The figure began to circle around her, its eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "Your parents were getting close to the truth," it said, its voice dripping with malice. "They had to be silenced."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2FwJB3qkN
Annabelle's heart raced with fear and anger. "What do you mean?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLIhVF1icU
The figure smiled again, its smile growing wider. "Let's just say they were about to uncover a secret that could change everything," it said, its voice dripping with excitement.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4ocCZOw0T
Elijah stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Enough," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeORY6SwEsv
But the figure just laughed, its laughter echoing through the deserted streets. "You'll never stop us," it said, its voice dripping with confidence. "The truth will never be revealed."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2UOe1MhLB
And with that, it turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Annabelle and Elijah staring after it in shock and confusion.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfzYJb9mfR
Annabelle's mind was reeling. What secret were her parents about to uncover? And who was this mysterious figure, really? What other truth is left from what Elijah showed her?
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWNNquTNjH
Elijah's hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality. "We need to get out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Now."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIiKdjogWu
As they turned to leave, Annabelle caught Liam's eye across the street. She could sense his suspicion and concern. She knew he didn't trust Elijah, and she was starting to wonder if she should either.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd5ZVYl82E
"Elijah, what's going on?" Annabelle asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "Who was that person, and what do they want with me?"
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R8hic2NM1
Elijah's expression turned grim, but Annabelle detected a flicker of something else - something almost like guilt. "Let's just get out of here, Annabelle," he repeated. "We'll talk later."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeOi7U0Cra
But Annabelle wasn't so sure she wanted to hear what he had to say.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjzgZJ1u0A
Annabelle's doubts about Elijah grew as they walked away from the scene. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something from her.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIStyqLK81K
As they turned a corner, Liam caught up with them, his eyes fixed intently on Elijah. "What's going on, Annabelle?" he asked, his voice low and authoritative, leaving no room for arguments. "Who was that person?"
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7urwDL5v4
Annabelle hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But Liam's genuine concern put her at ease. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I think Elijah might know more than he's letting on."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvPphLBvlw
Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to Elijah. "I don't trust him," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get you out of here, Annabelle. Now."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DS4haaINB
Elijah's smile grew wider, but his eyes flashed with anger. "I think Annabelle can make her own decisions," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9ayNxNYiS
But Annabelle was torn as usual. Part of her wanted to trust Elijah, to believe that he was on her side. But another part of her, a growing part, wondered if Liam was right.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk2vfdu9o9
Annabelle's heart raced as she stood between Liam and Elijah, like a dejavu, she felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, back to the beginning where she had to make the decision all over again.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNSNjaiYkA
"Liam, I need to know what's going on," she said, trying to keep her voice polite. "What do you know about Elijah?"
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5NxlzAun0
Liam hesitated, his eyes darting to Elijah before focusing on Annabelle. "I've been researching him," he said quietly. "And I think he's connected to the Order of the Veil."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxo6JR4bDH
Annabelle's breath caught in her throat. The Order of the Veil - the same organization that had taken her parents.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ13V5QlT3c
Elijah's smile grew wider, but his eyes flashed with anger. "Liam's just trying to confuse you, Annabelle," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Don't listen to him."
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5KjXzXlpd
But Annabelle wasn't so sure. She looked at Liam, seeing the genuine love and concern etched on his face. And then she looked at Elijah, seeing the calculating and selfish glint in his eyes.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDYB9epeKI
Suddenly, she knew who she trusted.
ns 18.68.41.164da2
