𝕄𝕪 𝔾𝕚𝕣𝕝𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕝𝕗

Chapter 2: The Disappearance

William's apartment was modest, a small space cluttered with textbooks and random items scattered from his daily routine. The elf looked around nervously, her wide eyes tracing the walls and furniture as if they might come to life and attack her.

William looked down to meet her gaze. "I need to go to school," he said, glancing at the clock. He was already late. "You can stay here, but *don't leave.* It's dangerous for you out there."

The elf blinked, her expression blank, as though she didn't fully understand. Still, she nodded slowly, her silver hair falling messily over her face.

He pointed to the couch. "Stay hidden. I'll be back as soon as I can."

With one last look to make sure she wasn't about to bolt, William hurried out the door. His mind raced as he headed back toward school, thoughts tangled in a web of confusion and fear. *An elf?* In his city? How was this possible? He'd only read about these creatures in books, but there she was-real, trembling, and scared.

Classes were a blur. His mind was entirely focused on the girl back at his apartment. Every second he spent in the school felt like an eternity. He debated leaving early, but knew it would raise suspicion. He could barely focus, his leg bouncing impatiently under the desk. All he could think about was her-was she safe? Was she still there?

Finally, the bell rang. William wasted no time. He dashed out of the classroom, ignoring the confused looks from his classmates, and raced home, his heart pounding in his chest.

As soon as he pushed open the door to his apartment, his stomach dropped. The elf was gone.

"Hello?" William called out, his voice echoing through the empty space. There was no response. Panic set in as he rushed from room to room, searching every corner, every hiding place, but there was no sign of her. The couch cushions where she had sat were neatly in place, as if she had never been there at all.

A thousand questions flooded his mind. *Did she leave? Was she taken?* His heart raced faster. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong.

Just as he was about to rush back outside to search for her, there was a knock at the door. His heart leapt into his throat, and he hesitated before opening it.

On the other side stood a middle-aged woman from his building, her face slightly concerned but smiling. "William, dear," she said, her voice warm, "I wanted to ask... was that your sister I saw earlier?"

William froze. "sister?"

"Yes, the one with the silver hair. She was walking around outside, but she looked like she was in some kind of costume. I thought it was adorable-like an elf or something!" The woman chuckled softly.

His mind raced. *She'd gone outside?* He forced a smile, trying to keep his voice steady. "Yeah... uh, that was her. Thanks for letting me know."

"Well, she seemed a bit lost, so I pointed her toward the main street. I assumed she was heading to meet you or a friend."

William's blood ran cold. *The main street?* That was the busiest part of town. If anyone else had noticed her, it could lead to a disaster. He nodded quickly, thanking the woman again before rushing past her, his heart hammering in his chest.

He sprinted through the halls, his mind spinning with worst-case scenarios. He'd told her not to leave. How much had she understood? And if she was wandering around in broad daylight, what were the chances she'd get caught?

The busy street came into view, and William's eyes darted in every direction, scanning the crowds for any glimpse of silver hair. Panic gnawed at him as the throng of people seemed to swallow everything in sight.

He had to find her-before someone else did.