Long-Mute Grandmother Whispers a Somber Word, Alerting Granddaughter She’s in Danger

When a young woman inherits a remote manor property after the untimely deaths of her parents, she discovers a dark family secret that has kept her cherished grandma in a state of silence over the years. She embarks on a journey to discover the truth, unleashing dark forces that are beyond anything she could have imagined.
As Daisy’s automobile drove up the driveway, the mist engulfed the family manor, which served as a reflection of her emotionally burdened state. A sense of melancholy cast a shadow over the old estate, which was surrounded by a garden that had become overgrown.

Daisy’s senses were flooded with the recognisable aroma of ancient wood as she entered the room. It did not provide any solace.
Miss Daisy was greeted by Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper, who said, “Miss Daisy, welcome back.”

I am grateful to you, Mrs. Collins. Can you see Grandma? Daisy inquired about it.

Although she gave a slight nod, Mrs. Collins spoke in a low and serious tone and continued, “Since the stroke, she has been very fragile.” Despite the fact that she is in her new bedroom downstairs, she is still silent.

Edith, Daisy’s grandma, was at the sitting room when Daisy discovered her.

When she enquired, “How have you been, Grandma?” she was met with nothing but a warm smile in answer. You have it right. Never before has Grandma communicated with anyone.
The recent tragedy that had brought Daisy back to this location was the subject of Daisy’s views about the situation. Her parents had passed away in a tragic accident involving a private aeroplane, leaving her without a parent and requiring her to take responsibility for the family estate.

In her admission, she stated, “I never expected to inherit the manor in such a manner.”

Right at that moment, Edith extended her hand and softly squeezed Daisy’s hand. The caring act that Daisy so much needed brought a smile to her face. She was taken aback as Edith’s lips began to tremble, and she heard a mumbled “Aegis” escape from her mouth.
“What did you say?” Daisy wanted to know while clenching her fists.

However, Edith’s eyes became heavy, and the elderly woman’s head dropped forward on her seat as she sat there.
Daisy let out a deep sigh and straightened her posture. To alert Mrs. Collins about Edith, who needed to be transported to her bed, she walked to the kitchen and briefed her about the situation. She did not leave, but she did take a moment to look around the kitchen.

She discovered some cookies, and while she was munching on them, she observed a shadowy figure in the garden. The creature vanished as mysteriously as it had appeared, which caused Daisy to wonder if it had been a trick of the light.

Daisy got up early and strolled aimlessly about the mansion’s halls after checking on Edith, who was sleeping sweetly. This was after she had a night filled with nightmares that nearly prevented her from falling asleep.
After that, she roamed around the manor, and when she was not expecting it, she went up into the attic. Until her fingertips landed on a dusty sheet that was covering an old artwork that was displayed on an easel, she ran her fingers over forgotten trinkets and garments that had been devoured by moths.

She took great care in her hands as she revealed it, and the sight that she witnessed shook her to her very core. The weird image that developed was a young girl without a face holding hands with a very tall man who was also faceless and was covered in darkness. The brush strokes were rendered in an amateurish manner, yet they spoke with confidence.

It seemed as though they were standing in a flower garden of some kind, possibly roses, which were represented in different shades of fading pink. While Daisy was examining the spectral portrait and attempting to decipher its significance, she had a chill that raced down her spine.
In the bottom corners of the painting, she looked for a name, as one would often anticipate seeing in a painting, but there was nothing there.

Within the darkness, she became aware of a movement. Following that, she became aware of the sudden creak of the stairs, which caused the shadow to retreat quickly.
Daisy ran away with the artwork in her hand, feeling much colder than she had a moment earlier. Because her grandma was sitting in the living room without her knowledge, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity to show her the artwork.

Edith let out a groan of dread as soon as Daisy lifted the sheet, and she did so by throwing her hands overhead and tightly closed her eyes. Her entire body shook and shook forcefully, almost causing the chair to shake.

“I’m so sorry, Gran!” After expressing her regret, Daisy took the painting out of the room and placed it in the hallway, where it remained completely covered by its sheet.
After returning, she visited the elderly lady and reassured her by rubbing her head and shoulders. Where did it all go? What exactly are you attempting to convince me of?

Once more, Edith hushed the mysterious word “Aegis,” which caused Daisy to grimace; yet, the elderly woman continued to shake uncontrollably. “All right. All right. Just try to keep your cool.”

