Echoes of the Past

The soft thud of the envelope hitting the doormat sent a jolt of anticipation through Vanessa's body. She exchanged a puzzled glance with Mark as they both bent down to retrieve the mysterious package. "It's addressed to both of us," Mark murmured, his fingers tracing the intricate crest embossed on the thick parchment. Vanessa felt a prickle of unease as she took the envelope from his hands, her heart racing with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Retreating to the living room, they settled onto the plush sofa, the air thick with an unspoken tension. Vanessa's fingers trembled slightly as she carefully broke the wax seal, her eyes scanning the elegant script that adorned the page. "What does it say?" Mark asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze fixed on his mother's face. Vanessa's brow furrowed as she read the cryptic message aloud, her voice laced with a sense of foreboding. "The truth lies buried in the shadows of the past. Seek the answers within the family crypt, where the secrets of our lineage await to be uncovered." Mark's eyes widened, his fingers gripping the arm of the sofa. "Family crypt? What the hell is this al