Chapter 30

Chapter 30

THE FAKE SMILE

Point of View: Luna Hart

As the shadow moves closer in my chamber, its face illuminated by the moon, my pulse beats like a drum. My dearest friend Mia is there, but her grin is contorted like a serpent, and her eyes are cruel. My back hits the wall as I back up, panting heavily. "Mia?" I spoke with a little whisper. "Why are you in this place?"

She chuckles, but it's not the same joyful laugh she had over lunch at work. Like ice shattering, it's chilly. "Luna," she utters softly. "You didn't believe that it was finished, did you?"

I grab my blanket tightly as my stomach turns around. My best buddy Mia is constantly sharing secrets and sweets. Her eyes are black like the monster's, and her face suddenly seems strange. "What brings you here?" With unsteady legs, I inquire. "What got you in?"

Her sneakers are soft on the ground as she takes a step closer. "Luna, I have been observing you. All along.

I moisten my eyes and shake my head. "No. I consider you a buddy.

Her teeth are white as she grins more broadly. "Luna, friends don't have secrets. However, you do. large ones.

My throat tightens. Does she recognize me as the missing girl from Hart Global, Luna Hart? I kept it from her and everyone else. Was it she who left the messages, the key, and the locket? "The messages were sent by you?" My voice cracks as I ask.

Her eyes shine as she nods. "Wise girl. But not intelligent enough.

My hand reaches for the door handle as I make a sudden leap for it. "Mr. Cole, Mom!" My voice is loud as I shout.

Mia snatches my arm, her claw-like fingers burrowing in. With her face near mine, she hisses, "Silence." Her eyes are cruel, yet her breath has a minty scent. My arm aches as I twist free and dash down the hallway.

"Assist!" I yell and rap on my mother's door. She opens it quickly, her eyes bright, her hair disheveled.

"Luna? What is— Her face becomes pale as she notices Mia behind me. "Mia?"

Mr. Cole, his pajamas rumpled, storms out of his room. His voice is stern as he says, "What's going on?"

Mia is standing there without a grin. Her voice is still lovely as she continues, "Luna is imagining things." "I came to see how she was doing."

I moisten my eyes and shake my head. "No! The monster is her! The texts were sent by her!

With loving arms, my mother draws me in. "Mia? Is that accurate?

Mia's grin fades as her gaze shifts to the door. Her voice is low as she continues, "You don't understand." "Luna is in danger." from everyone.

Mr. Cole advances, his expression grim. With his hand on the phone, he asks, "Explain."

Mia puts her hands up and backs up. Her voice is suddenly tremulous as she continues, "I'm trying to help her." "The actual boss is nearby." Nearer than you may imagine.

My stomach aches more. "Who?" I inquire in a low voice.

She gives me a melancholy face for a moment. "Luna, your family. The one they concealed.

My mother puts her palm to her lips as she gasps. "No," she mumbles.

Mia turns and dashes quickly for the door. She sneaks out as Mr. Cole reaches for her, and the door slams. He chases after it but returns with a flushed face. He locks the door and declares, "She's gone."

My mother gives me a strong embrace while trembling. She says, "It's okay," but her voice breaks.

I moisten my eyes and shake my head. My voice cracks as I add, "She was my friend." "Why?"

Mr. Cole bows down before me, his eyes kind. "We'll discover," he adds. "But with us, you're safe."

My heart is heavy, yet I nod. Mia? Assisting the monster? Is family the true boss? My mind is racing. The lights are bright as we settle in the living room. My mother pours tea with unsteady hands. I refuse to drink, yet the steam rises hot. My stomach is twisted too much.

Mr. Cole asks softly, "Tell us what she said."

I speak slowly as I tell them. Her remarks about family, the messaging, and her face. My mom's cup clatters on the table as her face becomes white. "Luna," she adds in a quiet voice. "I need to share something with you."

My heart is pounding as I gaze at her. "What?"

Her eyes are moist as she inhales deeply. Your father possessed a sister. Not Victoria. One more. I kept her hidden from you. Luna, she's nasty. Very poor.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. One more aunt? The actual boss? My stomach turns around. "Why?" I inquire in a low voice.

She gives a headshake. "Hart Global was what she desired." She caused harm to others. I believed she had left.

Mr. Cole nods, his expression solemn. "We'll locate her," he declares. "Prior to her discovering us."

My heart feels cold, yet I nod. Was Mia assisting her? My closest pal? My cheeks became heated with tears. My mother gives me a tender embrace. Then she murmurs, "We're together." "That's what counts."

I wipe my tears and nod. We turn the lights down and return to our beds. My mother remains at my side, holding my hand. I shut my eyes, but it's difficult to go to sleep. Worries and dreams coexist—the monster's visage, Mia's cruel grin, and a new aunt laughing in the shadows.

The next morning, the room becomes golden as the light peeks through the drapes. My mother wakes me up with a kind smile and a kiss. "It's breakfast time," she declares.

I sit up and nod. Even though I'm exhausted, I put on my clothes. Mr. Cole is cooking eggs in the kitchen, and they smell delicious. The meal is burning in my stomach while we eat in silence. Mr. Cole states in a quiet voice, "We need a plan." "To locate this aunt."

My mother nods, concerned in her eyes. "However?"

He gives a headshake. "I'll give buddies a call. Police as well.

I poke my egg and nod. My mind instantly conjures up Mia's face and her cruel gaze. She did it, but why? Was she terrible all the time? The thought of that makes my heart ache.

The grass is nice underfoot as I play outdoors after breakfast. Birds are chirping and the sun is pleasant. I attempt to forget by kicking a ball. Then I see a little camera with a red flashing light in the bush. My heart stops. With icy palms, I grasp it. It is similar to the last one. They continue to observe.

I dash in and show Mr. Cole. "Observe!" I exclaim, raising my voice.

His face becomes white. He grabs luggage and adds, "We have to go."

My hands are shaking as we pack quickly. I glance back at the home as we go out. A shadow moves, and I hear the rustling of the trees. It's Mia, waving good-bye with a sorrowful expression on her face. However, she is holding a phone with a lighted screen.

The road is lengthy as we drive away. My mother cradles me in her arms. "It's alright," she murmurs.

However, it isn't. In my pocket, my phone buzzes. The screen is bright when I take it out. A fresh message: Luna, you cannot flee your family. I'll see you shortly. My heart freezes as I see the sender's name: Mia.

I scream out and drop the phone. Mr. Cole shouts as the automobile swerves. A black automobile speeds up outside and hits us from behind. The impact jars my bones as we smash into
a tree while the world swirls.

As everything goes dark, I hear a voice—Mia's—laughing beside me.