Crystal's POV:
"What did you say? How? Why would Beryl suddenly disappear?"
My knees buckled underneath me, and Laura had to reach out and catch me before I slumped to the ground. A rush of anger shot through me. "I thought Rufus was supposed to bring Beryl to school! How can she be missing?"
My anxiety seemed to fuel Laura's, and her words just flew out of her mouth. "Yes, yes, Rufus was indeed supposed to do that, but something urgent came up this morning. He had to leave, so he asked a maid to take Beryl to the kindergarten. I just happened to drop by Rufus' place a while ago and found out that said maid hasn't returned. I had a hunch that something was wrong, so I asked the servants to look for the maid. They found her lying unconscious on a dirt path. So I immediately rushed here to make sure that Beryl is okay."
I could only stare at Laura, my eyes widening with every word she said. They registered in my brain, but it was as if my brain refused to process their implication.
Laura's expression turned glum. "But judging from your reaction, I'm guessing that Beryl isn't here, either."
I didn't waste another minute. I headed to the principal's office and asked for a leave of absence, and then proceeded to search the entire palace with Laura.
"Beryl!"
I called out her name until my throat burned, and
even then, I didn't stop. I couldn't relax for even one second. I checked the bushes in the garden, turning at the slightest movement I sensed.
Beryl had a naughty streak. She was like a wild rabbit, always running about and hiding in the most unlikely places. And so, I did not hesitate to search every corner of the palace, scouring every nook and cranny as often as I could.
Hours ticked by, and I could no longer contain my restless heart.
"Crystal," a voice called out from behind me.
I whirled around and saw Rufus. It looked like the news of Beryl's disappearance had already reached him, given that a large group of patrolmen was already scouring the area in his wake.
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