Shadow of the Night

The moon was low, covered in a thin layer of mist, and illuminated the drowsy village of Kalden with pale beams. Past the winding cobblestone roads and verdant rooftops was an ancient mansion, long since deserted and cloaked in mystery. Nobody was brave enough to go near it, especially at night.

It was rumored that you would sense... something, if you went near. Something chilly. Something watching.

The town skeptic, Aarav, had heard these stories numerous times. "Shadows and whispers," he mockingly said. "Just the wild imagination of old villagers." Aarav made up his mind to go to the estate one evening, determined to show that there was nothing to fear.

Even though Sameer, his friend, tried to talk him out of it, Aarav's curiosity won out.

Aarav stood at the rusting gate, its hinges creaking as he pushed it open, and the night fell silently. The windows loomed like hollow eyes, and the pathway leading to the entryway was choked with weeds.

A slight wind increased, causing the leaves to rattle and giving him a chill. Aarav said to himself in a whisper, "It's just the wind."

The ancient wooden door groaned as he entered, and he was completely engulfed in darkness. He switched on his flashlight, the dusky glow illuminating cobweb-covered chandeliers and dirty furnishings. It all appeared unaltered, eternally stuck in time, until he heard it.

There was a slight shuffle, like something or someone was moving upstairs.

Aarav stopped, feeling his heartbeat speed. He cried out, his voice too loud in the silence, "Is anyone there?" Not a response. Only the thick quiet that weighed on his heart. He gave a headshake.

He said, "Probably a rat," yet his fingers quivered a little as he gripped the flashlight more tightly.

He followed curiosity's lead and ascended the opulent staircase, which creaked under his weight. Just as he arrived at the landing, he saw an elongated, unmoving, and distinctly human-shaped shadow at the end of the corridor. However, no one was present to cast it. Aarav felt his throat dryen.

The shadow moved, moving like a living thing as it crept along the wall. Aarav drew back, a frosty brow appearing. "This is too good to be true," he said. However, the shadow approached him, slithering closer. It whispered his name suddenly. "Aarav..."

His chest throbbed with a pounding heart. He retreated in the direction of the stairs, yelling, Who’s there? The murmur reappeared, this time milder, almost... comfortable.

He couldn't, however, recall where he had heard it previously. He felt a wave of panic as the shadow wavered, dividing into several forms, some reaching, some immobile.

After turning, Aarav bounded down the steps. On the final step, his boots faltered and he fell hard, losing his hold on the torch.

The beam of falling light startled him as he jumped to his feet when he saw footsteps that weren't his, leading from the spot where he had been.

With labored breathing, he grabbed the flashlight and hurried to go outside. With a loud thud, the door slammed shut as soon as he arrived. Aarav tugged frantically, but it remained in place. The shadows drew nearer, encircling him like black tendrils.

Everything ceased at that point. Stillness. Silence. Aarav stood by himself in the starry foyer while the shadows withdrew. As if to tease him, the door creaked open on its own.

Aarav darted out into the night without turning around, the chilly air cutting into his flesh. Breathless and pallid, he ran nonstop till he arrived at Sameer's residence. He shuddered and said, "I saw them." "The shadows... They know my name."

Aarav was never the same after that night. Though he refused to discuss what had transpired, the dread in his eyes spoke louder than words could. The locals saw how he would look uneasily at his own shadow, as if he expected it to move on its own, even in bright daylight.

And each night, as the shadows lengthened, the sound of "Aarav..." resounded through the shadows.

"End"

"The story is made for entertainment only. Comment which lesson of the story you think is the best"