THE WARNING

POV- MIA CARTER

“Before we go there, let’s do some investigation first.” I placed my laptop on the table, my voice barely cutting through the loud chatter of students filling the school mess. This was where we always planned our next adventure—it was chaotic, sure, but that also made it the perfect place to exchange ideas without being overheard.

Jason, Claire, and Nathan leaned in as I clicked open a folder labeled Blackwood Files. “Look at this,” I said, scrolling down the document I had compiled. “This is what I found.”

I took a deep breath before reading aloud.

The Hanging Game (The Ritual)

The Hanging Game is an urban legend passed down for generations. According to the story, if a group enters Blackwood Manor at midnight and plays a twisted version of hangman, the spirit of Lillian Graves will appear.

The players must write a word linked to death, murder, or the mansion’s past on an old chalkboard in the attic.

Each wrong letter guessed results in a supernatural punishment—scratches, choking sensations, shadows shifting in the dark.

If the word is completed before the last "stick figure" is drawn, the players are safe.

But if the stick figure is completed first… Lillian chooses a victim to be hanged.

No one who has lost the game has ever been found alive.

The mansion always has four nooses hanging in the attic—sometimes, they sway on their own.

A chill settled over our small group.

Jason exhaled sharply, breaking the silence. "Okay, that’s seriously messed up.”

“You think that’s bad?” I clicked to the next section. “Here’s how the game is actually played.”

The Hanging Game – Rules & Ritual Details

The Hanging Game is more than just a paranormal ritual—it’s a deadly game designed by the vengeful spirit of Lillian Graves. The rules are simple, but the consequences are terrifying.

How to Start the Game

1. Enter Blackwood Manor at Midnight

The game only works if played exactly at 12:00 AM.

Players must enter the attic, where an old chalkboard stands covered in dust.

Four nooses always hang from the ceiling.

2. Write a Word on the Chalkboard

One player, the "Seeker," chooses a word related to death, execution, or the mansion’s past.

The word must appear in Lillian’s handwriting—ghostly and jagged.

If anyone tries to write in their own style, the chalk shatters.

3. Draw the Gallows

The Seeker draws a noose and a blank row for each letter of the word.

If the group refuses to draw the gallows, it draws itself in blood.

Playing the Game

Players take turns guessing letters.

A correct letter fills in the blank.

A wrong letter adds a body part to the stick figure.

Supernatural Punishments for Wrong Guesses:

1st Mistake – A whisper calls the player’s name from behind them.

2nd Mistake – A cold hand brushes against their neck.

3rd Mistake – The room darkens, shadows move unnaturally.

4th Mistake – Scratches appear on their arms or back.

5th Mistake – A noose tightens around their throat, but vanishes before they suffocate.

6th Mistake – The missing letters reveal themselves in blood on the board.

Final Mistake – The last body part is drawn, the stick figure becomes Lillian’s face, and one player is chosen.

Losing the Game

If the full hanged figure is drawn, Lillian chooses a victim.

The chosen player is lifted by an invisible force, their feet dangling as the noose tightens.

The next morning, the town finds three survivors and one empty noose swinging—the chosen victim is never found.

Winning the Game

If the players guess the word before the figure is completed, the game ends.

The candles blow out, the attic door creaks open, and the players are allowed to leave.

But Lillian is always watching, waiting for someone to play again.

When I finished reading, a heavy silence followed. Even in the noisy cafeteria, it felt like we were suddenly alone.

Jason was the first to react. He grinned and made a dramatic horror-movie dun-dun-dun sound, but his usual cocky attitude seemed a little forced.

Claire, however, looked downright disgusted. "This is so stupid. Who even comes up with these things?”

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Who cares? We need money.” I glanced at them, meeting their gazes one by one. “And this is our best chance. Paranormal challenges get views—big ones.”

Nathan chuckled, cracking his knuckles. “I’m in.”

Jason smirked. “Obviously, me too.”

Claire rolled her eyes. “Fine. But if we die, I’m haunting you first.”

Despite their bravado, I could tell they felt it too—the warning lingering in my mind, clawing at the edges of reason.

We were about to cross into something dark. Something waiting.

And it was too late to turn back now.

#To be continued

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