Chapter 1

This is not your usual ghost story. Most ghost stories are filled with unintelligent characters who go investigate “the screams that echoed from the darkness of the basement”. The scariest ghost stories don’t have expected plot twists and cliché events. Though our story does take place in a cliché old creepy building, the story of events that took place in that house is beyond your wildest imagination.

43 deaths and 65 disappearances had occurred at the Sephlevoar Manor through its many years of existence. It was a large topic of conversation in the surrounding community. Though a few residents described the manor as being “haunted”, the majority believed the tragedies to be the fault of the increasing decay of the house. Over the years, many buyers showed interest in the manor because of its beautifully intricate architecture, wondrous windows, and exquisite woodwork. The fact that the price was so low enticed home buyers as well.

The Sephlevoar Manor sold quickly because of its beauty and price – and its price shrunk each time it was for sale. Only a handful of people in the surrounding area were brave enough to buy the house. But mostly, the buyers that the house received were from out of state.

The 65 disappearances were left a seemingly unsolvable mystery. The police and community defaulted to assume the residents left due to lack of funds to make the ever-growing list of household repairs.

The 43 deaths that occurred in the house were all written off as unfortunate accidents. From falling chandeliers to weak staircase railings – each accident was blamed on the old house.
Petitions came and went for the old manor to be demolished. The cost to demolish the old building would have come out of the pockets of the bank. This wouldn’t have been so terrible if the land the house rested on could have been sold and used for new construction or farming, but the land the house sat upon was covered in trees and swamp, so the house was left alone.

Our story begins with a little old woman named Virginia Corpenspule. Virginia had been the realtor for the Sephlevour Manor for many years, and saw many home buyers come, and unfortunately go. The surrounding community looked down on Virginia for continually selling the house because they felt she was not just selling a house – but a one-way ticket to death. Though many deaths had occurred in the old house, Virginia didn’t bat an eye. The old house had such a fast turnaround – it was a realtor’s dream. Even though the house sold for less and less each time, she had made a fortune on it over the years.

Each time Virginia did a showing for the Sephlevoar Manor, she would greet the potential home buyers with a warm smile, and usually a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies. This routine was unchanged for the newest home buyers that had just pulled into the driveway.

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