Bound by Magic

INTRODUCTION The Smith family resided in a grand mansion nestled within an isolated area. This mansion had been a cherished inheritance, passed down through three generations, serving as their ancestral home. Among the Smiths were three children: Ricky, eighteen years old; Lia, twelve; and Annie, six.Ricky, a high school student, was slightly taller than his peers, a hidden blessing that made him the standout basketball player of his school. His dashing looks drew the attention of nearly every girl at school, but he kept his heart uncommitted, finding joy in the freedom of having admirers without commitments. While unspoken, it was clear to his parents that he was their favorite. As an 18th birthday gift, he had received the car he'd asked for, and he had secured a prestigious college scholarship, which meant he'd be leaving soon – a fact that saddened his parents. Ricky's infectious joviality endeared him to those around him, and he shared a particularly close bond with Annie, surprisingly sharing similar views on many things.Annie was everyone's sweetheart. Remarkably, at the tender age of six, she had already launched a budding music career with a vast social media following, managed by her dedicated mother, Linda, who also homeschooled her. A bright future lay ahead for Annie, who emulated her brother and never missed one of his games.Lia, the middle child still in middle school, possessed a sharp intellect that earned her the admiration of her teachers. Despite her beauty, her low self-esteem held her back from realizing her true potential. Being the middle child often left her feeling overlooked, and she faced bullying from classmates who labeled her a teacher's pet, even coercing her into doing their homework. At home, she found solace in her bedroom, engrossed in books.Her recent loss of her beloved granny, who had been her confidant, left a void she wished could have been filled for longer.