Prologue

My great-great-GREAT grandfather once told me: "Always live for adventure. But don't worry, it'll always find you!" My name is Cassidy, but most people call me Cassie. I spend most of my days exploring with my best friends, Kai and Eleanor. We love to get into trouble, or at least that's what my mom tells me. So, read on! Who knows? Maybe it could be a new adventure for you....

EXCERPT FROM STORY

"Cassie, did you hear that?" Eleanor whispered into my ear. I nod, and strain my ears to hear it again. It's high-pitched giggling, coming from the inside of Mr. Richard's house!

"Maybe he has a friend over?" Kai suggests, and I shake my head fiercely.

"Yeah, maybe he's actually nice," Eleanor exclaims.

In my head, I know they're both wrong. Mr. Richard never comes out to see us, talk to us, or play with us. He's always cooped up in that house. That dark, scary house.

"Cassie, please tell me you're not thinking of going in there," Kai groans, grabbing my arm.

"Of course I am. Why else did you think I called you over here?"

I shake off his arm, crawl out of the rose bush, and walk straight to the house's side door.

"There has to be an entrance...somewhere...aha!" The door swings open and I grin.

"Cassie..." Kai starts.

I give him a glare and motion for them to come inside. Suddenly, the giggling picks up again.

"Yep. Now we're definitely going in there."