Understanding the Author's Purpose in a Narrative

Read the following excerpt from a fictional narrative:

"The old clock struck midnight, its chime echoing through the empty halls of the long-abandoned manor. Eliza's heart raced as she stepped inside, her flashlight piercing through the dust and shadows. Every corner held secrets, and she was determined to unearth the truth about her family’s past, hidden away in silence for generations. What were they afraid of? What darkness lingered in the corners of this house? She could feel the weight of history pressing against her, urging her forward into the unknown."