Death Walks in Louisville: Paranormal Tours of the Damned

 

Louisville’s haunted asylum

        

Scenario

When a group of curious tourists embarks on a paranormal tour through the heart of Louisville, they expect a spine-tingling but safe encounter with the city’s ghostly past. The tour, led by the charismatic yet secretive guide, Elias, promises a peek into the chilling history of one of America’s most haunted cities. However, they quickly realize that the spirits of the damned have their own plans for these visitors.

The group is taken to long-abandoned cemeteries, decaying old buildings, and long-forgotten streets where the boundaries between the living and the dead have become dangerously thin. As the group travels deeper into Louisville’s dark underbelly, strange occurrences begin to unfold. Whispering voices float through the air, cold gusts of wind cut through them despite clear skies, and shadowy figures follow them just out of sight.

Unbeknownst to the group, Elias is hiding a dark secret—he’s not just a guide, but a key to a terrible ritual that was never meant to be completed. As the night progresses, the tour turns into something far more sinister. The group finds themselves trapped in a nightmare where they are no longer just spectators, but participants in an ancient curse that’s been waiting to claim new souls. With every step they take, they inch closer to becoming part of the damned.

The ghosts they encounter aren’t the harmless phantoms of the past; they’re vengeful spirits, bound by a curse that feeds on the life force of the living. The tourists must find a way to break the curse before they become the next victims of the Damned Walkers—the souls forever trapped, walking the streets of Louisville in search of others to drag into the afterlife with them.

As the night wears on and the terror intensifies, the group begins to realize that the line between life and death is a fragile thing, and there are some places in Louisville where death is never far away. Will they escape the curse in time, or will they become the newest residents of the ghostly realm where death itself walks?

Characters 

1. Kiera Thompson – The Fearless Leader

• Age: 25

• Appearance: Long, flowing red hair, freckles, and striking green eyes. Kiera stands at 5'7" with a toned, athletic build. Her radiant smile can light up any room, though it's often replaced by a focused, determined expression during moments of danger.

• Backstory: Kiera is a local blogger who’s known for her adventurous spirit. She’s traveled to haunted places all over the world and has always prided herself on never being scared. Though skeptical of the supernatural, she’s eager to prove that her courage isn’t just bravado.

• Character Setting: Kiera is in Louisville for a big ghost-hunting video project, and this paranormal tour is the first stop. Her goal is to create a viral story. She’s smart, confident, and always quick to take charge when something goes wrong. Kiera doesn’t believe in the supernatural—until she sees it firsthand.

• Role in Story: As the group’s leader, Kiera’s bravery will be tested. She tries to remain calm but is quickly overwhelmed by the strange events of the night, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about the paranormal.

Clothing

• Top: A fitted black leather jacket with silver zippers, giving her an edgy, confident look. Beneath, she wears a simple gray tank top, comfortable yet stylish.

• Bottoms: Black skinny jeans with reinforced knee panels, allowing flexibility and protection as she explores.

• Footwear: Sturdy combat boots that are practical for walking through uneven terrain.

• Accessories: A wide-brimmed black hat that adds to her mysterious allure. She also carries a small backpack with a camera, flashlight, and extra batteries.

Equipment

• Camera: A high-end DSLR for capturing paranormal activity, equipped with night vision.

• Voice Recorder: For capturing EVPs (electronic voice phenomena).

• Phone: Loaded with apps for ghost hunting and a flashlight app.

2. Lena Rivera – The Sensitive Soul

• Age: 27

• Appearance: Dark, wavy brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a delicate, porcelain complexion. Lena is 5'5", slender, with an ethereal beauty that makes her seem almost otherworldly.

• Backstory: Lena is a photographer who specializes in capturing raw emotions and moments. She’s empathetic and often feels an emotional connection with the people she photographs. Though she’s deeply spiritual and believes in the supernatural, she has a tendency to be overly sensitive to the negative energy around her.

• Character Setting: She joined the tour hoping to capture the perfect paranormal photograph and test her psychic abilities. Lena’s gifts have always made her an outcast, but she’s learned to embrace them. She has a sixth sense when it comes to spirits, and this sensitivity makes her an asset to the group—but also puts her in danger.

• Role in Story: Lena begins to notice things before anyone else, sensing the presence of spirits and communicating with them in eerie ways. Her abilities could be the key to surviving the curse—but also the very thing that makes her a target for the vengeful ghosts.

