The figure began to circle around her, its eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "Your parents were getting close to the truth," it said, its voice dripping with malice. "They had to be silenced."
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Annabelle's heart raced with fear and anger. "What do you mean?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
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The figure smiled again, its smile growing wider. "Let's just say they were about to uncover a secret that could change everything," it said, its voice dripping with excitement.
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Elijah stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Enough," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
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But the figure just laughed, its laughter echoing through the deserted streets. "You'll never stop us," it said, its voice dripping with confidence. "The truth will never be revealed."
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And with that, it turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Annabelle and Elijah staring after it in shock and confusion.
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Annabelle's mind was reeling. What secret were her parents about to uncover? And who was this mysterious figure, really? What other truth is left from what Elijah showed her?
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Elijah's hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality. "We need to get out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Now."
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As they turned to leave, Annabelle caught Liam's eye across the street. She could sense his suspicion and concern. She knew he didn't trust Elijah, and she was starting to wonder if she should either.
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"Elijah, what's going on?" Annabelle asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "Who was that person, and what do they want with me?"
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Elijah's expression turned grim, but Annabelle detected a flicker of something else - something almost like guilt. "Let's just get out of here, Annabelle," he repeated. "We'll talk later."
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But Annabelle wasn't so sure she wanted to hear what he had to say.
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Annabelle's doubts about Elijah grew as they walked away from the scene. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something from her.
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As they turned a corner, Liam caught up with them, his eyes fixed intently on Elijah. "What's going on, Annabelle?" he asked, his voice low and authoritative, leaving no room for arguments. "Who was that person?"
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Annabelle hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But Liam's genuine concern put her at ease. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I think Elijah might know more than he's letting on."
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Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to Elijah. "I don't trust him," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get you out of here, Annabelle. Now."
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Elijah's smile grew wider, but his eyes flashed with anger. "I think Annabelle can make her own decisions," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
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But Annabelle was torn as usual. Part of her wanted to trust Elijah, to believe that he was on her side. But another part of her, a growing part, wondered if Liam was right.
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Annabelle's heart raced as she stood between Liam and Elijah, like a dejavu, she felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, back to the beginning where she had to make the decision all over again.
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"Liam, I need to know what's going on," she said, trying to keep her voice polite. "What do you know about Elijah?"
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Liam hesitated, his eyes darting to Elijah before focusing on Annabelle. "I've been researching him," he said quietly. "And I think he's connected to the Order of the Veil."
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Annabelle's breath caught in her throat. The Order of the Veil - the same organization that had taken her parents.
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Elijah's smile grew wider, but his eyes flashed with anger. "Liam's just trying to confuse you, Annabelle," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Don't listen to him."
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But Annabelle wasn't so sure. She looked at Liam, seeing the genuine love and concern etched on his face. And then she looked at Elijah, seeing the calculating and selfish glint in his eyes.
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Suddenly, she knew who she trusted.
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