The Lantern in Room 9
It was the night before Halloween when the old innkeeper of The Hollow Lantern noticed that Room 9’s light was flickering again.
He sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. That room always misbehaved this time of year the bulbs burned out faster, the walls whispered when the wind rose, and sometimes, guests claimed they saw shadows move in the mirror long after they’d turned away.
Still, he couldn’t afford to leave it empty. A last-minute traveler had booked the room, a young woman named Clara, who said she was just passing through town.
When she arrived, the innkeeper greeted her warmly and handed her an antique brass key.
“Don’t mind the draft in Room 9,” he said, forcing a smile. “And if you hear knocking after midnight… it’s just the pipes.”
Clara smiled politely but didn’t miss the way his eyes darted to the staircase.
That night, the storm rolled in heavy.
Rain lashed the windows, and the old building creaked like a ship at sea. Clara sat by the desk, working on her laptop until the lights flickered once… twice… then went out completely.
Only the faint glow of the lantern on the dresser remained. She didn’t remember turning it on. It was old — metal, glass slightly cracked, flame burning inside with a steady orange pulse.
Curious, Clara approached it. Etched on the glass were the words:
“Keep it lit or the lost will wander.”
She felt a chill. Maybe it was just a Halloween prank from the innkeeper.
But then came the sound soft, deliberate knocking.
One. Two. Three.
Not from the door. From the mirror.
---------------------
Stake.com
Saifaljml