The growl shook the stone floor. Behind the ghost, a giant shadow with red eyes and sharp teeth crawled out of the dark.

"The key!" the ghost screamed. "It needs blood to work!"

I didn't wait. I cut my hand on the sharp brass key. My blood covered the hot metal.

The monster jumped at me. Right before its jaws snapped shut, I pushed the bloody key into the stone altar in the middle of the room.

A huge flash of white light blinded me. The monster roared in pain as the underground room started to fall apart.

Above us, the floor broke open. Bright morning sunlight poured in, destroying the monster and burning the ghost away.

I climbed up the rocks and ran out the front door into the fresh air. Behind me, the entire house crashed into the ground, burying the dark secret forever.

I was finally free.