We head into the living room, and I gesture for Elara to sit on the couch. She settles down, and I take a seat across from her.

"So, about Stella," I begin. "I don't think I know much, but I will tell you everything I know. The day before yesterday..."

I tell her everything about my meeting with Stella that evening. Elara listens quietly, her eyes fixed on me, nodding at times but never interrupting.

When I'm done with my story, she takes a moment before speaking. "I appreciate you telling me all this, Heliar. Just so you know... Stella was actually excited to meet you again." She pulls out her phone and taps the screen. "Here, look at this."

She hands it to me, and I read through the messages from Stella. Her words are cheerful, full of enthusiasm about how we met and how much she was looking forward to seeing me again.

A sense of relief washes over me as I read through the messages. It's comforting to know that she wasn't just brushing me off. But at the same time, it raises even more questions. I hand the phone back to Elara, feeling a bit still worried.

"If she was looking forward to it, why didn't she show up?" I ask, lightly. "Was she busy? Did something come up?"

Elara's expression turns more serious. She hesitates for a moment. "That's what I'm trying to figure out, too," she says quietly. "But... I think something happened to her, Heliar." Her voice drops. "She's gone. Missing."

I blink, taken aback. "What do you mean? Missing?"

"She disappeared," Elara continues. "This morning, I went to her house. Her parents were frantic—they haven't seen her since yesterday evening. She didn't return home. They've already called the police."

I feel a know in my stomach as I realize it.

"But... she left to meet me."

Elara nods. "That's what I thought too. She was supposed to meet you, so I had hoped you might know something. But if she never made it to the park... something must've happened on the way." She looks at me, her eyes filled with worry. "The police are investigating, but they haven't found any leads."

My chest feels heavy, like a weight is pressing onto me.

"What do you think could've happened?"

"I don't know," she replies, running a hand through her hair. "But we need to figure it out, Heliar. Her parents are really worried. We can't just sit around waiting for them to find her."

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"Do you think it could be a kidnapping? Any call for a ransom or the sort?" I ask, struck with worry.

"Doesn't seem so. There have been no calls yet. The police are doing their best, but they can only work with what they have. It's frustrating," she sighs.

For Stella to have disappeared like this, it's just not normal. That vision I had... I finally decide to tell Elara everything.

"Elara, I have something to share," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Her eyes brighten with anticipation. "Go on, please. I'm listening."

"When I returned home after our first meeting, I saw something unusual. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone go in an alley near the park. What struck me odd was the attire. He was wearing a suit and a hat. Formal wear, that late in the day. At first I didn't think much of it, but looking back, something felt off."

Elara's expression shifts, concern visible across her face. "A suit and a hat? That definitely seems weird."

"Actually, there's more," I add.

"Oh, please continue."

"I might sound crazy, but yesterday I had a vision, about Stella. After I returned home and she didn't show up. She looked terrified, her eyes wide and pleading. She was screaming my name, calling for help."

Elara's brows knit together, her concern deepening. "A vision? You sure it wasn't just your mind playing tricks on you?"

"Honestly, I don't think so."

I tell her about my recurring vision with that bird in the valley, and how I saw that same bird a while ago, just before I met her. She takes a moment to take in my words, trying to understand what I'm saying.

"Heliar, this is much bigger than we anticipated. There's something at play here, and we gotta figure out what."

"I agree. How about we go and check the alley? We might find something."

Elara stands, her expression shifting. "We definitely should do that. Let's go."

I lock the door behind us, and we head out onto the street. Time seems to slow down as we make way toward our destination. Seems like the park is empty today; barely anyone is around. Just as I'm about to head toward the alley, I pause, sensing something strange. I turn around, and that sight—I will never forget.

Looming behind Elara, there is a mass of darkness. My heart drops as I take a step closer, but the shadow shifts, pulsing like a living thing.

"Elara!" I shout, panic gripping my chest. She turns, confusion etched on her face. It takes on a humanoid figure. I'm struck with horror. It's the same figure I saw that day going into the alley.

No, this can't be happening. What the hell is going on?

"Heliar!" She manages to scream, just as the figure places his right hand on her shoulder. Before she can even react, darkness pulses from the figure, wrapping around her.

"Get away from her!" I shout, my voice hoarse. But before I can get any closer, they both just disappear, swallowed by the darkness.

In absolute distress, I stand there, feeling utterly helpless. Something catches my eye. There, lying on the ground, is a black hat—the same one worn by the figure. "It did not disappear?" I think, a flicker of hope igniting within me.

I bend down, picking up the hat, and take a closer look at it. The fabric feels smooth and cool in my hands, but the sense of foreboding lingers. I examine the inside; there's a faint trace of something—perhaps a residue or an insignia. My heart races.

I tuck the hat under my arm, my resolve hardening. "Stella and Elara, I'll find you," I vow quietly, determination surging through me.

I put on the hat. That's something I should not have done.