In the twisty, sometimes shadowy world of middle school, Lily, Raven, and Ethan find themselves in a maze of challenges. Lily is figuring out her own path while keeping a big part of herself hidden. 

Raven, caught in the excitement of talking to boys, is also teetering on the edge of a dangerous path that her family knows too well – the world of substance abuse.

Among them is Ethan, a boy who seems to be battling early signs of mental health issues. But in the cold corridors of their school, his struggles go unnoticed, uncared for. Some students even take advantage of his vulnerability, adding to the weight of his invisible battles.

 In the midst of this, they discover mysterious tarot cards, which pull them into a realm of spooky secrets and the supernatural. Their teacher, who wants to help them, struggles with his own problems and can't seem to escape his own dark maze.

School isn't just about learning here; it's a battleground of bullying, the stress of grades, and the weight of finding out who they are in the whirlwind of growing up. Family pressures add to the mix, making each day feel heavier for these kids.

This story isn't just about the usual ups and downs of middle school. It's about finding light in the darkest corners, where every challenge, from the fear of bullies to the pressure to do well and fit in, becomes a part of their adventure. 

Together, Lily, Raven, and Ethan have to face these shadows, uncovering truths and finding their way through a world where nothing is quite what it seems. It's a journey of coming of age, where figuring out who you are might just be the bravest thing you can do.

At Obsidian Crystal Middle School, Lily harbors a secret identity, a truth about herself she dares not share in a world that might not understand. Each day is a shadowed dance, hiding her true colors in the dim halls of adolescence. 

Then there's Raven, entangled in a family legacy darkened by substance abuse, a struggle that now whispers temptations in her own ear. Raven's path is a treacherous one, as she grapples with the chains of her family's past while striving to forge a different, brighter future for herself.

Beside them stands Ethan, engaged in a relentless struggle with mental illness. In a world that often misunderstands and stigmatizes mental health issues, Ethan navigates a lonely and challenging path, trying to make sense of his inner turmoil and seeking acceptance in an often unforgiving environment.

Together, as they journey through the complexities of middle school, they face spiteful peers, a deeply troubled teacher, and parents lost in their own chaotic worlds. 

The discovery of an ancient tarot deck, revealing chilling prophecies, intensifies their personal battles. Confronted by a growing sense of malevolence, Lily, Raven, and Ethan must face their darkest fears, finding strength in their unity to overcome the creeping evil.

This narrative, perfect for classroom reading, offers students a contemporary view into the struggles of middle school life, layered with rich character development, engaging plot details, and meaningful discussion prompts.