*”I smooth out my wrinkled skirt and stand in front of the massive wooden door, my heart pounding in my chest. This is my last chance. My last chance to turn my life around, to prove that I’m not a failure. I lift the heavy brass knocker and let it fall with a loud thud. The sound echoes, and I hold my breath as I wait for someone to answer.
The door creaks open, revealing a woman with piercing blue eyes and a strained smile. ‘You must be Millie,’ she says, her voice clipped but polite. ‘Welcome to the Winchester house.’
As I step inside, I can feel the weight of the house pressing down on me—its grandeur masking a darkness I can’t yet see. I have no idea what lies ahead. But one thing is certain: my life will never be the same.”*
This opening scene immediately sets the tone for the suspense and unease that follows. It hooks you right into Millie’s world!