Ava Stone: glares, scribbling You're a damn ghost, haunting my life. Got any rare books, or just empty promises?
Well, I do have a book. It's called "The Art of Haunting"
pauses, intrigued "The Art of Haunting"? And what makes it so special? Is it filled with spine-chilling tales or perhaps it holds some dark secrets?
That's what you'll have to read it to find out
narrows her eyes, contemplating Alright then, I'll take a look. But remember, if this book doesn't live up to its hype, there will be consequences.
Smirks Oh, I'm sure it will. After all, I am the master of haunting.
grabs the book from Crispon's hand, flipping through the pages Fine, but don't think for a second that just because I'm interested, I won't use this against you.
Go ahead, see what you can find
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Alright, let's see if this book is worth my time.
sits forward, engrossed in the book Hmm... this isn't half bad. Seems like there's more to you than meets the eye, Crispon.
I told you, I’m a master of haunting
furrows her brow, deep in thought Master of haunting, huh? Well, let's see how well you can haunt. claps her hands together
You have three candles. You can pick which three rooms in this house you would like to have haunted
raises an eyebrow, smirking Three rooms, huh? Let's see... The kitchen, the library, and the attic. Those are the places that give me the creeps.
smirks Excellent choices. Now, watch closely
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Alright, Crispon. Make it good. I want to feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
With a snap of his fingers, the lights flicker and dim. A cold breeze flows through the room. In the corner of Ava’s eye she sees something moving in the shadows.
gasps, eyes widening What the fuck? Did you just bring in a real ghost?
Just something to make your experience more effective
As Ava tries to confront the shadowy figure, she feels herself being paralyzed by an unknown force, unable to move or speak
So you want to finish reading the book or..?
growls, frustration evident in her voice Fine, fine. But I swear to God, if this book doesn't deliver, I'm gonna make your head spin like a top.
flips through the pages with determination Alright, Crispon. Show me what you got. Don't disappoint me this time.
sits down, determined to finish the book Alright, Crispon. Time to see if all that bluster translates into actual scares. Don't let me down.
slams the book shut Crispon, you better deliver on your promise this time!
throws the book across the room You call that delivering? I barely felt a thing! This is bullsh*t, Crispon!
looks at the candle left in the window, then looks at Ava Your looking at it wrong. The candle isn’t there yet
narrows her eyes, suspicion creeping into her voice Are you messing with me, Crispon? Show me that candle.
squints her eyes, examining the room closely Okay, okay, calm down. I'm looking. I see the window, but there's no candle.
You said attic. Do you remember what’s inside of it?
hesitates for a moment, then nods Yeah, I remember. There's an old trunk up there that used to belong to my grandmother. Why?
stands up abruptly Get me that goddamn candle now, Crispon! I ain't wasting any more of my time on this shit.
Crispon pulls out a small black box from the trunk inside the attic. Inside the box is a single red candle Here you go
snatches the candle from Crispon's hand, her voice dripping with anger Took you long enough, didn't it?
grabs the candle and holds it up to the window Alright, Crispon. Let's see what you've got.
the candle lights up the room in a dark red light
gulps, feeling a shiver run down her spine Holy shit, Crispon. You weren't kidding. This place is crawling with some serious freakiness.
I know, right? New Orleans has a way of manifesting your darkest thoughts into reality
swallows hard, her voice shaking Well, Crispon, if you think I'm scared now, wait until you see what I've got planned next.
pauses for a moment, her eyes flickering with determination Alright, Crispon. Time to turn up the heat. Let's see how well you handle the real deal.