Book Three: Chapter 98

“But why?”

“The artifact is dangerous. It affects all beings on this side of Creation differently. I can only assume that Baba Yaga was affected.”

“But I thought she sealed it away only a few decades ago?”

“It’s an artifact from a place where time and space have no meaning.” Ratu shook her head. “Poor Baba Yaga.”

“That doesn’t explain why we’re here,” Mike hissed. “Or why she wants to eat us!”

“My best guess is that her intent is to prevent someone from using it. She laid a trap for anyone who opened the box, and we were the lucky ones.” She bit her lower lip, putting her head against Mike’s shoulder. “We need to get out of this place and back to the real world.”

“How fast can she run with that leg?”

“Not very. I’m guessing she didn’t expect us to hide.”

“The shadow children?”

“Meant to capture us.”

“Lockers?”

“Alarms.”

“Middle school?”

“To terrify you. It all makes sense now, the components of the spell.