Elma briefly closed her eyes before letting out a sigh.
— Very well… but know that the truth might shake you.
Miria held her gaze with unwavering determination.
— Try me.
A heavy silence fell between them, filled with mystery and revelations waiting to burst forth. Then, against all expectations, Elma shook her head before slipping a piece of paper into Miria's hand.
— What I have to tell you is too long and complicated for now… But this name will help you. Find this person and tell her that I sent you so she can guide you to him.
Miria frowned, perplexed.
— She… him… who are they?
Elma gave a faint, almost melancholic smile.
— Don't worry, she'll understand immediately and take you to him.
— Where are you going? Miria asked, feeling a rising sense of unease.
Elma paused before answering in a softer voice:
— I have to disappear for a while. But don't worry, I'll be back. Until then, he will protect you. And as soon as Katrina returns, inform her of everything.
She finished speaking and walked away into the golden glow of the setting sun, her silhouette gradually fading into the warm hues of twilight.
Miria clenched the paper in her fingers before slipping it into her pocket. A shiver ran down her spine. Who were these mysterious people? Why did Elma have to leave so suddenly?
She sighed and made her way home.
Meanwhile, in a nearby park, Ray paced back and forth, frowning, visibly agitated.
— She must be furious with me… he muttered, unable to stay still. That's why she left, I'm sure of it!
— Ray, calm down, Diana tried to reason with him. I'm sure that's not the case.
— I think if you hadn't stayed near Isabella, things might have worked out, Marlie interjected with a hint of annoyance.
Ray rolled his eyes.
— Sorry, what does Isabella have to do with this? he protested.
Isabella crossed her arms and shot an exasperated look at Marlie.
— Yeah, go on, enlighten us, Marlie. Since when am I not allowed to be near him?
Marlie shrugged.
— Maybe since you're his ex? Seriously, don't you find that a little strange?
— Just because we're not together anymore doesn't mean we can't be friends, Isabella replied, slightly vexed. We share the same friend group, and besides… there's also the other secret.
Marlie sighed, looking tired.
— Whatever, you'll always find excuses.
She abruptly stood up and declared firmly:
— I'm leaving.
Diana, Axel, and Gale tried to stop her.
— Marlie, wait!
— Stay with us, Axel insisted.
But she ignored them and walked away without a word.
Axel hesitated for a few seconds before exhaling:
— I'll go after her. I can't let her leave alone.
After waving goodbye to the group, he ran off to catch up with Marlie, leaving Ray, Isabella, Diana, Gale, and Klaus alone in the park under a sky painted in shades of orange and purple, as the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.