12

"Now, why don't we check out the rest of the place?"

You and Arctus make your way through the house, going from the living room to the kitchen and taking in the old stove, the plain wooden table piled with a few more boxes, the unplugged refrigerator with the doors left standing open, and the smattering of old photographs hung on the walls where, beneath the dust, you can make out your grandma standing with smiling people you don't recognize. Apart from the house being so empty, it's almost strange how ordinary it feels—you'd never guess who lived here just by walking through it. But then, you know your grandma wouldn't be stupid enough to leave anything obviously magical lying around. You've lived with her long enough to know that when she wants something hidden, it's not going to be found.

Still, you wonder for a moment if there could really be anything interesting in all these boxes—not that you would know where to start.

Finally, you end up on the rear porch, which overlooks the backyard. You dig through your pockets for the other key Grandma gave you, and with another stiff click you open the door onto a wild mess of high grass, thick thorny shrubs, and ancient evergreens (far taller than you remember) all in rows against the far wall.

Immediately, Arctus shoots out in a burst of excitement.

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