As time passed, Arissa grew increasingly anxious about Karson's absence. The sky darkened, and with the evening chill settling in, she decided to take his little brother, Karl, home with her to Serene's. When they arrived, Serene looked up from her chores, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"Who's this cutie?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Arissa hesitated, weighing her words. "Just a kid I found. He's staying with me for a bit," she said, hoping to downplay the situation.
Serene chuckled, her playful nature surfacing. "Aww, looks like you've got your own little Prince Charming! When will I get that kind of treatment?"
"What if I told you that's the Duke's son, Lord Karson?" Arissa replied, her gaze serious.
Serene's playful demeanor shifted instantly. "Oh sh—!" she exclaimed, her mouth falling open in shock. "You're not joking, are you?"
Arissa shook her head, glancing at Karl, who had fallen asleep on the couch, utterly worn out from the day. Gently, Serene draped a blanket over him, her expression becoming more serious. "This is serious, Arissa. What if something bad happens? Where did you find him?"
Arissa cut her off, her nerves getting the best of her. "Let's just focus on tonight. I'll make us dinner."
They spent the evening preparing a simple meal, the air filled with the comforting scents of herbs and spices. As they ate, the conversation shifted to Arissa's plans to move into her new home. She talked about her excitement for a fresh start, and how grateful she was to Serene for letting her stay. But even as she spoke, doubts lingered in the back of her mind.
"I'll start working at the café tomorrow," Arissa said, trying to sound optimistic. "It'll be nice to have my own space again."
Serene smiled, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "Just be careful. You're in a tough spot. And if anything goes wrong, you can always come back here."
Arissa felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Eventually, exhaustion took over. While Serene fell asleep on the bed, Arissa lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling. She replayed the events of the last few days in her mind, her heart heavy with worry. Thoughts of her family and Evie's threats loomed large, and the uncertainty of Karson's return gnawed at her until sleep finally overtook her.
The Next Morning
The morning dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the turmoil within Arissa. Serene's day off allowed them to shop for furniture together. As they navigated the bustling market, Arissa brought Karl along, entertaining him with snacks and silly stories.
"Do you think I can get a pet?" Karl asked between bites, his eyes wide with hope.
"Of course! Maybe a little dog or a kitten?" Arissa suggested, smiling at his enthusiasm. She felt a flicker of joy, the innocence of childhood temporarily lifting her spirits.
As they chatted, Arissa found herself lost in thought. "It's strange," she mused aloud, "taking care of the Duke's son when he has a whole staff at his beck and call."
Serene laughed lightly. "Maybe he just likes you better! Who wouldn't? You're charming."
Arissa rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that crept onto her lips. Yet as they finished arranging the furniture in her new home, the unease returned.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a sudden knock echoed through the small house. Arissa, finishing the last touches on her modest living space, glanced at Serene, who raised an eyebrow.
"Who could that be?" Arissa wondered aloud. The rain began to pour, heavy droplets tapping against the window, making the outside world feel distant and cold.
With a quick glance at Karl, who had fallen asleep on the couch, she opened the door. To her shock, Karson stood drenched, his expression a mix of concern and urgency.
"Get inside!" she urged, stepping aside to let him in. She quickly grabbed a towel and handed it to him, her heart racing. "What happened?"
"Thanks," he muttered, rubbing his hair dry. The tension in his shoulders told her something was seriously wrong. He sat beside Karl, who was blissfully asleep, his innocence a stark contrast to the storm brewing outside.
Arissa broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. "What's going on?"
Karson took a deep breath, clearly grappling with the weight of what he had to say. "Something's gone wrong. I found your father… and made him beg for mercy." He paused, the gravity of his words hanging in the air. "I didn't want to hurt him too badly, but he harmed someone important to me."
Arissa's heart raced at the mention of her father. "What do you mean?"
"I didn't see Evie at your place, but I wasn't worried. I went to the palace and found Michael in a panic. Evie's gone missing. The only lead we have is a forest where people enter... and never return."
The chill of his words sent a shiver down Arissa's spine. "We have to find her," she insisted, the urgency of the situation sinking in.
Karson nodded, determination etched on his face. "We will. But we need a plan."
Arissa felt a rush of adrenaline. "What do you suggest?"
"We can gather a few trusted allies from the court," he proposed. "But first, we need to make sure Karl is safe and settled."
As Karson gently roused his little brother, Arissa felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. This was no longer just about her or her family—it was about saving Evie, too. The stakes had risen higher than she ever imagined, and with Karson at her side, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the storm.