#Chapter 203: Not Real

Ava We made our way back to the parlor, the music box clutched tightly in my hands. Its weight felt significant, as if it carried more than just metal and mechanics inside of it. That strange scream still seemed to echo in my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. Zara was waiting for us in the parlor, now surrounded by sigils and small bundles of twigs and twine that resembled the effigies she had been placing around town. She sat on her knees in the middle of a circle of salt, her eyes closed—as if in a deep meditation. “Will this work?” Chris asked as we strode into the room. Zara snapped her eyes open. I held the music box out to her. “You found it,” she said, reaching out to take the box. I hesitated before handing it over, and she turned it over in her hands. “Are you sure this belonged to the spirit?” Fabian asked. The witch nodded. “Yes… I can feel a strong magic connected to this box. This was a good find.” I glanced at Chris bef