Just then, the door burst open, and Dom, Alexa, and Graham rushed in, their faces filled with concern.

"Sophia, what happened? Are you okay?" Dom asked, his voice filled with worry.

But as I looked into their eyes, I realized that I couldn't bring myself to tell them the truth. The witch's threat hung over me like a dark shadow, and I knew that I would do anything to protect my child, even if it meant keeping them in the dark.

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile despite the fear gnawing at my insides. "Just... a little shaken up, that's all."

As I watched my friends' worried expressions, a...