Sorry if this chapter comes across as boring! This will be more of a filler before the real stuff is gonna happen, so look forward to the next chapter. ;)

It wasn't real, you were imagining these things, Astrid reassured herself. There are logical explanations for these happenings, such as the cause of the fallen painting was the harsh wind from balcony doors which opened because of the same reason. There's no need to be all anxious about this, just get over it!

So she did. No more scary, imaginary things. The next 2 days were filled with some slight unpacking and some small visits to town, running errands. The people were friendly, though some of them were a little hesitant to approach her, for some reason. If she was being honest, she kind of already knew what their reason was.

The Hofferson Castle was rumoured to house ghosts, spirits of people long forgotten. The castle however, was not. It used to be a small business, something like a hostel. But it had to be closed due to the conditions of the rooms, but the people didn't want to know there was also another reason, the complaints of sounds

The next day was filled with unpacking some more, she was almost done with it, to her happiness.

Throughout the day, Astrid also explored around the castle, wanting to remember every part to prevent getting lost, since it was quite that big, honestly.

Sure, there would be sections where she wouldn't really go to that much, but it was still handy to know where it was and all.

When it had just become dark, Astrid was done with all the unpacking. Finally she had the evening to herself, she cheered mentally. The thought of a nice warm bad was introduced to her, it had been so long since she had a real bath. Back at home they only had a shower, so the idea tempted her greatly.

A little while later, the bath was nearly full. Astrid dipped her hand in to test the temperature of the water, just good. She stood up from her crouching position.

Her hands fiddled with the knot upon her robe, untying it. The weight fell off her lithe body, onto the tiles. A long, faded but still clear scar ran along her spine, rugged and of a complexion that stood out on her skin.

Her feet touched the water, and Astrid felt the warmth welcoming her as it surrounded her more and more, until she was fully submerged under it. When she was underwater for only around a few seconds, she submerged again, quickly opening her eyes. Astrid got to work with washing her hair, relaxing all the while.

It has been going surprisingly well, she remembered feeling shitty as Hell before moving, wondering why she thought she could take such a responsibility like this. Because it's not like every 20 year old was living in a centuries-old castle, and taking care of all the businesses that came with it.

With a relieved look on her face, she leaned her head upon the edge of the tub, letting out a small sigh.

When she finished her bath, Astrid made way to her bedroom. However, something along the way caught her attention.

A handprint stood out on the dusty mirror, Astrid felt her heart twisting. No, not again.

With her heart going faster, she raised her hand, and placed it upon the print. No way that it could be her hand.. While hers was female, smaller and thin fingers, the one on the mirror was without doubt the hand of a man, much larger than hers, with long, but bigger fingers. Her eyes widened, the spot was recently made.

That night, she called the police. Unfortunately, they didn't really take her seriously. Much to her dismay, they told her they would take a look, the next day.

With an uneasy feeling she laid down under the covers, closing her eyes. It took her half an hour to finally get to sleep. But before unconsciousness took over her senses, Astrid felt an unusual gust of wind along her back, she shivered.

The police held themselves to their word, but couldn't find anything. But if something new happened, she should let them know. The words hit her in her face, she wasn't making this up was she?

How could she explain the accident, the gushes of wind and her shivering, the handprints, while it was supposedly only her in the castle? Astrid had no clue.

Three days passed, and each time when she went asleep, she felt the presence of a cold gust of wind along her back just when she falls asleep. Strangely enough, it brought her some kind of comfort, though honestly, she supposed it was creepy as fuck. Strange things were certainly happening..

So, how's the princess life treating you? ' She heard Jesse's voice through the voice, Astrid rolled her eyes at the questions with a small smile.

" It's perfect, the servants are currently scrubbing my floors and cleaning my diamond cutlery until they shine, and how are you doing, peasant? " Astrid said back with a very serious tone, though the grin on her face said otherwise.

Jesse snorted and laughed at her remark, ' It's so nice to hear from you again, though I really do miss you here. Life here is pathetic nowadays, you wouldn't believe me! Please tell me I can visit soon, or I might go crazy ' She blabbered.

Astrid smiled, she missed Jesse too, she and her have been friends since they were 7, so leaving her was painful.

" I miss you too Jess, and our frequent going out sessions. If you come here, please bring our favourite drinks, they don't sell it here, it's horrible! " Astrid complained with a slight snicker.

' All right I promise! ' Then she heard the vague sound of a door on the other side of the line, ' I'm sorry Astrid, I gotta go.. ' Jesse said with a sad tone, ' Speak to you soon? '

" Yeah, soon " She replied. ' Good, speak to you later! ' The line went dead, Astrid hang up too, putting the phone down the table near her.

Rain smashed against the windows, the sounds of it and thunder disturbing the normal silence in the castle.

She turned on the water, and sat on the edge of the tub. The time has went by very fast, she has been living in the castle for almost 3 weeks now, wow. Her hand dipped into the water, she deemed the water to be a good temperature and turned off the crane. Astrid stood up and uncovered herself from the towel she had wrapped herself in and went into the tub.

Astrid washed her hair just like usual and laid down, closing her eyes. Appreciating the warmth surrounding her and sighing in content.

5 minutes into relaxing, and the lights, all the electricity, went off. Leaving her in utter darkness, just as she heard the thunder roar, shaking her to her core.