A large dusty golden frame held a massive portrait, taking up nearly the whole wall. It held a dark and menacing figure in it. Not a human,nor any creature iI recognized, not anything I had seen before. Small ears hidden by long sharp horns sat atop a face that would frighten even the bravest person. A thin neck covered in symbols and a curved spine ending in a long spiky tail. Forelegs lifted menacingly with sharp stained claws. A charm tied to its hind leg caught my eye. It was brighter than any other part of the painting. It seemed to let off an eerie faint light and had a jagged gold chain that secured it in place. I felt drawn to the odd charm. The gold though ragged looked warm and inviting, the orb seemed to whisper. I snapped out of the trance as Helix tapped me with a paw, waving at me to catch up to the group. Slowly making our way up the grand staircase and pausing at the landing Lupin looked down both the side halls.

'I say we go to the right." He proclaimed with his usual air of superiority. We all fell into step behind him though I cast one last glance at the portrait. Most of the rooms were normal enough. The faded furniture had an odd accessory here and there but nothing out of the ordinary. When we came to the library I couldn't help but admire the tall mahogany shelves that seemed to go on forever. I padded through the isles inspecting all the dull covers. At first they seemed to be the kind of books that you would find anywhere else but soon the titles became gruesome and horrible. Books like " Every way to slaughter your enemies" and "Necromancy for dummies'' caught my eye. As I turned the corner Stellar collided into me knocking me to the ground. Before I could right myself Helix leapt over us with Lupin hard on his paws. '' Get back here you coward!" Lupin snarled while gnashing his teeth and lunging for Helix's tail.

''Asante Stellar.'' I murmured quietly, watching as Lupin and Helix tore down the aisle. "What was that about?" I asked, turning back to Stellar. Stellar rolled her eyes and waved a paw dramaticly, "Same as always, Helix tripped over his paws and shoved Lupin into a bookshelf and then said something stupid.And well you can see the results." She sighed and looked over my shoulder to watch as they raced past the isle we were in. ''Tala have you seen Onyx recently?'' Stellar questioned her face darkening, concern evident in her face.

''No, I haven't seen her since we came in here. Why?'' I knew the answer before I had finished my sentence. Onyx was missing. Stellar deflated, her ears laying flat against her head and her tail tucked between her legs.

''Nobody has seen her for a while now. We are all getting worried. Before the whole accident with Helix Lupin was tearing apart the library looking for her.'' she chuckled before adding '' Who knew he cared so much for anyone let alone his little sister. He's always at her throat.'' She trailed off and dropped her gaze. '' Sorry, I know this isn't a time to joke. We need to find her Tala, this place isn't safe. Especially if those stories are true.'' I nodded grimly and set off to find Helix and Lupin. After somewhat calming the quarrel we were soon all splitting up to search the mansion. Helix followed me while Stellar and Lupin went in the opposite direction.

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Asante- Thank you