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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAkdeZNk2QSf
Annabelle's instincts kicked in. Who was this woman, and how did she know her name?
168Please respect copyright.PENANATeC0QDvCb8
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAvQOo86sv6C
Annabelle's mind froze. Another secret organization? But something about Maya's words resonated with her.
168Please respect copyright.PENANADSjmMoaYRx
"What do you know about my parents?" Annabelle asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAIVuGTfQvH6
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANANRWCpFq57v
Annabelle hesitated, unsure of what to do. But she couldn't understand nor explain why everything about Maya's words felt right with her.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAI7O7YbS2Wz
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?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAqBvUSezoCs
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAu5xMJ2krMY
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.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA0dmqYxoj7s
Just then, a noise echoed through the courtyard. Maya's head snapped up, her eyes scanning the rooftops.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAAfW3btPE2Q
"We've been found," she whispered, grabbing Annabelle's arm. "Come on."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAOIlh3BuGSF
They sprinted through the winding streets, Maya leading the way. They finally reached the clock tower, Liam waiting anxiously at the entrance.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA8m9xtUKhi1
"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.
168Please respect copyright.PENANACe80m2P5oW
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.
168Please respect copyright.PENANANbv4Ofpiqy
"Welcome, Annabelle," a voice echoed through the tower, resonating off the stone walls. "We've been waiting for you."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAQVQIHEZ0Pj
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANACw4A2iR4sn
Maya and Liam moved to flank Annabelle, their eyes flashing with defiance. But they were outnumbered, and Annabelle knew it.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA9CoNuFeejP
Suddenly, the figures in black began to close in. Annabelle raised her hands, ready to defend herself.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAy4jUNX9EMy
But just as all hope seemed lost, a loud crash echoed through the tower, followed by the sound of shattering glass.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAhFWK0EUCw4
A figure dropped from the rafters, landing with a thud on the stone floor.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAMJFxaWTp63
It was a girl with short, spiky hair and a mischievous grin. "Hey, guys," she said. "Need a hand?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANARHBsNuzsCa
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.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAZsYk7zpUvr
As they caught their breath in a nearby alleyway, Annabelle turned to Zephyr. "How did you know we were in trouble?" she asked.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAyt0qKHNWBQ
Zephyr shrugged. "I've been tracking Elijah's movements. I knew he was up to something big."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAi83MDVvED3
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANA4dbs53YEJP
Liam frowned. "But we can't keep running. We need a plan to take down the Order once and for all."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAGujBJNy3hb
Annabelle nodded. "I think I have an idea. Let's use the artifact they're searching for against them."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAdmUtTrqGCQ
Do you have it Maya asked.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAlDCbsshVMN
Annabelle remained silent.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAoihkuVdD3g
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.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAb4RxxivVub
Am not upset, Liam said, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, if anything, am glad you found it first before them.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAyWEK6Dkv3l
Zephyr's eyes lit up. "I like the way you think, Annabelle. Let's do it."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAVvu21VpUrD
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."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAKAEmoa5wd1
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.
ns3.133.149.29da2