Elena and her companions were relieved to have freed the children from the Baba Yaga's cages. But as they turned to leave, they heard a low chuckle coming from behind them.
"You think you have won?" the Baba Yaga said, stepping out from the shadows. "Think again."
Elena drew her sword, ready to defend herself and the children. But the Baba Yaga did not attack.
Instead, she gestured to a nearby table, on which sat a pile of riddles.
"A game, my dears," she said, her eyes glittering. "A game of riddles. If you can solve them all, you may leave with the children. But if you fail...well, let's just say that the consequences will not be pleasant."
Elena narrowed her eyes, suspicious of the Baba Yaga's motives. But she knew that they had no other choice. They could not leave the children behind.
She stepped forward, picking up the first riddle.
"What is it that has a heart that doesn't beat?"
Nikolai and Anna looked at each other, uncertain. But Elena knew the answer.
