Elena's POV
At the Airport, 9:00PM
I held Evan tightly in my arms.
His small body shook against mine, and I could feel his tears soaking into my dress.
"I don't want to go," he cried.
I closed my eyes and held him closer.
"I don't want you to go either," I whispered.
My throat felt tight, but I forced myself to speak.
"You have to go, Evan. If that red lady comes back and sees you, I won't forgive myself."
He pulled back slightly, his eyes red and wet.
"I can stay and protect you, mama," he said, his voice breaking.
My heart ached.
I cupped his cheek gently and wiped his tears with my thumb.
"You're very brave," I said softly. "But I need you safe."
I leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
A voice echoed through the speakers.
"Passengers boarding for Tsinq State should proceed to the gate."
Evan clung to me again.
"I don't want to go," he cried.
I held him for a moment longer, then slowly released him.
I nodded toward Agnes, who stood a few steps away, watching us quietly.
"Go," I said softly.
Evan hesitated, then slowly walked toward her.
He kept turning back to look at me.
I forced a small smile.
Agnes held his hand and led him away.
I stood there until they disappeared.
Even then, I didn't move.
Minutes later, I watched the plane lift into the sky.
It grew smaller and smaller until it was gone.
I wrapped my arms around myself.
I hope I made the right choice.
****
On the road, 9:30PM
The cab moved quietly through the streets.
I leaned my head against the window and watched the houses pass by.
Lights flickered in the distance.
The night air slipped in through the slightly open window and brushed against my skin.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Everything felt heavy.
My thoughts moved from Evan… to Hazel… to the journal in my bag.
"Take me to the Blossom estate," I told the driver.
I needed to get something before leaving.
He nodded.
*
Elena's House, 9:50PM
The door clicked open. I stepped inside quickly and headed straight to my room.
I didn't waste time.
I packed important things into a small bag.
Then I picked up the journal.
My fingers lingered on it for a second before I placed it carefully on top and zipped the bag.
I stepped out of my room into the parlor.
And then—
Something hit my shoulder hard.
I lost my balance and fell to the floor.
Pain shot through my body.
I looked up.
A woman in red spun gracefully in the air before landing lightly on her toes.
My breath caught.
It was Piper Redding.
She looked at me calmly, like she had been waiting.
"Mark today's date, Elena," she said, her voice steady.
"It's July 29th. Year Nineteen," she said slowly.
Then she nodded toward the clock on the wall.
"Look at the time."
My eyes moved without thinking.
"Keep it in your head," she continued. "Today is going to be a memorable day."
My heart began to race.
She brought out a gun.
Everything inside me froze.
So many thoughts rushed through my mind at once.
I looked at the clock again.
And then—
Everything went quiet.
I looked up and saw that Piper was standing completely still.
Her eyes fixed ahead.
She wasn't moving.
I pushed myself up slowly.
My breathing became uneven.
Then I saw something small glinting in the air.
I stepped closer, very slowly and carefully.
My eyes moved from Piper… back to it.
My heart pounded.
I reached out slightly.
It was a bullet.
Hanging in the air.
Right in front of me.
I turned to Piper again.
She was frozen.
Time had stopped.
My chest tightened.
Without thinking, I grabbed my bag and ran out of the house.
My feet hit the ground hard as I rushed into the street.
I didn't look back. I just ran past houses, toward the entrance of the estate.
My breath became heavier with each step.
My head started to hurt.
I slowed down.
Then stopped.
Pain shot through my head.
I dropped to the ground, holding my head tightly.
I heard voices and whispers all at once.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Stop…" I muttered.
But it didn't stop, instead it grew louder.
My body felt heavy like I was pulled down by an invisible force.
I stayed there, breathing hard, my hands pressed against my head while the whispers grew louder.