31. What Hides Beneath the Floorboards

The key slipped perfectly into the clock’s hidden keyhole, designed for this very moment. As Edith turned it, the clock responded with a soft click, humming with an almost palpable energy. With bated breath, Edith watched as the clock began to subtly shift, revealing its deeper purpose. The tick-tock of the clock grew louder, in sync with the mounting tension in the air. The clock’s movement uncovered a faint light at its base, hinting at secrets hidden within. Slowly, it pivoted, revealing a trapdoor beneath, seamlessly integrated into the workshop’s floor. This discovery, hidden beneath the familiar facade of the clock, opened up a new realm of possibilities, drawing Edith further into the mystery of Henry’s workshop.