The new maid heard weeping beneath the mansion. Opening the heavy basement door, she found the missing wife, starved and chained. As gasps filled the dark room, the wife grabbed her hand, whispering, “Run before he hears you, or he’ll make you my replacement.” Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stairs…

a serpent. She will kill you to keep her crown. Go. Leave this place before she catches you.”

“I am not leaving without—”

A heavy thud echoed from the top of the stone stairs.

My heart stopped. Someone had entered the hallway.

“Hide!” the old woman hissed, pushing me away with startling urgency.

I scrambled backward, turning off my flashlight. I dove behind continue reading …