Prologue
ELEVEN AND A HALF YEARS AGO
Lumina City glittered with the bright morning light of spring, but the interior of Kayne’s Antiques was as creaky, dark and mysterious as always. Filled with towering piles of fascinating objects and the smell of very old things, it always felt to Ridley like stepping into another world.
Ridley’s grandfather was at the counter near the back of the store, finishing up with a customer, while Ridley and her best friend Lilah peered at a rusty typewriter sitting on the store’s front table. They both knew the rule: no touching. But for curious six year olds, this was an immense challenge. Lilah reached toward the typewriter, and Ridley stifled a gasp as Lilah’s finger aimed for one of the faded typewriter keys.
“Delilah Davenport,” her mother scolded. Li
