Chapter 53

Lyra walked out of the kitchen, a warm smile on her face, carrying a plate of perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwiches. She called out to her twins, expecting to see their bright faces and eager hands reaching for the food. But as she approached the backyard, her smile began to falter.

The playground was empty, the swings creaking gently in the breeze. The twins' toys and playthings lay scattered on the grass, abandoned. Lyra's heart began to race as she scanned the yard, her eyes searching for any sign of Zayn and Zeph.

"Zayn! Zeph!" she called out, her voice growing louder, more urgent. "Where are you? Come...