Back in the courtyard, Irene continued walking around, calling out her daughter’s name, with the principal tagging along her.

“I don’t know why you’re getting worked up about it,” Zelda said, resting on a bench.

“You know, you don’t have to accompany me.” Irene retorted without looking at her. “In fact, I’d prefer that you didn’t.”

“She couldn’t have gotten that far. I’m sure Isabelle will come back, eventually.” Irene didn’t respond. “Or maybe she’s avoiding you after you hurt her? Why did you do that?”

“If I had told her about you, she’d want to continue staying here to learn more on—”

“Which is why I’ve kept my mouth shut about it. You’d deny it, and that’d make me look bad.”

Irene turned and glared at her. “I’m not letting you control her life, Zelda. Or should I say, Griselda?”

Griselda’s smile grew wide as she looked in the opposite direction. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. She chose this for herself.”

“Hey, you guys!” a voice called out from above.

Looking up, Brandi flew over their horizon on the broom. She safely landed and approached the duo at a breakneck pace.

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“Brandi, what’s the matter?” Griselda inquired, getting up from the bench.

“Did you guys know Isabelle and her friend are missing?”

“We do, but it’s uncertain where they’re at.”

“Well...” Brandi bit her lip and squeezed her arm. “I patrolled the skies when I came across the magician heading into that dark cave.”

Irene gasped as she covered her mouth. “You don’t think they fell into the void, do you?” Brandi looked away and said nothing.

“What?” Griselda’s smile faded as her eyes widened. “Why would those two go there?”

“So, Griselda,” Irene’s face hardened. “What was that about Isabelle being fine? How am I supposed to find her now?”

“Now, calm down. They’re going to be harder to find, but it’s not impossible. Give it time and—”

“Why should I? That’s all I’ve been doing, is waiting around and doing nothing!”

“Getting upset won’t solve anything. We’ll do our best to search within our abilities, ok?” Griselda walked over to place a hand on her shoulder, but Irene swatted her away.

“Don’t touch me! Don’t come near me!” She thundered, backing away. “I know you. You’re not going to do anything like that at all! You’ll just give up on searching, just like with...” Irene choked on her words, unable to finish her sentence, as she covered her face and fell on her knees.

The group stayed silent, with somber expressions marked across their faces. Brandi bit her lip; she didn’t know if she wanted to help or stay out of this. She knew how that void worked. Her friends could literally pop out anywhere. Her younger sister fell victim to it months ago. There was no telling what would happen with Benjamin and Isabelle if nobody found them soon, or if they’d be as lucky.