Tom sat under a painting of a boy. The sad, pale face looked down, seeming to move with the shadows. Tom's homework lay open. He hated maths. The questions blurred in front of his freckled face. Anger replaced his boredom.

“Maths!” he cried. Hurling the book. It ricocheted off the painting, causing it to slip from the from its hook and land with a thud. Gently picking it up, Tom saw some engravings on the back. He brushed off years of dust and managed to read...

Save me. Free me. I beg you.

I’ve been trapped inside this painting for hundreds of years- a prisoner because of my parent’s terrible mistakes. They angered a sorcerer when they could not repay their debts. In desperation they offered him this painting as payment.

But they did not know the price would be far worse.

The sorcerer bound me to this canvas, sealing me inside this gloomy, colourless world. I’ve watched the years pass in silence, unable to speak, unable to escape.

There is only one way to free me. Somewhere between your world and mine, the key is hidden. It’s the only thing that can unlock this magical frame and break the curse. Legend says the key reveals itself only to someone worthy.

If you’re reading this, perhaps that’s you.

Please accept this quest. Find the key. Unlock the frame. Release me from this prison. I’ll forever be in your debt.

Tom swallowed. Between your world and mine. He glanced at the place where the hook had been. The old plaster looked cracked. He tugged gently. A tiny gold key tumbled out.

Tom’s heart thudded. He flipped the frame over and saw a tiny keyhole hidden in the carved vines. Hands shaking, he pushed the key inside.

Click… The frame opened…