Copyright © 2026 by Julio A Torres Mendoza.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Hi, my name is J. A. Tower. Not much to say, only this: By the time I published this book, was on my own and at the age of 32. So, if you have an idea that you can’t simply not share with the world, write it. If there is a place for me, then there’s one for you. It’s never too late to follow our dreams. If you are only a reader, then you have my thanks. It’s because of you that this idea was made so you could enjoy from anywhere you are in the world. I do hope you liked my story and if you did, well, I do hope the next chapter comes very soon. If you want to be the first one to know any other of my publications, then I’ll see you on my website. Until the next time!
Acknowledgements.
Thanks to my family, for always supporting me. To my mom, who made me an artist from the moment she gave me a piece of paper and crayons when I was a kid. To my dad, who may not read this book because it’s heavily inspired by Harry Potter, which he hates, but he’s still proud. My brother John and my sister Sophia, always there to give each other a hand and a laugh. To my best friends, Mari and Richy, who have been there for me for quite some time now. To my friend Frida, a voracious reader who returned at the exact moment I needed her. To everyone who supported me during these hard times and finally, to you, for giving me the chance to entertain you with this fantastical world. Hope you enjoy your stay!
Welcome…to the Sign of Four.
Prologue.
My grip on my wand is as tight as it can be. I’m tired and hurt, but my vision is clear. I look ahead and see my best friend, my brother. I notice the bruises and exhaustion on him. It’s almost flattering to see how defeated he looks. Both of us are ready to give up, but I simply cannot fall. The solution, the answer to this fight, is inside the room locked behind him. All the sins, all the mistakes, could be fixed with one simple unlocking spell. Arnold notices my composure returning and points his wand at me. A ray of light shoots from it toward me, like a rock flying at high speed. I need to stop it, soon. I picture the same thing: a pebble flying as fast as I can imagine. I raise my wand and shoot a similar ray that stops his. The tension rises and it’s just blast after blast, going back and forth. We raise, move, and tilt our wands, hoping one of us lands a hit, but we remain evenly matched. Suddenly, I realize I don’t have much time.
“Time to surrender, Connor. This is the end. You can’t beat me.” He’s right, I think, but I’m the only one here now.
“As I see it, you’re as damaged as I am, so I trust my shot.” I’m bluffing. I really am.
After all, how can I defeat the gallant, respected, and powerful magician Arnold Smith? Then again, for Alma, Levi, and Amigo, I need to open that door.
“Face it, you’re just a museum clerk. What can you do against me?” One thing’s for sure: he may be strong, but he doesn’t have my imagination.
“This.” I shoot at the roof but keep my wand steady. Rocks seem to fall straight at Arnold. He tries to block them but realizes they are fake, made with magic. Then the next image is clear: a rock my size, fired at thirty kilometers per hour. The next spell hits Arnold, pushing him against the door. I may be able to pull this off.
“Enough!” he screams as the rocks around him begin lifting into the air.
“I won’t stand for this, even from you, old friend. You are about to destroy everything that defines us—our nation and our history—for what? Three foreigners you met in a single day? Ridiculous.” I tighten my grip on my wand. This is happening and I must win.
“Everything is a lie, Arnold! Our books, our plaques, this museum—it all came from violence and blood, and I’m going to fix it. So move away from that door.” He snaps. The rocks fly straight at me the second he points his wand at me.
“Move me yourself, Connor!”
I move quickly and lightly, avoiding every rock. I point my wand as I get closer to him. We are both ready to shoot. As our blasts collide, I remember how everything changed just two days ago.