April 23rd, 2018,
I write to you, my dearest friend Mary, about an adventure I am about to undertake. I know you shall warn me to stay away from such perilous undertakings, but this is a journey I must take. For generations, my family has been plagued by a curse--They all pass away by mysterious circumstances by the age of 30. I cannot accept this: My life will not be cut short by such a ridiculous thing! I have read the texts my ancestors left me, and they all point to one, singular entity: An untentated mansion in the wilderness. It brings me no joy to venture alone into peril, but I must for the sake of my life. Do not berate me for my impetuous actions, but it must be done.
Lots of love,
Your dearest friend, Annie.

I seal the envelope and leave it on my desk. I must hurry, there is not much time left. The thirtieth year since my day of birth is approaching in a matter of months, and I cannot wait any longer. I shall send the message to Mary later. Surely she will understand the urgency of my situation. I begin walking toward the forest, the place that holds the mansion of answers.

It has been a few hours since I began my journey, and I still am not at my destination. The path is extremely winded, and I cannot seem to grasp where the ending lies. My only guide is a dim torch and an old, faded map. I continue on my path, and as I walk the route becomes extremely grotesque. The trees are unshapely, with branches that are curved and twisted in unbelievable patterns. All the grass lay dead and wilted. The flowers are grey and lack any color. But still, I press on. My life, my future, depends on this destination.
I finally see a clearing. A large, looming giant mansion lies in it. It has the shape of a house, but with dozens of doors that lead to a fall to death. I bravely walk toward it and enter the building.

The interior of the house is just as dark and gloomy as the outside. Various decorative pieces line the hall, all with the shape of horrifying creatures. A large set of stairs lie in front. When I squint, I see a figure on the staircases. Fear runs toward me, and paralyzes my body. Who is it? A monster? I steel my nerves and walk toward it.

Instead of a terrifying creature, I see a gorgeous woman. She is beautiful beyond belief. Her hair is a smooth, silky black. Her deep almond eyes sparkle like the sunlight. She stares at me, and for a moment I cannot move.

“Why are you here?” she says.

It takes a moment to process what she just said. Her beauty enraptured me, so all that I replied was, “Bluh?”

She seems amused. She shakes her head and says once more, “Why are you here?”

Now, I am capable of a response. I say, “I am looking for a book said to lay in the library here. Have you heard of the ‘Tome of Secrets’?”

She says simply, “I am but a gardener for in this place. I have no knowledge of books. However, you may peruse the library. Walk straight, it is to the left.”

Her answer greatly delights me--she seems like a reasonable person. But, I do not expect my task to be so easy. I ask her, “May you help me with my research? I would greatly appreciate it.”

I do not mention that the reality is, I am afraid of such a terrifying place. Having such a beauty by my side would make me feel much safer.

She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I really know nothing about books. However, if you desire my company, come by quarters at noon. I have no occupations at that time.”

At her words, my heart soars. I did not expect such a wonderful helper for my task.

She walks away, and I am left all alone once again. Fear seizes me, but I steady myself. “The library. The library.” I repeat to myself, needing something to hold on to.

I walk through the mansion, my surroundings becoming more and more horrifying. I walk along the path mentioned by the mysterious woman, and see a large library of magnificent size. I enter the library, only to see the strange woman in the library as well. “Hello.” I say, tentatively. It seems strange to me--How did she vanish from the living room into the library?

She says, “I thought I should help you with your search. I know you are seeking’’The Tome of Secrets’, but why?”

“I seek it to prevent myself from dying at the age of 30. My work is to help the poor and unfortunate. If I perish, who shall tend to them?”

She seems to mull over my answer, before reply with a wide, beautiful smile. “Is that so? Well, I shall help you. I think it is a worthy cause.”

She stands next to me, and together we peruse the shelves. Her hair falls, framing her face in such a gorgeous manner I cannot even begin to describe it. She looks at me staring and asks, “What are you looking at?”.

I reply almost instantaneously, “At you. You are a beauty beyond words.”

She seems to blush slightly at my words, and looks down at the floor. “Don’t waste your words on someone like me.”

“Someone like you!” I exclaim. “You’re amazing and wonderful in every way. To the point that you would help a random person like me.”

She suddenly stops blushing and looks at me. Straight through me. Into my soul. And suddenly…. she transforms. Her mouth now has long, snake-like fangs, and long wings sprout from her back.

“Tell me now. Tell me I am beautiful now.” she says, mockingly.

Despite her terrifying new appearance, I squeak out, “You… are… beautiful.”

She sighs, shaking her head. “I am not” she says, finality in her voice. “Leave this place now, and your life will be spared.”

“I cannot leave!” I yell. “I have spent my entire life helping the unfortunate and in need. If I perish, who will tend to them?!”

She sighs. “All those who have arrived before you have come to seek some manner of selfish desire. You, however, are different. I do not wish to harm you. Leave. Now.”

I attempt to argue further, but in an instant there is a large, blinding flash of light. I cannot see anything anymore. And immediately, I am back home, my letter to Mary still in my pocket. But forever, I will never forget this traumatic experience and my first ever love.