24
The call came in the early hours. As soon as Sam saw Lilith’s name on the display, she knew something was wrong.
“Hello?”
Lilith’s voice sounded hoarse. “My father died.”
Taken aback, Samantha wasn’t sure how to reply. In the darkness of the morning before sunrise, she sat on the edge of her bed, her hand pressed against her mouth.
“Samantha?”
“I’m here. Sorry, I’m… I don’t know what to say.”
The line crackled. “It’s fine… I guess I’m calling to cancel on our treasure hunt.”
“Please don’t worry about that.”
Lilith let out a strange, hard laugh. “Maybe the curse is real after all.”
There was so much pain in her voice, Samantha was angry she couldn’t do anything to help, apart from talking to her. She contained her frustration at the situation, reminding herself that Lilith need
