The moon cast its silvery glow on the beach, illuminating the scene where Mila and Anna faced the mysterious woman. The sound of the distant waves creates a rhythm that underscored the enigma surrounding them.
Mila unable to contain herself broke the silence. "Didn't you hear me? I said, who are you? she said fuelled by frustration.
The woman's features masked in shadows, met Mila's gaze. "Names are but labels in our world, my dear. Call me seeker of truths," she replied cryptically.
"What do you want from us?" Anna added, still wrestling with her own emotions.
A subtle smile played on the woman's lips. "You will find out in good time my child. Fate has woven a tapestry, and you find yourselves entangled in its threads. I merely observe the dance of destinies.
"Can you speak plain English please, I'm tired of people explaining only half of everything and then you need to figure out what that half means not even to think about the other half that you still need to figure out." Anna blurted out.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the beach, sending a shiver down Mila's spine. The twins now on high alert, felt the presence of a strange force at play.
Without warning, stealthy figures clad in black silently approached the beach, moving with grace and precision of trained ninja's, they converged around the mysterious woman.
Mila and Anna now acutely aware of the danger, found themselves immobilized by the nimble expertise of the ninja assailants, but recognized them immediately.
"Hey! aren't you the same guys that blew up my sister's car and got away with it? Anna demanded, her eyes narrowing with a fiery intensity.
The lead ninja, unmoved by Anna's accusation, remained silent, his mask concealing any hint of acknowledgement. The moonlight glinted of his weapon. He made a gesture with his hand to the others and before the twins realize they can't move and are surrounded by the ninja's.
The twins exchange glances, that only they understand but the mysterious woman step forward towards them and spoke. "Don't, you will only get hurt, these ninjas are so highly trained that not even Vincent Martinelli's so called pathetic training that he gave you will be a match for them.
Mila's brows furrow. "You know my father?" she asks but saw some familiarity in the woman's eyes when she stepped closer.
"It's much more than just know him cupcake." The woman said in a calm voice and stand in front of Mila. She lifts her hand and touch her cheek. Mila looked up into her eyes and she felt as if a part of her that was missing is there, she felt calm and loved and strangely for the first time in her life she felt protected. A tear escapes out of her eye and the woman wiped it with her thumb. "I will leave the both of you now but remember you need to be strong, the road ahead is not going to be easy and trust no one especially the ones closets to you." The woman walks towards Anna and gives her a hug, suddenly the ninjas enveloped her with swift silent motions and turned into shadows.
From within the shadows, the woman's voice echoed, "In the labyrinth of truth, whispers guide seekers. Trust not just what you see, but the echoes that resonate in your soul. In the dance of shadows, find the rhythm of your own destiny. The answers you seek may be veiled, but within the enigma lies the key to unravelling the tapestry of your existence. Embrace the unknown, for therein lies the essence of your journey."
The shadows disappeared and everything became calm quiet. Mila and Anna still caught in the aftermath, stood in stunned silence, their eyes reflecting a mix of awe and bewilderment. Both the twins stare at the spot where the mysterious woman vanished and the fading shadows where the ninja's had melted away.
For a moment they try to absorb of what just happened and as the realization sunk in, Mila and Anna exchange a glance, communicating without uttering a word.
Finally breaking the silence, Mila managed a breathless whisper, "What just happen, I mean did you see that?"
Anna, her voice equally hushed, responded, "I did, I saw it, but I don't understand a thing."
Just at Mila's feet, partially hidden beneath a layer of sand, a glint of gold caught her eye. Bending down, she picked up a golden piece puzzle piece. The letter "G" was elegantly engraved upon it, its surface reflecting the moonlight.
Mila held it up, her eyes widening in recognition. "Anna, look at this. Isn't this the same one Chad had?"
Anna, drawn to the gleaming puzzle piece, examined it closely. A spark of realization flickered in her eyes. "You're right. It's identical. The same 'G'.
"Come Anna, let's get this back to the boys quickly, maybe they will know." Mila said and started walking towards the house.
Anna hesitated. "Mila wait...we need still need to sort this thing between us. I can't live like this, you are my sister, and I love you." she pleaded.
Mila sigh and stopped in her tracks. She looked up and took a deep breath. She then turned around and looked at Anna. "Do you love him?"
"What?" Anna asks in surprise.
"You heard me, Anna. Do you love Alfonso?" Mila said again and fold her arms.
Anna nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes...I do, Mila, I love him with everything inside me.
Mila looked at Anna for a few seconds and then spoke. "Well then his yours Anna,"
Anna's eyes widened in surprise, the revelation hitting her with unexpected force "Excuse me?"
"Do I have to repeat everything Anna?" Mila said with irritation.
Anna, still processing Mila's unexpected response, stammered, "Mila, I never expected...I thought..."
"You thought I'd fight for him? Anna, love doesn't work that way. You know that it would be untrue if I tell you I'm not hurt or mad and even a bit relived, but love doesn't work that way. It's not a possession, it's a choice. If Alfonso chooses you, I won't stand in the way.