Renn's voice cut through the dim air like a blade.
"Where could she have gone? She was right here a moment ago."
Isolde's brows furrowed, her tone measured but tense.
"She was with us in the basement. Maybe she's still there."
Renn's eyes narrowed, scanning their faces. Before he could answer, Liora spoke quietly, almost uncertain.
"She's blind… maybe we left her behind without realizing. We need to check."
Without another word, Renn broke into a run. Isolde and Liora followed, their footsteps echoing off the manor's cold, stone walls as they descended once more into the dark basement.
The air down there was damp and stale, every corner filled with shadows that seemed to hold their breath. They searched cell after cell, peered behind crates, even ripped apart old furniture—but she was nowhere.
Minutes bled into hours.
The more they searched, the heavier the silence grew, until it became almost suffocating. Finally, with a bitter taste in their mouths, they left the basement and scoured the manor from one end to the other. Empty halls. Empty rooms. Nothing but dust and the faint scent of blood.
When evening fell, they had no choice but to stop. Their only hope now lay in returning to House Verdan for help.
The walk back was long and oppressive. The forest road seemed darker than before, the night air colder. Every sound—the snap of a twig, the rustle of leaves—felt like it could be her, only for hope to vanish again and again.
By the time they reached the gates, their legs ached and their hearts were heavy.
Renn spotted Aeren standing with a few guards, speaking in low, urgent tones. The moment Aeren saw them, his eyes widened. He strode forward quickly, then dropped to one knee before Isolde, his voice trembling but firm.
"Please, Lady Isolde… punish me."
She froze, confused. "What are you talking about, Aeren?"
His gaze fell to the ground.
"When you were protecting everyone and fighting those monsters… I ran. I abandoned my duty as your butler. That is a sin worthy of death. Please… don't hesitate."
When he raised his head, there was no fear in his eyes—only shame and grim resolve.
Isolde stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she shook her head.
"Aeren… being afraid doesn't make you weak—it makes you human. You don't get punished for fear. But you can choose to grow strong enough that nothing can make you afraid again."
Her last words were softer, as if she were speaking as much to herself as to him.
Before Aeren could reply, Renn stepped forward, his tone urgent.
"Isolde… I need your help. Please ask your father to find Lira. She's important to me… and I can't lose her like you almost lost your people today."
He took her hand—not out of romance, but out of desperate sincerity.
"Please."
Isolde held his gaze, searching his eyes. She saw no falsehood, only determination. Slowly, she nodded.
"She's my friend too, and she saved my people. I'll speak to my father—we will find her, no matter what."
A faint blush touched her cheeks before she added quietly,
"While we search, you can stay here. Once we find her, you can go."
Renn hesitated for a breath, then nodded.
"Alright. Your birthday's coming soon anyway… and thank you."
He let go of her hand.
The guards glanced between one another at the scene, Liora's lips curved into a faint smile, and Aeren… simply watched in silence, his shame unshaken.
Renn and the others entered the grand hall of the mansion. Lord Eldric's sharp eyes immediately found Isolde, and the tension in his face softened into deep concern.
"Isolde… are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.
The moment she saw her father, Isolde's composure broke. She rushed forward and threw her arms around him. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, her voice trembling, "I was so scared… I missed you, Father."
Eldric glanced over her shoulder toward the guards, giving a subtle signal. They bowed and withdrew, leaving only Renn, Liora, and Aeren in the room.
Without saying a word to them, Eldric gently stroked Isolde's hair. "It's alright," he murmured, his tone carrying both reassurance and quiet fury for whoever had harmed her. "I'm here now. Everything is going to be fine. Go and rest in your room."
But Isolde shook her head, holding onto him tighter. "No… I want to be with you for a little longer."
Eldric's expression softened further. Without hesitation, he scooped his daughter into his arms, carrying her as though she were still the small child he remembered.
"Then you'll stay with me," he said firmly, turning toward his private chambers. The heavy doors closed behind them, leaving the others in the silent hall.
Somewhere out there, Lira was still missing. And every passing moment felt like sand slipping through their fingers.