**Chapter 1: New Beginnings** The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quaint houses of Maplewood Lane. Three young girls, Ellie, Grace, and Mia, strolled down the sidewalk, their laughter echoing in the quiet evening. Ellie, the leader of their trio, had her curly hair pulled back in a ponytail. Grace, the tallest, walked with a confident stride, while Mia, the quietest, trailed slightly behind, her nose often buried in a book. "Have you guys seen the new neighbor?" Grace asked, nodding towards the end of the street. "Yeah, she moved into that old, creepy house," Ellie replied, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Let's go check it out!" Mia hesitated. "Do you think we should? I heard weird noises coming from there last night. And there have been reports of people missing." Grace rolled her eyes. "Come on, Mia. Don't be such a scaredy-cat." As they approached the house, a figure emerged from the front...