The figure stepped forward, revealing a woman with piercing green eyes. "Annabelle," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I've been waiting for you."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29NiO1V4TZ
Annabelle's instincts kicked in. Who was this woman, and how did she know her name?
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUryCzTOBM
But before she could react, the woman grabbed her arm and pulled her deeper into the courtyard. "Listen to me, Annabelle," she said. "I'm here to help you. My name is Maya, and I'm a member of a secret organization dedicated to taking down the Order of the Veil."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UtAvcY1xw
Annabelle's mind froze. Another secret organization? But something about Maya's words resonated with her.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEyna8VlvN
"What do you know about my parents?" Annabelle asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMYKOgxvVm
Maya's expression turned grim. "They were getting close to the truth," she said. "That's why they were taken. But I can help you find them, Annabelle. If you trust me."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc1z0ym6Jh
Annabelle hesitated, unsure of what to do. But she couldn't understand nor explain why everything about Maya's words felt right with her.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9FTVWVuTl
Annabelle nodded, deciding to trust Maya. "Okay," she said. "I'll work with you. But I need to know what we're up against. What's the Order of the Veil's ultimate goal?"
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NSigretbn
Maya's eyes clouded over, her expression dark. "They're seeking an ancient artifact with the power to control the world," and they need a lock chain to activate it she said. "And they'll stop at nothing to get it."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7423yC2j3
Annabelle's heart skipped a beat, could it be the same lock chain that belonged to her grandma, the same one she picked at the chamber? This was bigger than she had ever imagined.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYNE51WOQ8
Just then, a noise echoed through the courtyard. Maya's head snapped up, her eyes scanning the rooftops.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEzzV9NuJa
"We've been found," she whispered, grabbing Annabelle's arm. "Come on."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelGMqoIKp2
They sprinted through the winding streets, Maya leading the way. They finally reached the clock tower, Liam waiting anxiously at the entrance.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VZED8QZ3Y
"Thank God you're here," he said, relief etched on his face, as Annabelle ran to embrace him, he tightened his hands around her waist while she burried her face in the crook of his neck, wishing she could hide in his embrace forever.
Maya cleared her throat and the two unwillingly let go of each other. But as they entered the tower, Annabelle sensed they were walking into a trap.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPGlGGTIl3
The clock tower's dim interior seemed to swallow them whole. Annabelle's eyes adjusted slowly, and she saw that they were not alone. Figures in black robes surrounded them, their faces hidden behind masks.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMi5igMzkY
"Welcome, Annabelle," a voice echoed through the tower, resonating off the stone walls. "We've been waiting for you."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIkuYb7v41
Elijah stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You see, Annabelle, you're just a pawn in a much larger game. And now, it's time for you to play your part."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhuVmgDaYf
Maya and Liam moved to flank Annabelle, their eyes flashing with defiance. But they were outnumbered, and Annabelle knew it.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s4l66l45C
Suddenly, the figures in black began to close in. Annabelle raised her hands, ready to defend herself.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcNtcGKl9Z
But just as all hope seemed lost, a loud crash echoed through the tower, followed by the sound of shattering glass.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMeHBoZWdp
A figure dropped from the rafters, landing with a thud on the stone floor.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegd0hWO5ri
It was a girl with short, spiky hair and a mischievous grin. "Hey, guys," she said. "Need a hand?"
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QjmwHqyZb
The girl, who introduced herself as Zephyr, was a skilled fighter and member of Maya's secret organization. With her help, they managed to take down the figures in black and escape the clock tower.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxUzfIUpvS
As they caught their breath in a nearby alleyway, Annabelle turned to Zephyr. "How did you know we were in trouble?" she asked.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIBCVX3wjO
Zephyr shrugged. "I've been tracking Elijah's movements. I knew he was up to something big."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdVkmB6bVl
Maya nodded. "Zephyr's been a valuable asset to our team. She's got skills and tech that have helped us stay one step ahead of the Order."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX53hQDtP0
Liam frowned. "But we can't keep running. We need a plan to take down the Order once and for all."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdxjBPSO0h
Annabelle nodded. "I think I have an idea. Let's use the artifact they're searching for against them."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPAuY9DdnY
Do you have it Maya asked.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbfASxaJ7u
Annabelle remained silent.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIi1jk7S0a
You have it don't you. Liam asked Annabelle who suddenly smiled back at him, followed with a nod of her head. I found it back at the chamber, I'm sorry I hid it from you.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWhDa4gKtj
Am not upset, Liam said, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, if anything, am glad you found it first before them.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJQFpcpbwq
Zephyr's eyes lit up. "I like the way you think, Annabelle. Let's do it."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyZQDUTjTO
Maya smiled grimly. "Then it's settled. We'll find the other artifact with them and use it to bring down the Order of the Veil."
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9VJy315ln
But as they set their plan in motion, Annabelle couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. And that Elijah was just waiting for his next chance to strike.
ns3.23.59.187da2
