help me look for a latch or a mechanism."

They searched the wall meticulously, running their hands over every inch. Finally, Sophia's fingers brushed against a small, nearly invisible seam in the wood paneling.

"Got it!" she exclaimed, pressing the seam.

With a soft click, a section of the wall slid open, revealing a narrow passageway. The air that escaped was stale and cold, carrying with it a faint, metallic scent.

Liam held the flashlight high, illuminating the hidden room. It was small and sparsely furnished, with a single bed pushed against the wall and a desk cluttered with papers.

Sophia's eyes widened as she stepped inside. "This… this was Eleanor's prison."

The desk held more letters, along with a diary bound in cracked leather. Sophia opened it carefully, her heart pounding as she read the first entry:

> They have taken everything from me—James, my freedom, even my hope. I am a prisoner in my own home, and I fear I will never see the world beyond these walls again.

Sophia's hands shook as she turned the pages. The entries grew more desperate, filled with longing for James and hatred for her family.

Liam placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "We're close, Sophia. We're going to uncover the truth."

But as they stood there, a chilling gust of air swept through the room, extinguishing the flashlight.

And in the darkness, a faint voice whispered: You're not supposed to be here.

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