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Message I hope you enjoy this free preview of Chapter 1! -Samantha © Samantha Rindfuss Schwertfeger, 2024. All rights reserved. Unauthorized redistribution is prohibited.

Emily crouched behind the rough oak bark. Her web sparkled in the sunlight, ready to trap unsuspecting bugs. Damp earth pressed against her belly while rotting leaves scented the air. She scanned the area, relieved—Andy wouldn't spoil her catch this time. Shadows wrapped around her dark brown fur streaked with bright yellow stripes. She lowered herself, eyes locked on the forest floor. Almost as big as a tarantula, with longer legs and a rounder body, Emily spun webs with the skill of smaller spiders, making her an exceptional hunter. A loud buzzing broke the silence. A large, juicy fly zoomed toward the web, its wings vibrating the air. BZZT! The fly crashed into the sticky threads, wriggling wildly. Emily crept forward, all eight legs moving

silently. Out of nowhere, a flash of purple darted from the bushes. “Seriously?” Emily groaned. “Again with the food stealing?” She rushed after him, but it was too late. Andy had already gobbled down half the fly. “What're you doing?” She yanked the rest of the fly from his mouth and flicked it away. Andy grinned, his mouth full of food. “Whaf? It waf juf sittin' there!” He gulped loudly. She stomped her legs, kicking up dirt. “In my web! Why'd you grab it?” “Maybe if you weren't so slow, you'd catch stuff first.” His grin faded when he saw her face. “You'll catch something else,” he added. “It's just a fly.” “Congratulations! You’ve just signed up for bug-hunting duty.” Andy blinked. “Hold up, you can't be serious!” “Sorry, not sorry. Time to fend for yourself.” “But... but... I'll starve! You wouldn't let your favorite brother starve, would you?” “Consider this your crash course in spider survival.” Emily’s expression remained firm.

Andy flopped onto the ground and kicked a pebble. “I bet you'll change your mind when I'm wasting away to nothing.” “Oh, come on. Don’t be so dramatic.” “Me? Dramatic?” Andy gasped, clutching his chest with two legs. “I would never!” Emily snorted. She tried not to laugh. “Right. And I’m the Queen of the Forest.” Andy sprang to his feet, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Hey, Your Majesty, I’ve got a royal challenge for ya.” “Oh, no. What crazy idea’s spinning in that web-head of yours now?” Andy bounced excitedly. “Race ya to the Whispering Willows!” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Unless you’re too chicken... uh, I mean, too royal?” “The Whispering Willows? But that’s...” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “You know what they say about that place, right?” “Ooooh, spooky stories got your legs in a tangle?” Andy teased, doing a little dance. “C’mon, it’ll be fun! Maybe we’ll solve the mystery of the whispering trees!” “I'm not so sure about this...” “Race you there!” Andy shouted, already zipping

away. “Andy, wait!” Emily called, torn between annoyance and excitement. She scrambled after him. They raced through the forest, wind rushing by. Leaves crunched beneath their legs. Emily pushed herself harder, but Andy was always a step ahead. At first, it was fun. Andy's laughter echoed through the trees. But something was wrong. The usual hum of insects had vanished, and the air felt heavy, cold. Emily's fur prickled. Shadows stretched across the forest floor, and the trees seemed taller, their branches twisting like claws. WHAM! Emily tumbled to the ground, the world spinning around her. Shaking off the shock, she stood up, leaves clinging to her fuzzy body. “What in the—” Her eyes locked on a familiar shape. “Andy?!” “I can't—” Andy doubled over with laughter. “Your face was like—” He made an exaggerated shocked expression. Emily trembled, the leftover adrenaline still coursing through her. “You scared me half to death, you big goofball!”

“I couldn’t help it! You were so zoned out, I just had to!” Despite her irritation, a small smile tugged at Emily’s lips. Andy’s laughter was always contagious. Emily's smile faded. “Andy,” she whispered, “do you feel that?” Before Andy could respond, a shadow swept over them. Slowly, they looked up to see a massive shape blocking out the sun. A large owl loomed before them, brown and red feathers sticking out like jagged spikes. Its sharp beak gleamed in the dim light. Dark eyes locked onto Emily. “Isn't this a delightful surprise? Two little spiders, all alone,” the owl purred, its voice smooth and dangerous. It moved slowly, circling them, talons clicking on the ground. Andy’s laughter died instantly. “H-hey, what’s the big idea?” He rushed to Emily’s side. The owl's eyes gleamed, never leaving Emily. “Such rare colors.” His beak curved into a cruel smile. “You’ll be the crown jewel of my collection.” “N-no way, feather face!” Andy held his ground. “She’s not going anywhere!” “Aww, playing the hero? One more peep, and poof! She's part of my collection permanently.”

“Andy, go!” Emily's voice came out in a whisper. She tried to run, but her legs wouldn't budge. “I'm not leaving you!” Andy shouted, his voice cracking. Without warning, sharp claws grabbed Emily, lifting her into the air. She kicked and twisted, but the owl's grip was too strong. Panic surged through her. What if Andy couldn't save her? The owl’s cruel smile deepened. “Say goodbye to your freedom, my colorful prize.” With a whoosh, the owl soared into the sky, Emily dangling from its claws. Andy stood frozen. He clenched his legs, heart pounding. His eyes locked onto the thin silk thread they'd left behind. Without hesitation, he darted into the forest, following the trail. The shadows seemed to reach out for him, twisting in the darkness, but Andy wouldn't stop—not until he found his sister.

I hope you’ve loved this sneak peek into Andy’s world! Writing and publishing this story has been such a labor of love, and as a self-published author, your support makes all the difference.   You can read the rest of the story by getting Secrets in the Shadows on Amazon—available now in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover! Thank you for helping my dream come true!" BOOK LINKS: Kindle / Paperback / Hard Cover