intact, and a small vial of dark liquid that shimmered unnaturally. Ethan's pulse quickened. He opened the journal, expecting answers, but the writing was in a language he didn't recogn

ndoned. Shadows moved in the corners, whispering his name. He woke up sweating, the vial glowing faintly on his desk. He hadn't imagined it this time.The next day, Lila had a breakthrough. "It's a cipher, not a language. I decoded the first page. It talks about a 'circle' that protects Willow Creek. Something about a 'guardian' and a 'price.' It's creepy, Ethan."Ethan's mind raced. Guardian? Price? He didn't like the sound of it. He decided to