𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗺 ⟡ Espresso CRK [Book 2]

Chapter 47

No'ones Pov

"Dad, wait!" Walnut called, trying to keep up with Almond and Red Velvet, "I- Oof!"

Walnut stumbled back, rubbing her nose as she collided with someone. She looked up, seeing the glimmering, silky blonde hair belonging to Sparkling.

"My bad kid," Sparkling said apologetically, looking down at him with a half smile. "Hmm...you're Almond's kid, Walnut, right? What are you doing?"

Walnut stood on her tippy-toes, craning her neck to look over Sparkling's neck. She tried to spot her dad among the party of guests before giving up with a grumble.

"Nothing," she answered, and Sparkling raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Sure," Sparkling shrugged, taking the answer. "Almond will be complaining to me when he drinks, so..."

"Well, not to take up too much of your time. I'm going to go now," Sparkling chuckled at Walnut's scowl.

Sparkling looked in another direction, his smile fading quickly into a concerned look. Walnut followed his gaze, spotting Espresso striding across the room as Madeleine chased him, looking equally upset. Sparkling spoke, "I'm going to make sure Espresso's okay...he seems..."

Sparkling paused, searching for a way to describe Espresso's demeanour. He settled on one and continued, "His vibe eerily resembles the one he used to have. When he recently moved into the kingdom and isolated himself."

"Well, that's worrisome," Walnut remarked, eyebrows furrowing.

Oh, I can't be distracted and follow Espresso! I need to help my dad reach my Cream Puff and the others! Walnut thought, turning her attention to Sparkling.

"Yeah, you should probably do that. I'm gonna go," Walnut nodded, patting him on the shoulder.

Walnut ran down the large corridor until finally catching up to her father and Red Velvet, startling Almond. Red Velvet was too lost in his own stress to react, his hands combing back his hair again and again. Meanwhile, Almond gave Walnut a stern stare that could make a child cry.

"Walnut, I thought I made it clear to stay with them," Almond scolded, causing Walnut to pout.

"These hallways can also be confusing. I can help you find them faster. Walnut protested.

Almond took in a deep breath and exhaled. Clearly, he was dissatisfied but chose not to scold her further. "Well then? How will you find them when you haven't been with them?"

"Give me a second," Walnut reassured, taking out her walkie-talkie.

She flipped over the device, where there was a flap. Sliding the lid open revealed a black screen with three dots on it: Two red ones and a white one in the center of a green circle. The white dot blinked and moved as Walnut did, indicating it was her walkie-talkie.

The instrument caught Red Velvet's attention, who managed to calm down long enough to ask curiously, "What's that you're holding?"

"A tracker. The walkie-talkies came along with it," Walnut explained. She pointed at the red dots, tapping the still shapes. "They're here."

"We can reach them without your walkie-talkie. That's something my ability can take care of," Almond said gruffly, "But thank you. I guess."

"Hmph..." Walnut huffed, sulkingly, "Okay, but you look funny when you use your ability."

"I do not," He scoffed. He pinched his index finger with his thumb, then peered through the space in between. A blue glass-like material appeared between, and through it, Almond could see clues, including footprints related to a crime.