

Anastasia
Abandoned by fate, Anastasia finds her world shattered by her father's brutal murder. A mysterious key, a hidden passage, and a shocking revelation about her true identity plunge her into a world she never knew existed—a realm of ancient covens, forgotten prophecies, and dangerous secrets. Will she embrace her destiny as the prophesied ruler, or will the darkness of this new world consume her?The chill of Wednesday evening clung to the air as I waved goodbye to Aaron, the restaurant owner, a pastry clutched in my hand. My shift was over, and the ten-minute walk home was usually a peaceful transition.
"Hi Geoff," I greeted, kneeling beside the homeless man I often saw, offering him the pastry. He croaked a blessing, and I promised to see him tomorrow before continuing my journey.
Reaching my house, I fumbled for my keys, only to find the door already ajar. A cold dread seeped into my bones. "DAD!" I shouted, my voice trembling, but only silence answered. Then I saw them—legs behind the black leather sofa.
My breath caught, a silent scream trapped in my throat. I crept forward, each step a testament to my mounting terror. What I saw next would forever be seared into my memory: my father, bleeding, choking, three bullet wounds blossoming on his chest.
"Dad?" I whispered, clutching his hand, futilely pressing my other hand against the wounds. His last breath was a choked whisper: "My desk." A small, ornate key, one he always wore, lay between our hands. He was gone. My scream tore through the quiet house.
