malefica arcana

CHAPTER FIVE

THEY CONTINUED TO WORK. Despite their apprehensions about the disappearance of Lina, the twins continued to go about their day like nothing happened. But the conversation between Marie and Felipe continued to unsettle them. They did not have to speak about it for that to be the fact. The unease simmered beneath their outward composure, manifesting in subtle gestures and tense silences. 

Each passing moment without news of Lina deepened their sense of foreboding. Yet, they maintained their facade, determined not to let their fears consume them entirely. It was a delicate balance between feigned normalcy and the gnawing worry gnawing at their hearts.

Juana glanced at Julian, her expression mirroring his own concern. "Do you think we should say something?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Julian shook his head, his eyes fixed on the ground as they walked. "I don't know. What if it just makes things worse? We don't even know where to start looking."

"But we can't just ignore it." Juana insisted, her voice growing more determined. "What if she's in trouble? What if—"

Julian sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know, I know. But what can we do? We're just kids."

"Maybe we should tell someone older, maybe...we should find someone." Juana suggested, her gaze searching his face for agreement.

"Like who?" Julian countered, frustration evident in his tone. "Who would even believe us?"

Juana chewed on her lip, considering her brother's question. "What about Felipe? I know he's a long shot, but he's always been nice to you, and he might know what to do. At the very least, he might listen."

Julian frowned, mulling over the idea. "Yeah, maybe. But what if he thinks we're just being paranoid? Or dismisses us, like he already does. Besides, he might know Lina better than we do. He might know she liked the idea of running away in truth."

"We have to try, Julian." Juana insisted, stopping in her tracks and turning to face Julian. "I can't shake this feeling that something's really wrong. And it's getting worse."

Julian met her gaze, seeing the genuine fear reflected in her eyes. Sighing heavily, he nodded. "Okay, let's go talk to him later. Maybe he can help us figure out what to do."

"Yeah, we—"

"Juana!"

As Marie approached, Juana and Julian exchanged a quick glance, a silent communication passing between them. Juana felt a surge of anxiety, her throat tightening as she forced a smile onto her face. Julian, ever the composed one, did his best to appear unaffected, though his heart raced with apprehension.

"Good day, Ms. Marie," Juana greeted, her voice betraying none of her inner turmoil. "What do you need?"

Marie's expression was inscrutable as she delivered her message. "The lady has called upon you to be in her presence."

Juana's stomach churned with nerves, but she managed a nod. "O-oh, I see. Then I shall go."

"I'll lead you there." Marie offered, turning her attention to Julian. "Felipe will be looking for you. You can't leave him to deal with the stables alone."

Julian's facade faltered for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "Y-yeah, I'll be on my way now." he replied, his voice betraying a hint of unease.

With a final glance exchanged between the twins, they nodded at each other. Juana turned her head slightly to glance back as she followed Marie. Julian nodded at his sister and pursed his lips into a flat line. He hoped that this lingering feeling would disappear soon enough.