The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 14

**TITLE: One Step Changes Everything**
**By Ruby Parker**
**Chapter 14: Beating Rayne Into a Pulp**

Eighty-eight thousand dollars!

What an unbelievable bargain!

Venus felt a thrill as she patted the pocket of her jeans, her fingers brushing against the remaining three thousand dollars she had left. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to start her new life.

After a lengthy discussion with the agent, they had settled on a rental agreement that allowed her to lease the villa for a mere one thousand dollars a year. It was a steal, and she was determined to save up enough to buy it outright.

But as she prepared to sign the contract, the agent’s warnings echoed in her mind. “No one has dared to step foot in this haunted house for three years. There have been too many murders. Every neighbor has already fled. When night falls, Stormvale becomes a dark, eerie abyss. Are you absolutely sure you want to live here?”

He shook his head, his frown deepening. “Sweetheart, don’t gamble with your life just because the price is right.”

Venus smiled, her expression calm and assured. “It’s fine. I’ve got strong luck on my side.”

The agent let out a resigned sigh, finally relenting. He signed the contract, and with that, Venus paid the fee and received the keys to her new home.

Afterward, she made a quick stop at a grocery store, spending another hundred or so dollars on essentials.

Now, she was nearly broke, but there was no way she would waste money on a cab. Instead, she hefted her shopping bags and walked all the way to Stormvale, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of trepidation.

By the time she reached the imposing gate, the sky had turned to ink, darkness enveloping her.

Venus glanced around, taking in the desolate atmosphere. Stormvale appeared lifeless, not a single light flickering in any of the windows; even the streetlamps stood broken and dark.

She stared at the shadowy outline of the neighborhood before her, feeling as if it loomed like a monstrous mouth, ready to swallow her whole.

Setting her shopping bags down, she took a deep breath and knocked three times on the villa’s front door. “I’m the new resident,” she announced firmly. “We’ll be living under the same roof, so let’s agree not to disturb each other, okay?”

With that, she inserted the key into the lock.

To her astonishment, the lock was broken. The door creaked open with a gentle push, as if inviting her inside.

Pulling out a lighter, she ignited a candle and stepped into the darkened interior.

The air was thick with the musty scent of dampness and decay. It was evident that no one had resided here for years. Yet, the furniture remained—dark wooden tables, worn couches, and faded curtains—all marked with ominous brownish stains that resembled dried blood.

As she walked cautiously across the wooden floor, she could see patches of pale concrete peeking through the rotting wood, remnants of years of neglect. Cobwebs hung in every corner, filled with the tiny husks of long-dead flies. Each breath she took was heavy with the stench of decay, a faint metallic tang of blood making her stomach churn.

She noticed shards of glass glinting on the carpet, remnants of a past she couldn’t quite grasp. The living room wall still bore the splatter pattern of old blood, a chilling reminder of the villa’s dark history.

Venus surveyed her surroundings, noting how everything—from the couch to the tables—was buried under a thick layer of dust.

If she hoped to get any sleep tonight, she would at least need to wipe down the sofa. The rest of the cleaning could wait until morning.

Holding the candle high, she searched for the light switch.

She flicked it, but nothing happened. Of course, that was broken too.

A wry smile twitched at her lips. Whatever. A thousand bucks for a villa—who cares if it looks this run-down?

The agent had assured her that the water and power still functioned; she just needed to find someone to fix things tomorrow.

Grabbing a towel, she headed toward the kitchen, planning to wet it and wipe down the couch.

The villa was vast, the kitchen alone boasting three sections—a traditional-style kitchen, an open kitchen, and a dining area.

As she entered, candlelight flickering, a sudden chill swept through the space. The flame danced wildly before extinguishing itself in the cold air.

“Great,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued to navigate through the darkness. She felt her way to the sink, turning on the faucet to wet the towel.

Just then—BAM!

She collided with something solid and warm, like a wall of flesh.

Startled, Venus looked up, only to be met with a glowing green face mere inches from her own.

“HOLY HECK!” she screamed, instinctively swinging a left hook right into the ghostly visage.

“ARGHHH!” a sharp scream echoed in the dark.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Venus raised her leg and kicked hard, sending the apparition flying.

“What kind of foolish ghost dares to scare me?” she shouted, tossing the towel over her shoulder. Fueled by adrenaline, she rolled up her sleeves and launched herself at the ghost, throwing a few solid punches.

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