Akuma's eyes widened in concern as she watched Zela's expression turn grim. "What's going on?" she asked, feeling a sense of unease.
Zela's eyes scanned the message again, her brow furrowed in concern. "I'm not sure," she said finally. "But I have a feeling it's not good. My mother doesn't usually summon me to the manor unless it's something important."
Akuma's curiosity was piqued. "What's the manor like?" she asked, feeling a sense of wonder.
Zela's expression turned wistful. "It's beautiful," she said. "The manor has been in my family for generations. It's a grand estate with sprawling gardens and a private lake. But it's also... complicated. My mother can be... difficult to deal with, sometimes."
Akuma's eyes widened in surprise. "Difficult?" she repeated.
Zela nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. My mother is a strong-willed woman who always gets what she wants. And sometimes, what she wants isn't always... good for me."
Akuma felt a pang of concern for Zela. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to have a mother who was so controlling and manipulative.
But before she could ask any more questions, Zela stood up, her expression determined. "I should go," she said. "My mother won't be pleased if I'm late."
Akuma nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. She had been enjoying her time with Zela, and she didn't want it to end.
But as she watched Zela walk away, Akuma felt a sense of determination. She was going to find out what was going on with Zela's mother, and she was going to do everything she could to help Zela.
As she walked back to her hut, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had a feeling that her adventure with Zela was just beginning.
The next morning, Akuma received a message from Zela, asking her to meet at the garden gate. Akuma arrived early, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation.
As she waited for Zela, Akuma couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring. Would Zela's mother be as difficult as Zela had described? And what did Zela's mother want with her, anyway?
As Akuma pondered these questions, she heard a rustling in the bushes. She turned to see Zela emerging from the underbrush, looking pale and worried.
"Akuma, I'm so glad you're here," Zela said, her voice trembling. "I need your help. My mother... she's not what I expected. And I think I'm in trouble."
Akuma's eyes widened in concern as she took in Zela's worried expression. "What's going on?" she asked, feeling a sense of determination. "Tell me everything."