399: IN SEARCH OF PEACE

ARIEL’S POV

Feeling unsettled by the nightmare and still wondering about Luke’s whereabouts, I made my way downstairs to the mansion, hoping to find some answers. As I descended the staircase, the early morning light filtered through the windows, bringing out a soft glow over the grand foyer.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, I heard the faint sound of laughter coming from the living room. Curious, I followed the sound and found Ethan and Randy engrossed in a video

game.

“Hey guys,

what are you up to so early in the morning?” I asked, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

They glanced up at me; their faces lit up with excitement. “Morning, Ariel! We’re just playing this awesome game,” Ethan replied, setting his eyes back on the television.

“But Randy’s cheating!” Ethan protested, glaring playfully at his brother.

Randy rolled his eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “I am not! You just suck at this game, Ethan.”

I chuckled at their banter, feeling a sense of warmth wash over me. Despite the chaos and bullshit of recent events, moments like these reminded me of the simple joys of life.

“Alright, alright, calm down, you two,” I said, stepping closer to them. “Let’s settle this like civilized people. Ethan, Randy, remember the rules we talked about? No cheating, and no fighting.”

They exchanged sheepish looks before nodding in agreement. “Sorry, Ariel,” Randy mumbled, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“It’s okay, guys. Just remember to play fair, okay?” I said, ruffling their hair affectionately.

I couldn’t help but notice Luke’s absence as I looked around the room. “Hey, have either of you seen Luke this morning?” I asked, my brows furrowing in concern.

shaking their heads. “Nope, we haven’t seen him,” Ethan replied, his brow creased in confusion. “Is he back

of worry gnaw at my insides. “I just don’t know where

their eyes

SEA

a wide grin spreading across his

added, his eyes shining with

their infectious enthusiasm. Despite everything that had happened, it was heartwarming

hide my own apprehension. “You

what Janice told me last night.

school today! Thanks, Ariel!” Randy blurted out,

in the living room once

he leave without telling me? The questions echoed in my

footsteps of the mansion’s two maids entering the room. I turned

of the maids greeted me with a warm smile.

“Have either of you seen

glance before one of them spoke up. “Yes, he went outside a little while ago. I believe he’s near the gates

had gone outside. That was unexpected. “Thank you, I said to the maids, a mixture of curiosity and concern swirling within me.

made my way outside, I couldn’t help but wonder what Luke might be doing out there.

Luke standing there, his gaze fixed on the horizon, seemingly lost in thought.

approached them slowly, my footsteps echoing softly on the gravel path. Luke

my voice running through with

so hard to remember anything. It’s like there’s a fog clouding my mind, and no matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem

offering him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Luke. You don’t have to

shook his head right after I told him that. “I can’t afford to just sit around and wait for my memories to come back. I need to figure out the things that happened

a clue.”

I felt a surge of

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