Chapter 2: The First Key

Emma sat in her small apartment, the box on her kitchen table. Her grandfather's watch ticked loudly, counting down the seconds. 22 days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes left.

The first key - the one shaped like a chair - felt warm in her hand. Her grandfather's voice echoed in her memory: "When you find something strange, look for what doesn't belong."

She remembered the old clock in the flower market. It hadn't worked in years, but tourists still took photos of its beautiful face. Maybe that's where she should start.

The streets were busy, but Emma felt alone. Every ticking clock made her jump. The box in her backpack felt heavier with each step.

At the flower market, the old clock stood silent. Its hands pointed to 4:15, the time it had stopped years ago. Emma looked around - no one was watching.

She pushed the chair-shaped key into the clock's base. It fit perfectly. With a soft click, the clock came alive. Its hands spun wildly, then stopped at 13:00.

The clock face opened like a flower, revealing a map. It showed Amsterdam's canals, with a glowing line leading to... Venice?

Before Emma could study it, she heard footsteps. A man in a black coat watched from across the square. He didn't move like everyone else - his movements were too smooth, too perfect.

The man smiled and pointed to his own wristwatch. It was counting down too.

Emma's heart raced. She grabbed the map and ran, the box bouncing in her backpack. The man didn't follow, but his voice carried through the crowd:

"See you in Venice, Miss Dekker."