---- 404.


    HIDDEN SECRETS KATHERINE So I did it.


    Taking a deep breath, I grasped the tassel in my hand and pulled the rope downward.


    Track, track, track! "ah!" Tlet out a yelp and jumped back, startled, as an old woodendder dropped from the ceiling with a loud tter.


    Acloud of dust immediately engulfed the hallway, making me cough almost to the point of choking.


    I waved my hand in front of my face, trying to clear the air.


    When I finally refocused, I saw the dark hole that had opened above.


    It was unsettling, as if unseen eyes might be watching me from the shadows.


    I lowered my gaze to thedder now hanging before me.


    The steps looked worn, termites crawling over the decaying wood.


    Yet, something inside me urged me forward, the same instinct that had led me to follow Francisa powerful magic tugging at my soul.


    I decided to take the risk and climb.


    With slight disgust, I ced my hands on the wooden supports, lifted my boot, and made sure I wouldnt fall at the first step.


    Slowly, I ascended, uneasy with how the rotting wood groaned ---- beneath me.


    The stench of decay and dampness suffocated me, growing stronger the higher I climbed toward what seemed to be an attic.


    Large mansions often had storage spaces for old junk.


    "Cough, cough, cough," I sputtered, reaching out with one hand as 1 finally hoisted myself up thest stretch.


    My head and part of my torso emerged from the attic floor into the gloomy space.


    Propping myself on my elbows, I pushed up onto my toes.


    Ugh, more filth," I muttered irritably, patting the soot and dust off my thighs and arms.


    Then, I focused on my surroundings.


    Just as I suspected, an attic full of boxes and furniture covered in sheets, I started to explore, feeling an uneasy restlessness.


    Strange shuffling noises echoed around me, the sound of tiny feet scurrying.


    In the corners, rats darted like shadows across the floor, sending chills through my body.


    Thated rats, especially after having to fight them for a stale piece of bread back in the sanatorium.


    As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I noticed a faint light up ahead and ventured deeper into thisbyrinth of forgotten things.


    Many of them were familiarfurniture from our old countryside home.