Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl was taken aback; he really meant to be and act like her father.

"Okay," she relented.

Half an hour later, Pearl and Santiago made it to Jesselton Manor. The front doors were shut tight, almost as if they knew Pearl was coming and didn't want to let her in.

Pearl remembered there was a hidden way in, a secret passage she knew about, thanks to Howard.

After a quick chat, Santiago agreed to stay by the doors while Pearl would sneak in through the secret way. Santiago was worried about her going alone but Pearl insisted, and he finally agreed to let her go.

Pearl walked around the perimeter until she reached the west side. There, she noticed a stone in the wall that looked odd because it was a different color than the others. It seemed new. With a bit of effort, she moved the stone and found the secret passage. Taking a deep breath, Pearl stepped into the passage. It was dark and seemed to go on forever, but eventually, she saw light ahead.

"You took your tgetting here," said a voice as she emerged into the light.

It was Howard, standing not too far away. Pearl, with a hint of anger in her voice, demanded, "Where did you take my mom?" Howard laughed, trying to lighten the mood, but Pearl was not in the mood for games. She was convinced Howard had something to do with Saule's disappearance, especially after remembering sscary details from before.

"You finally came, so why start with such a serious topic?" Pearl was very sure Saule was taken by Howard. Remembering the blood on the floor, her heart skipped a beat.

"I'm not here to waste time," Pearl said firmly.

Howard sighed, looking a bit sad. "You're as blunt as ever." Suddenly, Pearl moved quickly, and before Howard knew it, she had a knife pressed against his throat.

Howard tried to stay calm. "So reckless. You'll never know where your mom is if you kill me." Pearl pressed the knife a bit more but then said, "I'm not going to hurt you, you better tellwhere she is, or you'll regret it." S Pearl was usually not one to take matters into her own hands, but this was different. Her mom was in danger. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Howard finally gave in and nodded toward a nearby shed. "Okay, I'll stop teasing you. The person you want to see is in that shed." Pearl sheathed her knife and took a few steps back, her eyes fixed on Howard. "Don't think I'll just let slide if you're tricking me," she warned him. ŚwHoward twirled his beard between his fingers, looking amused. "I have no reason to trick you," he said casually. Despite her doubts, Pearl was determined to check the shed for herself.

Once she was ready, Pearl entered the shed and was shocked to find Saule there, badly hurt and unconscious.

She rising. Carefully checking for any et life, Pearl sighed in relief ver to Saule, panic when she felt Saule's weak breath. Without wasting any time, she lifted Saule onto her back, preparing to get them out of there fast.

But as she reached the door, she saw someone blocking the way, smiling ominously.

"Why are you leaving so soon?" Suddenly, Pearl felt her strength leave her, and she, along with Saule, collapsed to the floor.