Luna's Toy Swap Mystery

Luna floated through the attic of the old Henderson house, her wispy white hair drifting around her head like morning fog. She'd been staying here for three weeks now—the family didn't mind ghosts, and the grandfather collected antique buttons. Perfect.

She phased through the wall into what used to be a child's bedroom. On the shelf sat her prized possession: a vintage tin soldier action figure with brass buttons down its coat. She'd found it in a thrift shop dumpster and kept it here, her one treasure that wasn't a button. Not yet, anyway. Those brass beauties would join her collection when the figure finally fell apart on its own.

Luna's spectral eyes widened, their soft blue glow brightening. The shelf was empty.

She spun around, searching. Nothing. She dove through the floorboards to the room below—the little brother's room. Eight-year-old Marcus sat on his bed, swinging his legs.

"Marcus! Did you take my soldier?"

He looked up, bit his lip, then shook his head hard.

"You're lying! I can see it in your face!"

Marcus crossed his arms. "Nuh-uh. Didn't touch it." His voice went high and squeaky, the way it always did when he fibbed.

"Where. Is. It?" Luna floated closer, her tattered dress swirling.

Marcus jumped off his bed and ran downstairs. "I don't know! Leave me alone!"

Luna hovered in the empty room, her hands clenched into fists. Her soldier was gone, and Marcus was definitely hiding something.