The Toymaker's Secret

Deep in the heart of the old city lies a shop that never truly sleeps.

Young Leo had heard the rumors, but curiosity often outweighs a boy's common sense.

The door creaked open with a sound like a long forgotten secret being whispered aloud.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of sawdust, old peppermint,

and something else. Rows of glassy eyes followed his every move, unblinking in the

pale moonlight. A porcelain ballerina began to twirl, her ceramic skin cracked like a

spider's web. Leo reached out a hand, his breath hitching as the shadows

began to stretch. Suddenly, the heavy oak door slammed shut, locking the boy