The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Andrew, Faith, and the others looked surprised but intrigued by Dr. Watson's unexpected appearance. "Dr. Watson, you're here?" Andrew asked a hint of amusement in his voice. "Do you happen to possess some secret expertise in ancient texts and missing pages?"

Dr. Watson chuckled, shaking his head. "Not precisely," he replied, "but I am quite skilled in deciphering codes and unraveling mysteries, thanks to my dear friend Sherlock."

Faith couldn't help but smile at the serendipitous encounter. "Well, we could certainly use all the help we can get," she said warmly, appreciating the offer of assistance.

Andrew nodded in agreement. "Indeed, your expertise would be most welcome," he said, genuine gratitude in his tone. "If there's anyone who knows the art of deduction and problem-solving, it's you, Dr. Watson."

Dr. Watson's expression turned serious as he addressed the group. "We must be cautious," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "Sherlock's disappearance and Madame Lavigne's daughter vanishing without a trace are indeed perplexing cases. It's almost as if they've been erased from existence."

Faith leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Do you have any theories?" she asked, her eyes focused on Dr. Watson.

He furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "It's difficult to say," he replied slowly. "There are many possibilities, but the lack of any evidence or leads suggests that these disappearances were carefully orchestrated to leave no traces behind."

Andrew crossed his arms, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "Someone with considerable power and knowledge of Arden must be behind this," he said, his mind racing with possibilities. "Perhaps it's someone who seeks to control the destiny of the kingdom or eliminate those who stand in their way."

Dr. Watson nodded in agreement. "That's a plausible theory," he said, "but we must not jump to conclusions. We must gather more information and analyze the evidence meticulously."

Faith took a deep breath, realizing the enormity of the task ahead. "So, where do we start?" she asked, determined to assist in any way she could.

Dr. Watson looked at her with a reassuring smile. "We start with what we know," he said, "and examine every detail carefully. Sherlock always said that the key to solving any mystery lies in the smallest of details."

"I still don't understand why they took one of our best Aces and Madame Lavigne's daughter," said Daiyu, "is it possible Sherlock found something...?"

Dr. Watson nodded, appreciating Daiyu's concern. "It's certainly a possibility," he replied. "Sherlock was known for his exceptional deductive skills and his relentless pursuit of the truth. He likely stumbled upon something significant, something that put him and Madame Lavigne's daughter in danger."

Andrew furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "If that's the case, then we need to pick up where he left off," he said, determination shining in his eyes. "We need to follow the trail of clues he left behind and uncover the truth."

Faith leaned forward, her eagerness to help evident. "But where do we find those clues?" she asked.

Dr. Watson smiled warmly at her. "We start by revisiting the last places Sherlock was seen," he said. "We retrace his steps and look for any signs of his investigation. We also need to talk to anyone who might have interacted with him recently, and gather as much information as we can."

Antheia nodded in agreement. "And we can't forget about Madame Lavigne's daughter," she said. "If we can find her, she might hold the key to understanding what happened to Sherlock."

Malcolm chimed in, "We also have to consider the possibility that there might be someone else pulling the strings, someone behind the scenes orchestrating all of this."

Romeo added, "And let's not forget about the missing page from the Book of Arden. It could hold crucial information about the disappearances and Arden's secrets."

As the discussion came to a close, Mr. Watson spoke up, "I suggest we reconvene tomorrow at the Academy and begin our search then. It's getting late, and we could use a fresh start in the morning."

The group agreed, and one by one, they began to disperse, thanking Mr. Watson for his assistance, until the only person left from the group was Malcolm, Antheia yawned softly, "I'm going to head to my quarters and get some rest," she said, stretching her arms.

Malcolm chuckled, "I think that's a wise idea, my dear. I should be heading back as well."

Antheia looked at Faith, a playful glint in her eyes. "Aren't you going to see Faith off?" she teased, linking her arm with Malcolm's.

Malcolm grinned, playing along with the joke. "Ah, yes, of course! I can't leave my dear friend without a proper farewell," he said, glancing at Faith with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Antheia then playfully tugged on Malcolm's arm, pulling him away. "Come on, you," she said, feigning impatience. "We'll see her tomorrow. Time to let her have a moment alone with Andrew."

Faith blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at Antheia's teasing. "Alright, see you both tomorrow," she called after them as they disappeared down the hallway.

Now alone with Andrew, Faith felt a surge of nervousness and excitement. She turned to him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Well, I guess it's just us," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Andrew hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Faith, I don't want you to leave. Stay with me, here, in the palace, in an adjoining room. It would make it easier for us to continue our investigation together."

Faith's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected invitation. "Stay with you?" she repeated, her mind racing with thoughts. "Andrew, that's quite scandalous. People might talk."

A mischievous glint appeared in Andrew's eyes as he leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing, "Oh, but I thought you enjoyed a bit of scandal. After all, kissing the prince shirtless isn't exactly conventional, is it?"

Faith blushed at the playful reminder of their passionate kiss earlier that night. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words as Andrew gently pulled her into the room.

"I promise, we'll be discreet," Andrew said, his tone sincere. "You're my ally in this,"

Faith's heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn't deny the magnetic pull drawing her closer to him. With a soft smile, she replied, "Alright, Your Highness. I'll stay."

As Faith agreed to stay, a mixture of excitement and nervousness washed over her. Prince Andrew stepped closer, his hand gently caressing her face and as he leaned in to place a soft kiss on her cheek. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but gasp at the unexpected yet delightful touch.

"I'm Andrew, not Your Highness," he whispered against her skin, his warm breath causing her heart to race even faster.

Faith's playful side emerged as she couldn't resist the opportunity to add a touch of sarcasm. "Oh, pardon me, Andrew," she replied with a smirk, looking up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's just so hard to keep track of all the titles and formalities in a palace full of royalty."

Andrew chuckled at her snarky remark, the tension between them easing as they shared a moment of lighthearted banter. His hand still gently caressed her cheek, and he couldn't help but admire the spark in her eyes and the way she kept him on his toes.

"You have a point," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "But I must insist, no titles between us. Just Andrew and Faith."

Faith's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she appreciated the genuine connection they were establishing. "Alright then, Andrew," she said with a smile.

And at that moment, as they stood in the dimly lit room, a new chapter in their adventure began. The mysteries of Arden awaited them, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. But for now, in the warmth of each other's presence, they felt a sense of comfort and belonging that neither of them had expected to find in this magical world of secrets and enchantment.