“What do you mean she disappeared?” I stammered, “She wouldn’t have just dissolved into thin air, would she?”

“Where were you all this time?” Alphonso asked sharply.

“I have nothing to do with this story— if this is where you’re going, Alphonso,” I replied coldly. “Losing sight of a member of this household is your fault alone. Don’t blame it on me!”

“You—!” he shouted.

“That’s enough!” Aloen intervened. “Mia has nothing to do with this. I met her in Petrichor not long ago—alongside a certain someone. She couldn’t have done anything from another location, could she now, Alphonso?”

Alphonso dropped to his knees before Aloen, seeking forgiveness.

“My Lord, I must assure you—no one has gotten in or out of the manor’s gate during this time…”

“So, you suspect that someone may have abducted her using Nythera magic, right?

“Yes, my Lord. While Mia may not be capable of using this kind of magic, the shady figure you’ve mentioned could be involved.”

“Oh my God! You are even accusing Ansel now?” I shouted. “I knew I shouldn’t have come back to this wicked place!”

“It seems that Philamina’s disappearance does not affect you—not in the slightest. How can you forget all the good she did for you!” Aloen said bitterly.

I knew, deep down in my soul, I cared about the little Philamina. I had enjoyed her company the most. However, saying this out loud felt like a waste of breath. I didn’t need to prove myself to those who are constantly wishing for my downfall.

“I came back here to tell you that your brother is still amongst the living. Ansel sent me back for that purpose.” I added.

“Don’t think that I will spare you over this nonsense!” Alphonso screamed.

“What do you mean he is still alive?”

“This is what I have been willing to tell you.” I pressed impatiently. “He also said that you, his twin brother, are the only one capable of freeing him.”

“How?”

“If you can’t figure that out, you can ask him directly” I replied. “For now, I will take my leave.”

“You are not going to help us look for my sister?”

I glanced at him, fully aware that my words won’t be taken seriously. A simple “yes I’d love to” would sound utterly pathetic—even if that is what I truly desire.

“I am afraid I’d only be a hindrance. Isn’t that right, Alphonso?”

“There is no way we will let you do as you please!” Alphonso protested. “Since Asher is still within you, you are required to remain at headquarters until further notice. Is that clear?”

At that moment, I thought of the gem Ansel had given me. I wanted to leave that cursed manor behind, but first, I needed to investigate Philamina’s room. So, I complied.

Alphonso escorted me to my dull, lifeless room, without exchanging a word. The only thing I noticed was his hand resting on his sword, ready to strike at any moment. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Fleeing would only place your name on the prime suspects list. It would be wiser to keep a low profile,” he said.

When the door closed behind me, the gem in my hand glowed faintly.

I stayed put in what used to be my room for a while. I couldn’t tell if an hour had passed or more—since the dark sky and the shy stars didn’t flinch. The outside scenery was awfully still, like a painting frozen in time —brushstrokes of silence and shadows.

I stared at the magical gem in my hand. Its surface shimmered with a unique glow, like a liquid starlight trapped beneath a glassy shell. Colors swirled within —deep blues, flickering violets and delicate threads of gold. When Ansel first gave it to me, it wasn’t as lively as it is now. It was dull yet oddly comforting.

But now, it pulses with light and urgency. This could only mean one thing: danger is getting closer.

“Maybe it’s time to put its capabilities to the test,” I thought.

I held it firmly in the palm of my hands, closed my eyes and focused on reaching out to Ansel. Without much delay, I instantly heard his soft, enticing voice echoed in my head, like a gentle melody I hadn’t realized I missed.

“How can I be of assistance to you, Mia?” he said, his tone light with joy.

“I am sorry to bother you with the Narcis manor troubles, but the situation here is quite dire.”

“If my help is what you require, I offer it, my Lady.” He replied without hesitation.

“Well…” I hesitated for a moment. “Philamina, the daughter of the Narcis household, has gone missing. Unlike her brothers, Philamina is the sweetest being I have ever known. So please, even if you still resent her family, I beg you— help me find her.”

“My Lady, I shall offer whatever assistance you need. Your desires are absolute, so please do not ever doubt my loyalty to you.” He said firmly. “So, what is your plan?”

I sighed, frustration tightening my chest.

“I do not have any suspect in mind, as this whole manor wears its masks too well, hiding their nefarious intentions behind polite smiles and hollow courtesies. Everyone here is playing a part… and I’m not sure who’s sincere anymore.”

“Not all who smile to you are your allies, Mia.”

The words struck me with an odd familiarity. I’d heard them before … Yes, from Lucius Virell, a real devil in disguise. The memory of him surged forward, the haunting green piercing eyes behind his cape. He was the one who attempted to murder Aloen when he was unconscious and casually framed me for the crime. The memory felt like a cold, sharp blade against my thoughts, dredging up a past I’d rather forget.

“I may have an idea about the curlprit, Ansel.” I said with assertion. “The manor’s mage is a highly suspicious figure, he has already tried to murder Aloen in front of me, so he might be involved.”

“Are you referring to Lucius Virell?” Ansel asked.

“Yes. That bastard may have targeted Philamina to lure Aloen into a trap. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“We will find her, before your friend does, Mia,” he said, with a determined voice. “However, I would need one of Philamina’s personal items to locate her.”

“Oh, that means I should go to her room?” I asked, already thinking ahead.

“I don’t think that you’ll be able to do that,” he replied, his tone thoughtful. “I sense restricting magic around you. Wait— has Philamina ever been in your room?”

“Yes, she attended to me while I was bedridden.”

 “Excellent,” he said, “Then this maybe the opportunity for you to learn a spell.”

“Wouldn’t Asher’s presence interfere again?” I asked.

“Worry not. I will be the one casting it through this gem. All you have to do is place it somewhere Philamina has been.”

I looked around, and tried to remember every movement, every detail of her presence. She had sat next to my bed, her eyes constantly monitoring my fever with a quiet and careful concern. I felt her warm tiny hands caress my hair every now and then, as though she was trying to comfort me. I even felt her silk hair brushing against my chest while she was checking my heartbeat making sure I was still alive.

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring the quiet room around me. “I hope that I will be able to repay your kindness, Philamina.” I thought, clutching the gem tightly. “Please…hold on.”

“Mia? Are you alright?” Ansel asked.

“I am fine.” I replied, brushing away the lingering tears. “There you go—I’ve placed the gem where she sat. You may proceed.”

I heard Ansel mutter an incantation in Velathryn. The air around the gem shimmered faintly with power.

Suddenly, Philamina’s silhouette emerged —ghostly and translucent —peacefully seated on the very chair she occupied once. Then like mist in sunlight, she slowly dissolved, her essence drawn into the gem.

“So?”

“Her presence is hidden on purpose my Lady. However, I managed to locate her for a brief moment. She is in—” He paused. “No… it can’t be!”

“Where is she?” I asked, my voice tightening.

“Velkarra, my Lady. It’s a forbidden land shaped by ancient forces, embedded deep within mountains, concealed even from spirit-sight.”

“Then, we must not waste another minute. Let’s go.”

“My Lady,” he said firmly, “Velkarra is off-limits for spirits. I am afraid that I can’t allow you to go there alone.”

“What?” I blinked, stunned. “You are joking, right?”

“I am not, I am afraid.” Ansel replied with a low but firm voice. “This time, I must stand in your way—for your own good.”

Suddenly, my head felt heavy. A strange pressure crawled behind my eyes, and my arms went numb.

The gem pulsed again—twice.

I collapsed to the ground, unable to speak, or to move.

And just before everything faded, I heard Ansel whisper,

“Forgive me, Mia.”