灵异故事

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the old mansion, little Timmy snuggled into his bed. His grandmother sat beside him, ready to share a bedtime story.

"Tonight, I'll tell you about the Whispering Portrait," she began, her voice soft and mysterious.

In a grand house much like this one, there hung a portrait of a young woman with piercing blue eyes. The portrait was beautiful, but something about it always made the residents feel uneasy.

One night, a new maid named Lucy was cleaning the hallway where the portrait hung. As she dusted the frame, she thought she heard a faint whisper. Startled, Lucy looked around, but she was alone.

The next evening, Lucy heard the whisper again, this time clearer. "Help me," it seemed to say. Lucy's heart raced as she realized the voice was coming from the portrait itself.

Gathering her courage, Lucy asked, "Who are you?"

The portrait's lips didn't move, but Lucy heard a response in her mind. "I am Isabella. I was trapped in this painting by a jealous witch long ago. Only a kind heart can set me free."

Lucy, though scared, felt sorry for Isabella. She decided to help. Following the portrait's instructions, Lucy recited an ancient