The tires crunched up the long, curved driveway as the black steel gates slid open like the jaws of something expensive and carnivorous.
Madeline leaned back against her seat, arms crossed, trying to play it cool. "Weird being here without a blindfold."
Maggie nodded, tapping the steering wheel. "Yeah. It's... less terrifying, more creepy chic now."
Claire sat in the passenger seat, brow furrowed, eyes scanning the place like she was prepping for a tactical sweep. "This is Norma's house?"
The building rose in front of them like a cathedral designed by someone who'd been banned from Pinterest for violating community guidelines on 'excessive drama.' Midnight-black brick. Ivy curling like smoke up the sides. Tall, narrow windows glowed faint amber, and the massive front doors—black with g
