Thomas smiled, as he started flipping to the index page. When he got there, he didn't see an index, but a list of rules.

"How interesting." Lucas said, glancing at the list.

≈≈≈≈≈≈
1. ......t ...se.....ah.....in.......oh....

2. ===========

3. No one can die in book.

4. No brainwashing characters in story

5. When story starts, everyone temporary forgets of the people's existence and of the books existence.
5a. The author is not allowed to mention the book to anyone.
5b. When the people return, they will be assimilated like nothing happened; but time will continue to move foward

______________

7. Roles are predetermined apon entry of book

8. Once the author writes "the story must go on" the book locks and no more people can enter. It also locks the author in place.

9. Once story is in motion, it only responds to the author

10. You must complete the story to leave.

Thomas took note of that, and he wrote that phrase down on a separate piece of paper

"Lucas, look what I found." Thomas said, pointing to the command page.

"Hmm?" Lucas said, quickly reading it.

"Facination. It's so complex, and the rules are rather ingenious. How impressive." Lucas marveld, as Thomas looked back at the rules.

"Unfortunately, I don't know what the story could be. There is no indication of it." Lucas finished up, as Thomas flipped back to the others.

"Guys, we have great news!" Thomas wrote, causing everyone to turn back and look at the excited boy.

"Well, good and bad news, in all actuality. But yes, there is good news." Lucas wrote as well, his glasses shining in the light of the kitchen.

"That's great to hear, kiddo." Patton's text bubble said, as he smiled.

"What's the bad news?" Virgil said, instantly picking up on that part, his anxiety bubbling like a cauldron in his stomach.

"Well, there's a way to get you out of here." Lucas said, slightly stalling.

"Yea! All you gotta do is finish the story." Thomas said, brightly, as he looked at the fours faces, who had a mix of happiness and worry.

"We can leave after we complete this noble quest?" Roman added, as he rubbed his nose, regaining his princely persona.

"Well that's good to hear, since I got somewhere to be on Friday." Patton mumbled to himself.

"Yea. It starts when someone writes "The story must go on" and-" Thomas was writting, when the book lit up like a nightlight, blinding Lucas, causing him to take several steps back. "Thomas!" He shouted, worried about the kid, who was staring directly at the light, unblinking.

That much light exposure was bad for young eyes.

Lucas rushed over, grabbing Thomas's arm. He had to....to....

To....

To what?

What was he doing?

And why was there a child in his house?