Jessica rose slowly, her face a mixture of fear and confusion. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Awakened who, Granny?"
Her grandmother turned away from the window, her eyes haunted. She walked back to the sofa, her movements heavy, and gently patted the space beside her. "Come, sit."
Jessica obeyed, settling beside her. The room had grown eerily still, the only sound the low rumble of thunder outside. Her grandmother took Jessica's hands into her own—hands that trembled slightly—and with a voice soaked in dread, she began to speak.
"A long time ago, in this very town, lived a young bride named Evelyn," she said. "She was breathtaking—so beautiful that people would stop and stare. But her beauty stirred jealousy in the hearts of many, especially among the women of Ravenshollow. There was one friend in particular... one whose envy festered into something dark."
Jessica and Richard listened, unmoving. Even the children who had been playing nearby grew quiet.
"Evelyn's wedding day was perfect. The church was filled with fresh flowers, sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, and the air was filled with joy. She walked down the aisle glowing with happiness, her dreams just moments from becoming reality."
Her grandmother paused, her voice cracking slightly.
"But as Evelyn stood at the altar, just as she opened her mouth to speak her vows, she collapsed. Blood poured from her mouth. She had been poisoned—by the very friend who was meant to celebrate with her. She died right there, in her wedding gown, with her groom and guests helpless around her."
A gasp swept across the room. Jessica clutched Richard's arm tightly.
"That tragedy marked the beginning of Ravenshollow's curse," her grandmother continued. "Since that day, no bride in this town has ever lived to say her vows."
Richard's voice broke the silence, laced with dread. "Why? Why does it still happen?"
Her grandmother turned to him, her eyes clouded with sorrow. "Because Evelyn's spirit never left. Betrayed and murdered on what was meant to be the happiest day of her life, her soul became restless. She wanders Ravenshollow, claiming every bride before they can say 'I do.' No one has survived."
A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the distant sound of thunder.
Jessica's voice trembled. "Then we'll cancel the wedding."
Her grandmother shook her head. "It's too late. The engagement, made by the lake... it awakened her. And if the wedding is called off, Evelyn's rage will not end with the bride. She will claim both families."
A wave of horror washed over them. Jessica turned into Richard's arms, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't want to die."
Richard held her close. "We'll find a way. I promise."
Later that evening, Susan pulled Richard aside. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with panic. "We need to leave. This wedding cannot go on."
"Mom—"
"No, Richard," she interrupted, gripping his arm. "We are leaving. I've already lost your father. I won't lose you too."
"Calm down," Richard pleaded. "We'll figure something out."
But Susan was already packing. Moments later, she walked into the living room with her coat in hand and her suitcase rolling behind her. "Richard," she said firmly, "come with me. We're leaving."
Everyone turned to her in shock, but Susan refused to listen. "I'm not going to be part of this madness."
Richard tried to stop her, but she stormed out into the pouring rain, disappearing into the darkness.
Thunder roared above the house. The family rushed to the windows, watching helplessly as Susan vanished into the storm.
Then—
A scream.
High-pitched. Piercing. Blood-curdling.
Jessica and Richard bolted for the door, hearts racing.
"MOM!" Richard shouted into the night.
They stopped in their tracks just outside the house.
What they saw stole the breath from their lungs... and would haunt them forever.