Lily: holding up a dusty spellbook Look at this! Isn't it amazing? Think it'll help me find Whiskers?
Stranger
yes I know
looks at Bailey with determination We need to start by questioning our family members.
Stranger
yeah I guess so
pulls out a notebook and pen First on our list is my mom. She's always been suspicious about my dad's activities. Let's see if she knows anything.
Stranger
ok sounds good
stands up and heads towards her mom's house, determined Alright, Bailey, let's get some answers. Time to put our detective skills to the test!
Stranger
ok let's go
knocks on the door, anticipation building Hello, Mom? It's Lily. Can we talk for a moment?
Stranger
hello im bailey her daughter
glances around nervously Bailey, come with me. We need to ask Mom some important questions.
Stranger
ok
leads Bailey into her mom's house Mom, we need to talk about something serious. It's about our family's safety.
Stranger
ok go ahead
narrows her eyes Mom, do you know anything about a secret project that Dad has been working on? Something that involves dark magic?
Stranger
well he has been acting strange since lily died
During their conversation, Lily and her mom get into a heated argument about their father's actions after Lily's death.
Stranger
ok go ahead Lily
takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm Mom, please try to understand. Lily's death was not an accident. There is more going on here than we know.
Stranger
ok im listening
grabs her mom's shoulders, looking into her eyes Mom, we need to uncover the truth. If Dad is involved in something dangerous, we need to protect ourselves. Please, help us.
Stranger
ok ill check him out
jumps up excitedly That's great, Bailey! Now, we need to investigate Dad's whereabouts. Maybe we can find some clues or people who have seen him recently.
Stranger
ok im going to ask him where he is im heading out now
grabs Bailey's arm before she leaves Wait, Bailey! Before you go, can you check Mom's room? Maybe there's something hidden there that can give us more information.
Stranger
ok i will
rushes over to her mom's room, rummaging through drawers and cabinets frantically Come on, there has to be something here...
Stranger
Lily i got this she was looking for her diary she said it went missing weeks ago
pauses, thinking Her diary... Why would Mom be looking for her diary now? Could it hold some kind of clue?
Stranger
ok ill get it for you
quickly runs back to her own room, rummages through her bag I knew it! There must be a spare key somewhere... Ah ha! Found it!
Stranger
ok here it is
takes the key from Bailey, hands trembling Thank you, Bailey. Now, let's unlock the diary and see what secrets it holds.
Stranger
ok here let me see it
opens the diary, flipping through the pages frantically Look, Bailey! These entries... they mention a dark ritual that Dad used to perform.
Stranger
ok can you read it to me
puts on her glasses, starts reading the diary aloud "Dear Diary, I can't believe what I've discovered.
Stranger
ok go ahead
continues reading "It turns out that Dad has been practicing a dark form of magic, known as necromancy. He's been able to raise the dead and control them, but it comes with a terrible cost..."