As Anna concentrated on the book, Mia’s gaze wandered. Through the chaos, she spotted a figure standing in the distance. Her heart stopped.
It was her mother.
“Mia, what are you doing?” Anna asked, noticing her friend’s sudden stillness.
Mia’s voice trembled. “I see her… my mom. She’s here.”
Anna’s stomach dropped. “Mia, no. That’s not her. It’s a trick!”
But Mia was already stepping forward, her eyes filled with tears. “Mom?” she called out, her voice breaking.
“Mia, stop!” Logan yelled, dodging another attack as the creature turned toward her. “It’s not real!”
Ryan ran toward her, grabbing her arm. “Mia, don’t! Stay with us!”
She shook him off, her face a mixture of hope and desperation. “You don’t understand! She’s my mom! I have to—”
Before anyone could stop her, the creature’s massive hand swooped down and grabbed Mia. Its claws dug into her shoulders, and she screamed as a dark, pulsating energy began to surround her.
“Mia!” Anna screamed, her voice raw with terror.
The creature
