As Annabelle and Liam navigated the dark forest, they stumbled upon a hidden clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a mysterious figure, cloaked in shadows.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW510aN1klH
What is it with people emerging from the dark, she thought. Annabelle felt a shiver in the pit of her stomach as the figure stepped forward, revealing a charming smile.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjreMaSUPcW
"Hello, Annabelle," the stranger said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "My name is Elijah. I've been searching for you."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoypebz8Vq
Annabelle's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. Who was this stranger, and what did he want from her?
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ96J1Tr1UC
Elijah's eyes seemed to bore into Annabelle's soul as if searching for something. "I know all about your parents, Annabelle," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "Emma and Jack. They're in a grave danger."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj4AttUfYr
Annabelle's heart skipped a beat. "What do you know about my parents?" she demanded, her hand on Liam's arm tightened.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkmqFqjMcK
Elijah smiled again, his eyes glinting with secrets. "I know they're being held by the Order of the Silverwood. And I can help you rescue them."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlW27XMydb
Liam's eyes narrowed. "Why would you help us?" he growled.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpVKb4q0L8
Elijah shrugged. "Let's just say I have my own reasons for wanting to take down the order. And I think Annabelle's... unique abilities could be the key to our success."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvBRiYd8qs
Annabelle felt a surge of hope. Could this stranger really help her find her parents? But Liam's skepticism was infectious. What was Elijah's true motive?
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDvRTZJ3i6
"I don't trust him," Liam whispered to Annabelle, his eyes fixed on Elijah.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYdqZ3OdB1
But Annabelle hesitated. Elijah's words had sparked a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could lead her to her parents.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXEzJ3aGuU
"Tell me more," Annabelle said, her voice cautious.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBUUr8Uq3c
Elijah nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "The Order is hiding your parents in a heavily guarded fortress deep in the heart of the forest. But I know a way in."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxGjTD9fzX
Liam snorted. "And why should we believe you?"
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ193FGZX4t
Elijah's smile never wavered. "Because, Liam, I have something you want. Something that will guarantee your cooperation."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXmTzWbvJx
Elijah paused, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I have information about your past, Liam. Information you've been desperate to uncover."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYsUGTMGV8
Liam's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. Annabelle curiosity was piqued, she knew he was hiding secrets, but what could Elijah possibly know?
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGUnD7dxlR
Liam's eyes flashed with anger, but Elijah just chuckled. "Oh, Liam. You're so predictable. You've been searching for answers about your family for years. And I have them."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rc0xDtV0I
"What do you know?" Liam growled, his fists clenched.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYq78s6XaV
Elijah smiled again. "Let's just say I know what happened to your sister. And I know why you've been searching for her all these years."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH9IbfSu6j
Liam's eyes went white, his face pale. Annabelle had never seen him like this before.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0ri2Q5CUM
"Tell me," Liam whispered, his voice barely audible.
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W8Nm6oeKe
Elijah leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Meet me at the old oak tree in the heart of the forest at midnight. And come alone."
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WafsTneBs
With that, Elijah turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Annabelle and Liam staring after him in confusion.
ns 18.68.41.179da2