When Daisy lifted her face, she was able to see Edith’s closed eyes and hear her faint snores. Daisy perceived that her grandmother’s body was sagging. After heaving a sigh, she walked away from the elderly lady and headed into the hallway, where she hoped to track down Mrs. Collins.

She turned her head, however. What was left of the painting?

Daisy questioned Mrs. Collins about the location of the picture as the sun began to rise; however, the housekeeper informed her that she had neither seen nor moved the painting.
As a result of her inquiry on the other individuals residing in the house, she discovered that the only people present on the premises were herself, her grandmother, Mrs. Collins, and Bertram, the groundsman.
“He still works here?” Daisy repeated, suddenly recalling a man from her childhood who was similar to this one.

Mrs. Collins indicated with a nod. “He’s out there now if you’d like to speak with him.”

Daisy made her way to the garden after breakfast, where she came face to face with the individual in issue. As she enquired about the picture and her grandmother’s history, she was startled by his chilly glare and stoic demeanour. She was hoping that he had answers to the word that Edith kept saying.

At long last, Bertram said, “Aegis,” while his lips were pressed together. His eyes widened, and he appeared almost terrified.
She inquired deeper into the matter. Nevertheless, the groundskeeper had nothing but a warning for her.

“The past is dangerous, Miss Daisy,” Bertram cautioned her. “Some forces are not to be trifled with.” On the other hand, he continued working, as if he were ignoring her.
With a tightening of her lips, Daisy moved away. Following the fact that his words had not dissuaded her from solving this mystery, she decided to contact Mr. Thompson, the family lawyer.

It was the following day that Mr. Thompson went to the library of the estate to meet Daisy. She inquired about the history of her family, specifically focusing on the past of her grandmother and the enigmatic term “Aegis.”

Daisy, know that the history of your family is extensive and complex. I would like to know what exact facts you are researching. Even when they started looking through ancient notebooks and documents, Mr. Thompson couldn’t help but wonder.
A moment of hesitation passed as she traced the embossed leather cover of an ancient journal with her fingers. It is important to me to learn about Edith’s history and the reasons why she has never spoken. Aegis is a word that I believe has a link to a painting that I believe has taken place. The feeling that there is more to it, something that is buried in the past, is something that I just can’t escape.
Mr. Thompson arched his brow in consternation. “Well, now,” he was saying, “that name does sound familiar to me.” It is an ancient term that means a shield or protection, but for your family, it is a codename that was handled by the attorney who worked for Edith’s mother and father before I was hired.

“Code for what?”

“I’m still not sure. However, I was not privy to the specifics of the situation, but your parents asked me to wrap up some loose ends. After I had signed certain legal documents, I was urged to forget about all that had happened. Exhaling, Mr. Thompson disclosed, “I was sworn to secrecy from the beginning.”

A solemn oath to maintain confidentiality? Is that the reason why my granny is so terrified? “And why is it that she can only say ‘Aegis’?” Daisy inquired about it.

Thompson indicated with a nod. “It’s quite possible. Aegis is not merely a term; rather, it is a key, a trigger that is connected to the defensive enchantments that shelter both you and this establishment.

She pleaded with me, “Let’s try to find out more!” as she frantically searched through the volumes that were scattered throughout the library, frantically turning the pages hoping to find answers. It was a complete failure.

After taking a pause for a late-night lunch that Mrs. Collins had supplied, Daisy’s determination to continue the hunt remained strong, despite the fact that she was exhausted throughout the process. I insisted that you make a promise to me that we would continue this tomorrow.

While Daisy retired, Mr. Thompson continued the quest on his own. He was in agreement with Daisy. Towards the end of the night, Thompson was in the library when he became aware of a peculiar sound.
Despite the fact that he asked into the void, “Who’s there?” he did not receive any response, so he continued his search.

Several hours later, the attorney made the startling discovery of a file that was titled “Aegis,” which disclosed a horrifying reality about the history of Bertram and Edith.

When Thompson opened the folder, he felt a chill run down his spine. There, he discovered a police record as well as a statement that Edith had signed himself. As he read the words on the paper, shockwaves travelled through his entire body.

“Bertram,” he mumbled as he worked his way through the report’s specifics.

