Let the Adventure—and the Friendship—Begin! When Izzy Doyle and Mae Lawson meet in graduate school, they instantly bond over their shared passion for archaeology, the mysteries of ancient relics, and tea. Fun-loving, brilliant, and inseparable, the two best friends dive headfirst into their studies, never imagining that their academic pursuits would lead them into a real-life adventure. But when a legendary death mask is stolen from their university—a relic rumored to be cursed and known for leaving a trail of bodies in its wake—Izzy and Mae find themselves at the heart of a dark and dangerous mystery. With suspicion mounting and the clock ticking, the duo must put their wits and friendship to the ultimate test. As they race to find the stolen mask, they discover that some myths are more than just stories—and some curses are terrifyingly real. Can Izzy and Mae solve the mystery before the curse claims its next victim? This thrilling prequel to the Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife is a testament to the power of friendship, the thrill of adventure, and the magic that lies just beneath the surface of the past.