183 Dark side of the Storm castle

Emily stared at the door as it closed behind Lauren. 

Outside, raindrops were beginning to patter against the closed windows while the wind bustled and pushed against them. The view outside appeared hazy, and the sky seemed noticeably darker than it had been when they had left for town to do some shopping. 

Upon hearing footsteps outside her room once again, Emily wondered whether her maid had returned. She then walked to the door and opened it, saying, 

"Julia, I think the gown might need—"

However, there was no one in sight. Before she could step back into her room, she heard the faint creaking of the floor, as though someone was walking away from her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as her brown eyes scanned through the empty corridor.