Winter had given way to a blossoming spring in the small town, and Richie and Sarah were finally settling back into their peaceful routine after their journey to secure the artifact. The new season brought with it a sense of renewal and hope, as the town prepared for its annual spring festival. Richie and Sarah threw themselves into the preparations, eager to celebrate with their friends and neighbors.
One warm afternoon, as they were setting up decorations in the town square, Maria arrived, her face etched with urgency. "We need to talk," she said, pulling them aside.
Richie and Sarah exchanged worried glances. "What is it, Maria?" Richie asked.
Maria took a deep breath, her expression serious. "I've been doing some research on the artifacts and the order we entrusted them to," she said. "I found something disturbing—something that changes everything."
Sarah's heart sank. "What did you find?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
