It seemed I had underestimated Stella, and she wasn't as innocent as I thought. Those from ATL Empire were never what they seemed. I once again realized the inexplicable force that had sucked me in.

I pinched my thigh to wake myself up.

My mom had picked up Ava from kindergarten, who ran over to me. "You're so early today, Mommy! Uncle Ryan bought me a new doll."

"Uncle Ryan?" I was puzzled.

Ryan came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "I was at the bank earlier and bumped into your mom.