Clothing

• Top: A soft, flowing cream-colored blouse with lace detailing, giving her a soft and ethereal vibe. The fabric allows for movement, perfect for spontaneous moments.

• Bottoms: Loose-fitting, high-waisted black trousers that provide comfort while maintaining a chic look.

• Footwear: Comfortable ballet flats that allow her to walk quietly, blending in with the eerie surroundings.

• Accessories: A silver pendant necklace shaped like a crescent moon, which she believes offers her some protection against spirits. She also carries a leather journal for noting her experiences.

Equipment

• Handheld Spirit Box: For communicating with spirits. It uses radio frequencies to pick up ghostly voices.

• Crystal: A small amethyst crystal for protection and energy cleansing.

• Camera: A small Polaroid camera for instant paranormal snapshots.

3. Audra Sinclair – The Skeptic

• Age: 28

• Appearance: Platinum blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and a perfect hourglass figure. Audra is tall (5'9") with a sophisticated and polished look. She’s always impeccably dressed in fashionable, high-end clothing, even when on a ghost tour.

• Backstory: A successful lawyer in the city, Audra is all logic and reason. Raised in a strict, no-nonsense family, she has no time for things that can't be proven. She’s not easily impressed by ghost stories and refuses to believe in anything supernatural.

• Character Setting: Audra is tagging along with her friends, Kiera and Lena, out of curiosity but is determined to prove that there’s no such thing as ghosts. She’s sharp, sarcastic, and often dismisses anything that can’t be explained. However, as the paranormal events intensify, her skepticism begins to fade.

• Role in Story: Audra serves as the voice of reason for the group—until things start to spiral out of control. She’ll be the one most resistant to the haunting, but her disbelief and defiance will make her a prime target for the spirits that torment the group.

Clothing

• Top: A sleek, tailored black blazer over a white blouse. The blazer adds a professional touch, while the blouse is slightly unbuttoned for a more casual, confident look.

• Bottoms: Slim-fit, high-waisted black pants that scream sophistication and practicality.

• Footwear: High heels, black leather pumps that seem out of place but add to her impeccable style.

• Accessories: A wristwatch with a silver band, and a set of sunglasses that she occasionally wears even at night, adding to her tough, no-nonsense persona.

Equipment

• Notepad and Pen: She carries a small notepad for “scientific” observations, even though she’s skeptical about anything supernatural.

• Smartphone: Fully equipped with a variety of apps that prove ghosts are nothing more than figments of overactive imaginations.

• Tactical Flashlight: A heavy-duty flashlight with multiple light settings for both practical and defensive purposes (though she’s not convinced it will help against ghosts).

4. Isla Bennett – The Adventurous Daredevil

• Age: 24

• Appearance: Short, platinum blonde hair, a small nose, and wide hazel eyes. Isla is petite (5'4") but has an athletic, toned body. She has a playful energy about her, always wearing a mischievous grin that hints at trouble.

• Backstory: Isla is a thrill-seeker who lives for adrenaline. She’s always pushing her limits, from extreme sports to dangerous stunts. Though she doesn’t take life too seriously, Isla has a deep respect for the unknown. She’s been fascinated by ghost stories since childhood but hasn’t had much real-world experience with the supernatural.

• Character Setting: Isla is eager to prove her courage by visiting haunted places and showing off her daring spirit. She enjoys the thrill of being scared, though she’s completely unprepared for the terror that awaits her on this tour. Her cocky attitude masks a genuine curiosity about the paranormal, but she’s not ready for the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of Louisville.

• Role in Story: Isla is the first to suggest splitting up when things get creepy, convinced that the spirits are just part of the experience. Her bravery might keep the group moving, but it will also put her in the most danger. As the supernatural events unfold, Isla will have to face her fears head-on.

Clothing

• Top: A tight-fitting dark red T-shirt with a vintage horror movie print. The shirt gives off a rebellious, fun energy while keeping her comfortable.

• Bottoms: Black cargo pants with plenty of pockets for storing gadgets, though they’re more for fashion than practicality.

• Footwear: Rugged sneakers with a thick sole, perfect for climbing or running if things get dangerous.

• Accessories: A leather bracelet with skull charms, and a red bandana that she wears around her wrist or tied in her hair.

