Aldrich conveyed unsettling news, his voice tinged with concern. “It seems Grace was suddenly summoned and then ran off. However, I successfully placed a tracker on her. Charlie will continue tracking her whereabouts.”
Marvin’s eyes widened, despair and determination flickering in them. “Someone is controlling Grace. Please, Aldrich, you must bring her back safely.” His words were filled with his love for Grace, and the fear of losing her was evident.
Aldrich nodded, his expression a mix of curiosity and unease. He couldn’t help but be perplexed by Grace’s rapid surge in power in recent years, possibly on par with his own abilities. This was a shocking development, defying conventional understanding. Ensuring her safe return wouldn’t be an easy task.
As they contemplated the magnitude of the challenge ahead, silence enveloped them. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on their shoulders, and each person was lost in their thoughts.
Aldrich’s gaze turned to Marvin, his voice firm and resolute. “I understand, Marvin. Grace is important to all of us, and we won’t rest until she’s back where she belongs. But we must proceed with caution. Whoever is controlling her possesses powers we’ve never encountered before. We need to be prepared for the worst.”
Marvin clenched his fists, his emotions raw and primal. “I will do whatever it takes to save her, Aldrich. I won’t let her slip away, not after all we’ve been through. We must bring her back, no matter the risks.
Aldrich placed a reassuring hand on Marvin’s shoulder, silently conveying their unity. “We’re in this together, Marvin. We will find a way to save Grace and free her from this control. Trust me, we won’t leave her side until she’s safe.”
The group returned to Barrett Manor, faces marked with weariness and determination. Aldrich led Maggie to her room, his presence serving as an anchor in her tumultuous emotional storm.
As they entered Maggie’s tranquil sanctuary, the weight of recent trials settled upon them. Maggie’s voice quivered, a mix of curiosity and worry. “Aldrich, Marvin’s love for Grace runs deep. Do you think they have a chance to start over if we bring her back? To be together again?”
Aldrich’s expression softened, and his eyes glinted with sympathy. He knew the depth of Marvin’s feelings for Grace and understood the turbulent journey they had shared. He carefully chose his words, his tone marked by caution and uncertainty. “Maggie, Grace’s state of mind is fragile. Something significant has happened to her, and I’m unsure if she can fully recover. The people we know may forever be changed. It’s a difficult reality to face.”
Maggie’s shoulders slumped, and she sighed deeply, a hint of melancholy in her thoughts. She had hoped for a chance at a happy reunion, for Grace to find solace in Marvin’s arms. Yet, an uncertain future loomed before them, casting doubt on their dreams.
Aldrich gently extended a hand, placing it on Maggie’s, offering comfort. “We’ll make every effort to help Grace find herself again. But we must be prepared for things to be different. Whatever happens, we’ll stand by her and support her through it.”
Maggie nodded, her eyes filled with determination and acceptance. She understood the immense challenge they faced, with uncertain outcomes. Yet, the bond they had forged in adversity and unwavering loyalty brought a glimmer of hope amid the shadows.
After lunch, Aldrich retreated to his study to attend to his responsibilities, carrying the weight of duty on his shoulders. Meanwhile, Maggie sought solace in the garden, her footsteps carrying her through vibrant blossoms and the soothing scents of nature.
Maggie immersed herself in thought, her steps slowing, and she stumbled upon Marvin, who appeared lost in contemplation. His gaze stirred sympathy and concern in her, prompting her to approach and listen.
When Marvin noticed Maggie’s presence, a faint smile touched his lips. His emotions weighed heavily upon him, but he found comfort in sharing his burden with someone who understood. They settled into a quiet corner of the garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
“Grace never liked flowers,” Marvin initiated, shifting the conversation.
Maggie was curious. “What does Grace like, then?”
“She’s fond of cold weapons. In some ways, she’s similar to Aldrich.”
“If we hadn’t met in these circumstances, I think I would have fallen in love with this fierce girl.”
“Of course, she appears strong on the outside, but not as delicate as you.”
“But there’s something about her that draws you in.”
“Indeed, she’s the most wonderful and unique person. She exudes trustworthiness. She’s just, straightforward, responsible, much like Aldrich.”
Maggie couldn’t help but sigh. “I really wish I could be friends with Grace.”
“You’ll earn her respect for sure. Once Grace considers someone a friend or family, she’ll fiercely protect them. She’s very loyal.”
Through Marvin’s descriptions, Maggie’s feelings for Grace deepened. “We will find Grace and bring her home.”
“Home…” Marvin suddenly choked up. “Grace’s home is gone.”
Maggie misunderstood Marvin’s words. “I’m so sorry to hear that. While she and Aldrich are destined soulmates, it seems like they’re not happy together…”
“Aldrich’s mansion was never Grace’s home. It’s been a prison, trapping her in a destiny she couldn’t escape.”
“What about you?” Maggie looked at Marvin with hope in her eyes.
Marvin panicked, looking down. “No… no… I can’t give her…”
“Careful!”
As Marvin was about to stumble into a flowerbed, Maggie swiftly caught him.
“What do you mean? Grace loves you deeply, and now you’re considering giving up on her?”
“You don’t understand. When Grace chose me and defied the Moon Goddess, I got scared and ran away.”
Maggie was amazed by Grace’s brave choice to follow her true love and resist the Moon Goddess. “She wanted to elope with you back then. My goodness, that took so much courage!”
“Yes, but at the time, I was weak, cowardly, afraid of taking responsibility, so I rejected her.”
“Perhaps this is your second chance now?”
Marvin looked at Maggie with desperation, like a lost, helpless child. “Will I be able to get it?”
“Marvin!”
Maggie shook Marvin’s shoulders, trying to shake him out of his self-doubt. “Whether you’re worthy or not is something only you can decide. It’s your choice. Grace dared to defy the Moon Goddess. Are you still hesitating? You love her so passionately; this is the least you can do to honor your love for Grace!”
“You’re right. At the very least, I need to express my love to Grace.”
Maggie soothingly patted Marvin’s shoulder. “First, let’s bring Grace back. That’s the key.”
“I know. I just can’t fathom how she could forget everything we’ve shared. It’s hard to imagine she would leave me,” Marvin replied.
Maggie’s gaze softened with understanding, and her eyes brimmed with compassion. “Marvin, love can be a powerful and unpredictable force. Grace’s struggles may not necessarily reflect her true feelings. It’s possible that something beyond her control has clouded her memories. We need to hold onto hope and stay strong for her.”
Marvin’s shoulders slumped, a mixture of gratitude and helplessness filling his heart. “You’re right, Maggie. At least, she didn’t kill me.”
A heavy silence hung over them, the air thick with collective concern. Maggie searched for the right words, knowing that sometimes, silence held its own meaning.
In the tranquil embrace of the garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature, their conversation slowly faded into the symphony of rustling leaves and the gentle breeze. Each of them was lost in their thoughts, but they found solace in their unspoken understanding, knowing they were in this together. The journey to save Grace required their unwavering support, not just for her but for each other.