Chapter 174: Boogey man

Zafron's heart pounded as he tore through his house, calling out desperately, "Mara! Matilda!" Only silence answered him.

As he rushed from room to room, the extent of the chaos became clear. Furniture was overturned, pictures hung askew, and even the sturdy oak door hung off its hinges.

'This wasn't just a break-in,' Zafron thought, his mind racing. 'It's like a tornado hit the place... or something much worse.'

He paused in the kitchen, his eyes falling on a jug and a cup of tea on the counter. Still warm, he noticed as he checked the jug.

"They were here probably some hours ago," he muttered. "What in the blazes happened?"

As the reality of the situation sank in, Zafron felt a surge of... something. Power? Adrenaline? Whatever it was, it coursed through his veins, making him feel stronger, faster.

'Focus, Zafron,' he chided himself. 'New powers or not, you need to find them.'