Equipment

• GoPro: Mounted on a head strap to capture her daring adventures in real-time.

• First Aid Kit: A small, compact kit in case things get physical during her explorations.

• Lock-Picking Kit: She’s always ready for a challenge, carrying a set of lock picks to open any hidden doors or locked rooms during the tour.

5. Sophia "Sophie" Dawson – The Quiet Observer

• Age: 22

• Appearance: Soft, straight black hair that frames her face, with gentle gray eyes that seem to miss nothing. Sophie is 5'6" and has a slender, almost fragile build. There’s an aura of mystery about her, with a quiet elegance that draws people in.

• Backstory: Sophie is a college student studying psychology with a particular interest in fear and the human mind. She’s not a fan of being the center of attention, preferring to observe and analyze. Her fascination with the paranormal is based on her desire to understand why people are so drawn to the idea of ghosts and hauntings.

• Character Setting: Sophie is more academic than spiritual, relying on logic and her background in psychology to rationalize what others may think is supernatural. She joined the tour for research but often remains silent, observing others more than engaging in conversation. As the group starts to experience terrifying events, Sophie’s mind begins to crack under the pressure, questioning her own rationality.

• Role in Story: Sophie’s calm demeanor will be both an asset and a hindrance. While others panic, Sophie maintains a level-headed approach, analyzing the events. However, as the situation becomes increasingly dire, Sophie’s own sense of reason is tested, and she may be the first to truly understand the curse—if she can survive long enough to do so.

Clothing

• Top: A loose-fitting, long-sleeve black shirt with a subtle pattern of stars across the fabric, giving her a quiet, almost celestial appearance.

• Bottoms: Black skinny jeans that are comfortable and allow for movement but still look polished.

• Footwear: Comfortable black ankle boots with a low heel, making them practical for walking but still stylish.

• Accessories: A thin, silver bracelet with a charm of an owl, which she believes symbolizes wisdom and protection.

Equipment

• Voice Recorder: To document any strange sounds or voices she might capture.

• Notebook: A small journal where she writes down her psychological observations of the tour and the others, and any strange sensations or thoughts.

• Night Vision Goggles: To observe the surroundings in low-light situations without missing anything.

6. Elias – The Mysterious Tour Guide

• Age: 31

• Appearance: Elias is an enigmatic man with jet-black hair, sharp features, and a mysterious aura. He dresses in a simple black outfit—dark jeans, a leather jacket, and boots. His piercing gray eyes seem to always be watching, studying his guests. Despite his commanding presence, he remains emotionally distant, a man of few words.

• Backstory: Elias grew up in Louisville, learning the city’s dark secrets from his family. He is deeply connected to the supernatural, though he hides his knowledge and involvement in the curse. He’s a seasoned paranormal guide, leading tours with precision and control, but something darker drives him—something tied to the very ghosts they seek to encounter.

• Character Setting: Elias knows the true horrors that lie beneath Louisville's streets, and he leads the tour as part of his duty to ensure the spirits remain contained—or perhaps to feed the curse. He hides his own terrifying connection to the ghosts and is far more involved in the supernatural than anyone suspects.

• Role in Story: Elias is the guide, but he has his own agenda. As the haunting intensifies, he may reveal his true purpose—whether as a helper or the mastermind behind the curse.

Clothing

• Top: A plain black shirt with a subtle v-neck, covered by a worn-out brown leather jacket that speaks of many long nights spent in haunted places.

• Bottoms: Dark denim jeans, slightly faded but comfortable enough for long walks.

• Footwear: Heavy black boots, scuffed and broken in from years of traveling the haunted sites of Louisville.

• Accessories: A dark scarf that he keeps wrapped around his neck, hiding the scars from his past. He also carries an old, tarnished pocket watch with him, which he checks periodically with an air of quiet urgency.

Equipment

• Flashlight: A high-powered, durable flashlight that seems to cut through the dark with ease.

• Ghost Hunting Equipment: Elias carries a large satchel filled with tools of the trade, including EMF detectors, digital thermometers, and other instruments for detecting paranormal activity.

• Ritual Tools: Unknown to the group, Elias keeps a hidden dagger in his jacket for personal rituals tied to the curse of the Damned.   

