CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO - The Final Battle for Peace

As evening approached, they reluctantly prepared to leave. Locking up, Ella couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced back at the house, its windows now dark and imposing in the twilight. "Everything okay?" Lucas asked, noticing her hesitation. Ella nodded, pushing away the unease. "Yeah, just... taking it all in." On the drive back to Mrs. Thompson's, Lucas chatted excitedly about renovation plans, but Ella's mind kept drifting back to that whisper, that chill. They found Sophia covered in flour, proudly presenting a plate of misshapen cookies. The normalcy of the moment eased Ella's tension, and she laughed as Sophia recounted her baking adventures. That night, as they tucked Sophia into bed, Ella found herself lingering a moment longer, watching her daughter's peaceful sleep. Lucas came up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Penny for your thoughts?" Ella hesitated, then said, "Do you believe in ghosts, Lucas?" He chuckled softly. "Where's this comi