Meanwhile, Kira and Alix returned home, arms full of groceries. They entered chatting cheerfully and headed to the living room. Marlie and Katrina were fast asleep there.
"Let's not wake them," Kira whispered.
She offered to put the groceries away in the kitchen while Alix went upstairs to check on Miria.
The two separated. Kira had barely set the bags down when hurried footsteps thundered down the stairs. Alix rushed back down in panic.
"Kira!"
Kira came out of the kitchen, alarmed.
"What's wrong?"
"Miria is gone! I looked everywhere in her room, in the whole house… she's disappeared!"
Katrina woke with a start, eyes wide.
"What?!"
Marlie sat up too, still sleepy but instantly worried.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! I'm certain!" Alix replied, her voice trembling.
Kira thought quickly, her face tense.
"Where's Asher?"
A heavy silence fell over the group. Katrina brought a hand to her mouth.
"He's not here either…"
Marlie paled.
"They've both disappeared…"
Kira tried to stay calm, but the anxiety was clear on her face.
"Asher is probably with her… He must be protecting her."
Katrina, tears in her eyes, murmured:
"Let's hope so… For now, there's nothing else we can do but wait."
The atmosphere in the house grew heavy, filled with general panic and palpable worry.