Story

The late autumn night air was thick and restless, laced with a chill that bit deep into the skin and a silence that hovered over the dimly lit streets of Louisville, Kentucky. The city’s forgotten corners held secrets, whispered through broken windows and cracked brick facades, long since left to decay. Tonight, five women gathered outside an abandoned asylum on the edge of town for a paranormal tour in Louisville KY led by Elias, a guide whose mysterious reputation had attracted thrill-seekers and skeptics alike.

“Alright, ladies,” Elias said in his low, gravelly voice, folding his arms across his leather jacket. “This tour isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re here, you’ve probably heard that some never make it all the way through.” His dark eyes glinted with a hint of a challenge, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk as he looked each of them up and down.

Kiera crossed her arms, smirking back. “Is that supposed to scare us? Because we’ve seen our fair share of ghosts, right girls?”

Lena, who had been nervously fingering her amethyst crystal pendant, nodded, though she felt a chill run down her spine as she met Elias’s gaze. There was something about him—a darkness that seemed to seep out of him like smoke. Isla, as usual, was grinning with anticipation. Audra, however, rolled her eyes and sighed, adjusting her blazer. 

“Let’s get this over with,” she muttered, her heels clicking on the gravel as she crossed her arms.

Sophie, quiet as ever, observed them all, her gray eyes flicking between Elias and her friends. She pulled her black shirt tighter, feeling an inexplicable heaviness in the air.

The asylum loomed ahead, its broken windows and sagging doorways covered in graffiti and ivy. Its walls seemed to hold whispers, memories of the lost souls who had once called this place home. Elias cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

“Alright, let’s get started. Stick close, don’t wander off—especially you, Isla,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Oh, come on!” Isla laughed, bouncing on her toes, her GoPro already strapped to her head, ready to capture every second of the experience.

The group filed in, stepping cautiously through the crumbling entrance. The musty smell of decay and dampness greeted them, wrapping around them like a shroud. Kiera was first, flashlight in hand, leading the way. The floorboards groaned beneath their feet, each step echoing ominously in the stillness.

Inside, the air felt thick, weighted with years of sorrow and despair. Peeling wallpaper hung limply from the walls, and broken furniture lay scattered across the floor, covered in dust. Faint stains marked the walls, remnants of what had once been a place of healing turned into something far darker.

“Does anyone else feel…weird?” Lena whispered, glancing around with wide, apprehensive eyes.

Audra scoffed, though her arms were wrapped tightly around her body. “It’s just an old building, Lena. Let’s not make it more dramatic than it has to be.”

Sophie lingered at the back, running her fingers over the cold, chipped paint of the walls, as if trying to connect with the energies left behind. The silence felt alive, almost watching them as they moved further into the asylum’s bowels.

“I can feel something here,” Lena said softly. “It’s…sad.”

Kiera squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, though she too felt the strange, oppressive energy that clung to the building. The silence was broken by the distant sound of water dripping, echoing like a heartbeat through the abandoned halls.

Elias led them deeper into the building, stopping outside a heavy metal door marked “Ward D.”
“This was the main treatment ward,” he explained, his voice barely a murmur. “Patients were often locked up here. Many of them never made it out.”

Kiera reached out, pressing her hand against the cold metal of the door. A sudden shiver raced through her as images flooded her mind—patients in hospital gowns, staring vacantly, their eyes hollow, their mouths twisted in silent screams. She pulled her hand back, shaking her head as if to clear it.

“You alright?” Sophie asked, noticing Kiera’s pale face.
“Yeah, yeah…just my imagination.” Kiera forced a smile, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching her, lurking just beyond the shadows.

They entered the ward, the walls lined with rusted bed frames and tattered mattresses. Lena felt her heart pound as she brushed past a broken chair, feeling the faintest pressure, as if someone had touched her shoulder. She gasped, looking around, but there was no one there.
Isla moved ahead, shining her flashlight around. “

Where are the ghosts, Elias? Isn’t this supposed to be a haunted tour?” she called, her voice bouncing off the walls.

Elias didn’t respond, simply motioning them further into the ward. Suddenly, the lights of the flashlights flickered, then went out completely, plunging them into darkness.

“What the—?!” Audra’s voice was sharp, tinged with panic as she fumbled for her flashlight.
The silence was broken by a soft, childlike giggle echoing down the hall. The group froze, their eyes wide, hearts pounding.

“Did…did anyone else hear that?” Lena whispered, clutching her crystal tightly.