When Edith was just twelve years old, she made the accusation that Bertram had sexually abused her. After being overcome with feelings of embarrassment and a strong desire to steer clear of controversy, the family decided to drop the accusations, so enclosing the dark secret within the history vault and the thick walls of the manor.
During the time that Mr. Thompson was processing the significance of the information, his hands began to shake. He was the one who had unearthed the long-lost truth that had been tormenting Edith for many years.

But before he could fully comprehend the repercussions, he heard a sound coming from behind him once more, and this time it was much louder. His eyes widened with horror as he turned around and looked around.

His head had already reached the ground when he passed away. The shovel was held high by Bertram as he stood above the body of the lawyer, gazing out from behind the wide brim of his hat. He was prepared to deliver another blow in the event that the injured shape moved one more time. Blood slowly collected on the carpet, which was a light green colour.

The words “You shouldn’t have found that, Mr. Thompson,” were spoken by Bertram somberly. “Some secrets are better left buried.”
A spooky silence greeted Daisy as she awoke the following morning. It was not possible to find Mr. Thompson in the library or anyplace else. She enlisted Mrs. Collins’s assistance in the hunt, but they were unable to find anything.

When they went to check on Edith in her room, the elderly woman gestured towards the garden while her finger trembled on the window. She was pointing towards the garden. “Aegis,” she said once again, and it was as if a spell had been broken immediately afterward.

The feeble woman stood up, and the others stared in astonishment as she reached towards a concealed drawer in her cabinet and removed a peculiar object that was wrapped in a blanket. After that, Edith walked back to her chair and sat back down, her eyes widening as if she were anticipating something.
The police should be called, Mrs. C. Help is required. Daisy reminded herself, “I’m going to find Bertram,” as she was aware that something was awry.
While Daisy was making her way outdoors, she was unaware that Mrs. Collins had just learned that all of the phone lines in the manor had stopped working.

The moment she got closer, her gaze landed on the dirt that was directly beneath Bertram’s feet. She became aware of the disturbed piece of earth, which was a massive mound, and she felt a sense of dread clench up within of her.

At that moment, she inquired, “Bertram, have you seen Mr. Thompson?”

Nothing was missing from Bertram’s expression. In a hazy manner, he shook his head. No, your honour. I have not come across him.”

Daisy nodded uncomfortably, and despite her best efforts to refrain from doing so, she couldn’t help but take a closer look at the protracted depression in the ground.
With great attention, Bertram observed her. “Now, Miss Daisy, don’t be jumping to any stupid conclusions about what you see here, you hear?” He uttered these words as he took a few steps towards Daisy, one after the other, while stealthily removing one hand from the handle of the shovel.

Daisy’s urge to fight or flee took control, and she ran frantically in the direction of the manor, with Bertram following closely behind. While she was searching for Mrs. Collins in a frantic manner, she hurried into the living room. As she walked, she heard the groundskeeper’s footsteps from behind her.

Ms. Collins, please! It was with a desperate huff that she cried, “Grandma!” Her breaths came out rapidly. On her way to Edith’s room, she turned around.

Daisy was just able to give her eyes a momentary widening before Edith said, “Daisy, duck.” Daisy’s eyes had only become slightly wider. She complied with the directions, and as the gunshot rang out, she felt a ringing sensation in her ears.
A loud bump reverberated from behind her. Daisy rose up and turned around to look back, and she saw Bertram lying on the floor of the corridor, lifeless and collapsed.

As soon as Daisy turned around to face Edith, she spoke the words, “You have liberated me.” It was because of you that I was liberated from the aegis that my parents and this paedophile had placed over me. I was able to regain my right to speak.

What, he was the one? When Daisy was still trying to recover her breath, she said, “Who is the man in the picture?”

Daisy, it was him at fault. The abuse I endured lasted for several months before I finally worked up the guts to tell my parents about it. As a result of their lack of belief in me, I went to the authorities. However, my parents were able to successfully conceal the case. My silence was broken by the betrayal. Afterwards, I guess, there was the stroke. On the other hand, it is now over,” Edith explained.
In the aftermath of such an adrenaline-pumping scenario, Daisy rushed into the arms of the elderly woman, seeking for the affection of a mother.

Sirens could be heard in the distance, filling the air with their sound. After some time had passed, they came to the realisation that Mrs. Collins had fled in the direction of the nearest residence, which was located 10 miles away, in order to seek assistance.