12. He Brought Her Home

"My God," Lyla exclaimed with a burst of excitement.

Even she didn’t quite understand what she was so happy about. It was as if Shadow Master hadn’t just spoken to her in that commanding tone, but rather, had called her gently. The sudden appearance of the silver-gray sports car felt like a beacon of light, illuminating hope for Lyla, who had been surrounded by darkness.

She stuffed the USB into her bag and grabbed her laptop, racing downstairs as fast as she could.

Carlo was already seated in the driver’s seat, and without a second thought, Lyla jumped into the passenger seat, as if lingering for even a second longer would cause the magical car to vanish, turning back into a pumpkin.

“Where are we going?” she asked breathlessly.

Her voice was drowned out by the roar of the engine, and Carlo didn’t answer. He slammed on the gas, speeding away.

It was midnight, and the roads were nearly empty, giving the car the freedom to race at breakneck speed. Lyla had never ridden in a car that fa