“I heard it,” Kiera murmured, her voice tight. “And it definitely wasn’t any of us.”
They huddled together, backs pressed against the cold wall, breathing heavily as the giggling continued, drawing closer.

Sophie closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “It’s a residual energy…maybe a spirit trapped in a loop, replaying its last moments,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

“Oh, yeah? Or it’s just a prank,” Audra snapped, though her voice shook.

The group slowly continued down the hallway, trying to ignore the mounting fear that gnawed at their insides. But soon, Isla nudged Kiera with an uneasy expression. 

“Uh, hate to break the spooky vibe, but…I really need to find a restroom.”

“You’re kidding,” Kiera muttered, exasperated.
Isla shrugged. “All the water dripping sounds...it’s making things worse, okay?”
Lena, looking sheepish, raised her hand slightly. “Actually…same.”

Elias chuckled under his breath. “If you’re serious, there’s an old staff bathroom down this way,” he said, leading them down another corridor.

The restroom was as creepy as the rest of the asylum, with cracked mirrors and rusted pipes. The light flickered, casting an eerie glow on the stained walls.

“Make it quick, girls,” Kiera urged, keeping a wary eye on the door.

As Isla and Lena took their turns in the decrepit stalls, the others waited in tense silence. Suddenly, the sound of scraping metal echoed down the hall, growing louder. The lights flickered again, and then, for a split second, a dark figure appeared in the mirror behind Kiera. She spun around, but there was nothing there.

“Let’s get out of here,” Kiera said firmly, shoving the door open as soon as the others emerged, equally shaken.

The group pressed on, now hyper-aware of every creak, every shadow. The asylum’s oppressive atmosphere seemed to press in on them, suffocating and heavy. Lena was visibly shaking, her fingers cold and pale as she clutched her pendant. 

Isla, who usually cracked jokes to keep spirits at bay, was unusually silent, her wide hazel eyes darting around nervously.
Elias stopped them in front of a staircase leading down to the basement. 

“This is the final stop on our tour—the morgue,” he said, his voice almost reverent.

Audra groaned, rolling her eyes. “Of course. Because a haunted tour wouldn’t be complete without a morgue.”

As they descended, the temperature dropped noticeably, their breaths fogging in the cold, stagnant air. The walls were damp and smelled of mold, and the only light came from their flashlights, casting long, ominous shadows.

In the morgue, metal tables stood in rows, dust-covered and forlorn. The sense of dread was palpable, wrapping around them like a shroud. Sophie ran her fingers along the cold metal of one of the tables, feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

“This place…so much pain,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
Suddenly, a loud bang reverberated through the room, as one of the cabinet doors flew open, slamming against the wall. The girls screamed, huddling together as a chilling wind swept through the room.

“Alright, I think we’ve had enough,” Kiera said, her voice shaking. She grabbed Isla’s hand, pulling her toward the exit, but the door slammed shut before they could reach it.

“We’re locked in,” Audra said, her voice barely controlled. She yanked at the door, but it didn’t budge.

Elias stood at the back, watching with an unreadable expression. “Sometimes, the spirits don’t want visitors to leave,” he said quietly.

The temperature dropped further as a shadowy figure appeared at the far end of the room, slowly drifting toward them. Its face was indistinct, but its hollow eyes seemed to burn with fury. Lena whimpered, clutching her crystal as if it were a lifeline.

“Stay together,” Kiera ordered, pulling them into a tight circle.

The shadowed figure loomed, creeping closer, its elongated fingers reaching through the dim, flickering light. Audra felt a strange pull, as if the darkness itself were wrapping around her, drawing her closer.

"Get back! Everyone, just...hold on to each other!" Kiera's voice broke through the silence, her words trembling but steady enough to anchor her friends. 

Her flashlight was dead, her shaking fingers desperately pressing the button to no avail.

But Audra was staring into the hollow, empty eyes of the shadow. She felt its icy tendrils pressing on her shoulders, sinking into her like a dead weight. Panic clawed at her throat, but she couldn’t look away, couldn’t tear herself from the horrific vision before her.

"Kiera," she whispered, her voice cracking. "It’s...it’s pulling me in..."

Sophie, sensing the danger, yanked Audra back, wrapping an arm around her waist and physically pulling her into the circle. “Hold on to us, Audra, don’t let go!”

