Chapter 4 — A Pact in the Shadows

Lily

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the bustling streets of the Gold Rush town. The air was thick with the scent of dust and whiskey, a stark reminder of the relentless pursuit of fortune that drove the men and women around her. As Lily approached the edge of the Wilderness Trail, her heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The music box, nestled safely in her pocket, seemed to hum with a quiet reassurance, a tangible link to her past and her dreams.