Mia's pov

I stood at the entrance of Madriod’s house, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The place was enormous, like something out of a haunted movie, with shadows creeping into every corner. The air smelled old, like the kind of attic you’d never want to explore alone. I gripped the bracelet on my wrist—a so-called magical locator that was supposed to lead me to Elsie. My best friend. My sister is everything but blood. She was in here somewhere. She had to be.

The dim light from flickering candles barely lit the entrance. I took a shaky breath. Focus, Mia. You’re not scared. You can’t be...