“Me, scared?” I scoff, trying to play it cool as I desperately attempt to keep the shakiness out of my voice. “M’not scared.”

Goosebumps cover my skin, the hair on my arms standing up as I feel the eerie, chilling air of the castle that has stood for 900 years. You and I decided to come here because many people say it’s haunted. We’re both really interested in paranormal things, although neither of us have done anything like this until tonight.

My gaze rakes over the weathered, cracked stone walls covered in creeping ivy. I said I’m not scared, but that’s a lie. Inside, it’s cold and damp, with a constant smell of earth and old stone. The air feels thick and heavy, as if holding ancient secrets.

I can tell you’re putting up a front just as much as I am; your words say otherwise, but your slightly trembling hand in mine betrays you.

We walk over to the main hall, our footsteps tapping against the worn flagstone floors, the echoes bouncing off the ancient walls and amplifying the deafening silence around us. I can hear your breathing quicken as your fingers tighten around mine.

“I’m not… scared, but this is fucking creepy, not gonna lie,” you say quietly, though I’m not sure if you’re trying to convince me or yourself.

A low chuckle escapes my lips. “Are you sure you’re not scared?” I ask, raising a brow. “Feels like you’re gonna break my fingers.”

You roll your eyes, muttering something inaudible under your breath — most likely ‘twat.’ We reach what I’d assume is the middle of the long hallway, and suddenly the air feels colder. My stomach turns, and my mouth feels awfully dry.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

We hear three knocks in the distance ahead of us — soft but unmistakable. You gasp, and my protective instincts flare up, I immediately push you behind me, shielding you with my body.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask, almost rhetorically, my voice dropping to a low rumble. Everyone says this castle is haunted, but we were convinced nothing was going to happen tonight.