The door creaked open, and in walked Mary, her expression triumphant as usual. Emily stiffened, sensing that something was off. Mary’s eyes were gleaming with a satisfaction that made Emily uneasy.

"Emily," Mary started, her voice dripping with excitement. "I’ve got news for you. Finally, everything has fallen into place."

Emily blinked, unsure of where this was going. "What are you talking about, mom?"

Mary sat down, a little too close to Emily, and leaned in. "Leah," she whispered, her voice cold and sinister. "It seems like she’s finally gone. No one has heard anything. No news. It’s been weeks. She’s probably dead, and they haven’t found her body yet."...