CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY TWO - SECRET OF THE HIDDEN CHAMBER

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Like where?" Anna's eyes lit up with an idea. "The basement. We've never really gone through everything down there, have we?" Erik shook his head. "It's mostly just old furniture and storage. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a look." They made their way down to the basement, flicking on lights as they descended the stairs. The air was musty and thick with the scent of old wood and paper. As they explored, Anna's eyes were drawn to a faded curtain hanging in a corner. Something about it seemed out of place. "Erik, look at this," she said, pulling the curtain aside to reveal a door she'd never noticed before. Erik frowned. "I don't remember this being here." Anna tried the handle, but it was locked. "We need to find a key." They searched the basement, rifling through drawers and boxes. Finally, in an old writing desk, Anna found a tarnished key that looked promising. With trembling hands, she inserted it into the lock. It turned with a satisfying c