The shadow recoiled, hissing, as if enraged by the sudden defiance. It shifted, morphing into a more solid figure, its hollow face now twisted into a contorted sneer of hatred.

“Why are you here?” it rasped, its voice grating like metal scraping across stone. The air grew thick, and an overpowering stench filled the room, as if death itself had entered.

"We didn’t mean any harm!" Isla shouted, backing away as much as she could in the tight circle. Her eyes were wide, filled with terror. She tightened her grip on her friends, her fingers digging into their arms.

But the spirit’s hollow eyes seemed to focus on Isla, zeroing in on her in particular. It whispered, its voice barely audible over the sound of her quickening breaths, "You...you don’t belong here.”

Isla whimpered, stumbling backward. She felt the urge to run, but the spirit’s presence held her captive. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, each beat feeling like a countdown, though to what, she didn’t know.

“Please,” Sophie whispered, tears welling in her eyes as she held on to Lena for support. “We just wanted to learn...we didn’t mean any harm.”

The figure’s face twisted into a grotesque grin. “Learn? You came to dance on graves. To mock the dead.” It leaned forward, its form stretching as if it were tethered by unseen chains, pulling it back.

Elias’s voice echoed from somewhere far away. "Remember, it’s their space, their rules. You’re guests...nothing more." His tone was laced with a strange calm, almost as if he were speaking to them from beyond.

“Elias! Help us!” Kiera yelled, her voice breaking with desperation. But the tour guide was nowhere to be seen, his absence growing more ominous by the second.

“Guys...door’s still locked,” Lena murmured, her eyes darting toward the heavy metal door.
Kiera gritted her teeth. “Fine. If we’re getting out of here, we’re doing it together. Everyone—push.”

Together, they pressed against the cold metal, leaning into it with all their weight. Their fingers pressed into the gritty texture of rust and dust, but the door wouldn’t budge. They strained, grunting with effort, but it was as if the door itself had become an immovable object, resisting their every push.

The shadow moved closer, shifting with a fluid, almost liquid movement. Its laughter filled the air, a deep, hollow sound that echoed through the room.

“Let’s...try the windows!” Isla suggested, her voice barely above a whisper. She ran to the far side of the room, but when she touched the window, it shattered instantly, shards of glass exploding inward. She shrieked, stumbling backward as the glass hit the floor in sharp, gleaming fragments.

“Stop running!” the spirit bellowed, its voice now filled with a guttural rage that made their blood run cold. "Stay and face what you came to disturb. It’s your turn to understand the fear, the agony we felt."

Desperation took hold. Sophie clutched her chest, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. “Guys...maybe...maybe we have to confront it? Maybe that’s what it wants?”

Kiera met Sophie’s gaze, her face pale and etched with fear, but she nodded. “Okay. But together.”

They turned, each clinging to one another, and faced the spirit as one. Taking a deep breath, Kiera spoke, her voice trembling but strong.

“We’re sorry...if we intruded. We were curious, that’s all. We...we respect you, and we’ll leave if you let us.”

The shadow paused, considering them, its hollow eyes narrowing. A long silence hung over them, so thick they could hear their own breathing, heavy and uneven.
But then, slowly, the spirit began to retreat. The room seemed to grow lighter, and the tension in the air eased, as if some invisible weight had lifted.

The heavy metal door creaked, swinging open on its own, revealing the dark corridor beyond.
“Let’s go,” Kiera whispered, leading them out, each step quickening as they moved through the asylum. They didn’t look back, their breaths hitching, adrenaline flooding their bodies as they finally burst out into the cold night air.

Outside, the asylum loomed, silent once again, as if it hadn’t just unleashed its horrors on them. They stood in a huddled group, each of them breathing heavily, trying to calm the racing beats of their hearts.

“Let’s…never do that again,” Lena muttered, pulling her coat tight around her as the last remnants of fear lingered in her chest.

Isla chuckled nervously, a shaky laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah…guess that was enough ‘paranormal tours Louisville KY’ for one lifetime, huh?”

Kiera managed a smile, squeezing her friends’ shoulders. “Next time, how about…a beach vacation?”

They all laughed, though their voices held a note of relief, and of fear, that they couldn’t quite shake. Behind them, the asylum stood, watching silently as they walked away, leaving its dark secrets hidden once more in the shadows.