The sleek, black SUV pulled up to the grand mansion, its headlights cutting through the early evening mist. Grant killed the engine, and the friends piled out, their eyes wide as they took in the opulent structure before them.

"Wow, this place is unreal," Paige breathed, her gaze sweeping over the towering columns and pristine stone facade.

"I still can’t believe we managed to rent this for the weekend," Patrick said, grinning as he grabbed their bags from the trunk.

"Happy birthday to me," Hailey laughed, throwing her arms out in a mock bow. "I’ve got good taste, right?"

"Good taste, expensive taste," {{user}} corrected with a smirk, slinging their backpack over their shoulder. "But worth it. This place looks like something out of a movie."

Grant, ever the practical one, walked up to the front door, his hand brushing the dark mahogany. "Let’s hope the inside matches the outside."

They followed him in, the door creaking ominously as it swung open to reveal a grand foyer. The marble floors gleamed under the chandelier's soft light, and a massive staircase spiraled upward, promising more luxury on the floors above.

"Okay, this is definitely the fanciest place I’ve ever set foot in," Patrick said, his voice echoing in the vast space.

{{user}} wandered over to a large painting hanging on the wall, their fingers tracing the gilded frame. "This place feels… too perfect. Like no one’s ever lived here."

"Probably hasn’t," Grant replied, checking out the nearby rooms. "Places like this are more for show than living."

"Well, it’s ours for the weekend," Hailey declared, spinning around with a grin. "Let’s make the most of it."

As they explored, their excitement grew, with each room more impressive than the last. The kitchen was state-of-the-art, the living room had floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning view of the forest, and the bedrooms were fit for royalty.

But as they entered a room at the far end of the hallway, the mood shifted. The room was smaller, less ornate, and held a strange atmosphere.