Chapter 1 BIRTHDAY

"Michael, wait up! Mum says we need to come home together."

"I know, Lily, but you need to keep up."

"I'm trying, but you're way too fast. And besides, why didn't Dad pick us up today?"

"Because it's your birthday. Dad is helping Mum at home-I'm sure of it."

"Are you sure? Or is he just in another meeting?"

"I don't know, Lily. But Mum wants us to take the bus home."

"This birthday is going to suck if Dad isn't around."

"You invited your friends, right?"

"I'm not like you, Michael. You have friends. You're smart and cool. But no one wants to be friends with a freak like me."

"That's not true, Lily. And you need to stop saying things that are way beyond your age."

"Way beyond my age? Michael, I'm turning eleven today. I'm not a child anymore. Complaining about not having friends isn't something beyond my age."

I sighed in frustration. Why does she always have to be so sharp? It's always been like this with Lily, and honestly, that's one of the things I love most about her.

"I'm not saying you can't talk about school being tough," I explained, "but sometimes, the way you speak makes me feel like I'm talking to my older sister, not my little one."

"Fine," she huffed. "I'll try to sound my age next time."

I glanced at her, and for the first time today, a smile tugged at my lips. Without a word, I extended my hand toward her. She took it immediately, and warmth filled my chest. She's been the best little sister-I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.

"Want me to carry you like I used to?" I teased, the grin still on my face.

Her eyes widened in horror. "What? Hell no! I'm not seven or eight anymore! Besides, the kids at school already pick on me enough."

"Who cares? And they're not your friends if they pick on you."

"You're right," she murmured.

Without another word, I scooped her up, laughing as she squealed in protest. But she didn't fight it-she never really minded. We played all the way home, the worries of the day momentarily forgotten.

The moment we stepped inside, Mum's warm smile greeted us.

"Hi, sweetie. Happy birthday!"

"Thanks, Mum," Lily beamed. She pecked Mum's cheek before handing over her school bag.

"How was your day at school, dear?"

"It was fine, Mum," she answered, but I caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Not wanting her to dwell on it, Mum distracted her with her favorite cookie and a milkshake. Taking the chance, I asked quietly, "Is Dad joining us for the birthday party?"

"I don't know... He said he would be here, but you know how it is-he never makes it."

"She really wants him here today. She said it doesn't feel like her birthday if Dad isn't around."

"You know how much Lily loves her father. But we'll have to wait and see. Go get ready and come down for some snacks.

I had wanted to invite a few friends, but none of them could make it. Besides, this wasn't really a big gathering-just a small family celebration"

"I get it, Mum. You don't have to explain."

"Did Lily invite anyone?"

"No... She said she doesn't have any friends yet."

Mum sighed, a trace of sadness in her expression. "Don't worry too much. I'm sure she'll come around in time."

"I don't think so, Mum. Most of her classmates pick on her. I'm worried. I'll be leaving high school for college soon. How is she going to cope without me looking out for her?"

Mum's eyes softened with concern. "I don't know, son. I just don't know."

Looking into her sad eyes, I realized this was just as hard for her. My gaze drifted to the dining table, where Lily was happily shoveling cookies into her mouth, completely oblivious to our worries.

"You want some?" she asked, noticing me staring.

I forced a smile. "No, enjoy yourself."

She grinned and kept eating.

Mum touched my shoulder. "Go get ready. We'll wait a little longer for your dad. Lily, come with me-I have a little gift for you upstairs."

As Mum led Lily away, I went up to my room to change.

Lily's POV:

Mum held my hand as we walked to my room. I could still hear Michael and Mum talking before we left, but I didn't want to think about anything else. Today was my birthday, and I just wanted to be happy.

When we got to my room, Mum smiled warmly at me. "I have a little gift for you upstairs," she had said earlier, and now, as she pulled out a carefully wrapped box, excitement bubbled inside me.

I tore off the wrapping paper quickly, gasping when I saw what was inside.

"Oh my God! A blue ball gown! Thank you, Mum!" I hugged her tightly, my heart swelling with happiness.

Mum chuckled, stroking my hair. "I'm glad you love it, sweetie. Now, go take your bath so we can get you ready."

Nodding eagerly, I ran into the bathroom. The warm water soothed me as I imagined myself twirling in my new dress. By the time I stepped out, I was glowing with excitement. I quickly dried off and slipped into the gown, loving how soft the fabric felt against my skin.

Mum smiled as she sat me down to do my hair. Her fingers worked gently, twisting and pinning my curls in place. She had always been good at styling my hair, and today was no different.

"There," she said softly, tilting my chin up. "You look like a princess."

I beamed at her. "Thank you, Mum."

She leaned down and kissed my forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mum."

Mum reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box. "I have one last gift for you. Guess what it is?"

I grinned, my heart racing with excitement. "A tiara to match my dress?"

She chuckled. "Close. It's a necklace." She opened the box, revealing a delicate silver chain with a tiny pendant. "And no matter what happens, you must never lose it, okay?"

Something about the way she said it made me pause. Her voice was calm, but there was an unusual seriousness in her eyes. It made my stomach twist slightly.

Before I could ask her anything, a loud voice interrupted us.

"Mum! Mum!" Michael's voice rang through the hallway before he burst into the room. His face was pale, his eyes wild with something I couldn't quite place.

Mum stood immediately. "What is it, Michael?"

He rushed to her, grabbing her arm as he whispered something I couldn't hear. I frowned, my fingers tightening around the necklace. Whatever they were talking about, it was something serious.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice small.

Mum turned to me briefly, but she didn't answer. Instead, she rushed out of the room, leaving me and Michael behind.

I turned to my brother. "Michael, what's happening?"

"Nothing, Lily. Mum just got a call from work, that's all."

He was lying. I knew he was. Michael never looked me in the eyes when he lied.

Still, I didn't push. "Okay." I twirled in my dress, hoping to lighten the mood. "Are you ready for the party?"

"Oh... about that." He hesitated. "Mum and Dad need a few minutes to talk to some business partners."

My heart leaped. "Dad's back?"

The flicker of hesitation in Michael's eyes made my stomach sink again.

"Yes," he said carefully. "But he brought a few friends over for business. Mum wants us to stay up here until they're done talking."

"Okay... I can't wait to see him!" I grinned, trying to shake off the uneasiness creeping into my chest. I ran my fingers over my dress, then touched the pendant around my neck. "Did you even notice my gown and necklace? Mum gave them to me!"

Michael finally looked at me, forcing a small smile. "They're beautiful. The necklace matches your eyes."

I twirled a bit, letting the fabric flow around me. "Michael... you don't look happy. You look worried. What's wrong?"

He hesitated. "It's nothing, Lily."

I frowned. He was pacing, his body tense. Something was definitely wrong. The silence between us stretched, thick and heavy. Then-

A blood curdling scream echoed from downstairs.

My heart stopped.

"What was that? Was that Mum?" My voice came out as a whisper.

Michael didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the wardrobe.

"Stay in here. Don't come out. No matter what you hear, okay?" His voice was low but urgent.

Fear coiled inside me like a snake. "Michael... I'm scared. What's happening?"

"I don't know, Lily," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "There are strange people downstairs. They're... I don't know. Just stay hidden. I'll come back for you."

Then he was gone, and I was left in the dark, trembling.

Something was terribly, terribly wrong.