“Shadowcroft.”

  The mere sight of that name filled her with shivers. Runebelle khat this could only meahing: the anization that had been a dark shadow in her past had resurfaced in her present.

  Trembling, she clicked on the message, her fingers dang on the keyboard curiosity. The message tained only a few cryptic words:

  “MEETING: PARK AT 4 PM. DON’T BE LATE.”

  Runebelle’s eyes remained fixed on the ominous message from “Shadowcroft.” The implications were clear - they wao meet, and the message was a directive, not a request. The name “Shadowcroft” brought back memories of a time she had tried to leave behind, a past filled with secred danger.

  This is not good. Why had they resurfaced in her life now?

  The clo her wall ticked away, remindihat m was drawing near. Runebelle khat she couldn’t ighe message. She o prepare for the meeting, even though it meant delving bato a world she had hoped to leave behind.

  With a heavy heart and a mind filled with questions, Runebelle replied to the message with a simple, “I’ll be there.”

  Runebelle’s Mother spoke in worry. “Why did you agree to meet them, dear? This is a risky move, and it’s brought baany memories.”

  “I know, Mother. It’s a risk I have to take. I o find out what they want and why they’ve resurfaced.”

  Sadie chimed in. “I uand your decision, Runebelle. You don’t know how they figured out who you are, but you also know that we ’t ighis. If we show fear, we wouldn’t be the “Sleuth of Shadows”, now would we? With the three of us together as one being, were going to be able to think oep ahead of them. We’ll be cautious and prepared.”

  The day at school, as Runebelle navigated the corridors filled with students. She smile when spotting her friend Mi the distance. Mica practically luoward her. Runebelle who was aced to these eic greetings, was ready to catch her in a well-practiced routi had bee almost a daily occurrence.

  Runebelle chuckled while setting Mica ba her feet. She raised one finger and scolded, “Mica, yoing to get yourself hurt one of these days with these surprise tackles.”

  Mica’s eyes sparkled. “But it’s worth it for a hug from you!”

  Runebelle and Mica walked side by side through the bustling corridors, the lively chatter of their cssmates filling the air. Despite the familiar fort of Mica’s presence, Runebelle couldn’t shake the unease from the curious gnces and whispered versations from the students around them.

  Mica, ever excitable, looked up at Runebelle with a bright smile. “So, Runebelle, have you thought about where we could go out together someday? I’ve got a whole list of pces we could check out!”

  Runebelle smiled softly. “I... I’m not sure. Where do you have in mind?”

  Mica’s eyes lit up. “Okay, how about we go to the amusement park? There’s this new roller coaster that everyone is talking about!”

  Runebelle shook her head. “I’m not really a fan of roller coasters. They make me feel queasy.”

  Mica pouted but quickly recovered. “Alright, how about a cert? There’s a really cool band pyi weekend.”

  Runebelle hesitated. “certs be a bit overwhelming for me. Too loud and too many people.”

  Mica tapped her thoughtfully. “Hmm, okay. How about a movie night? We could go see the test a film.”

  Runebelle sighed. “I’m not really into a films. They be a bit too intense.”

  Mica raised a hand under her . “There has to be some pce we go together someday! What about a quiet cafe? Just the two of us, sipping on some hot chocote and talking for hours?”

  Runebelle’s eyes softened. She then nodded. “That sounds nice, Mica. A quiet cafe would be perfect.”

  Mica beamed. “Great! It’s a date then! We’ll find the coziest, quietest cafe and make it our special spot.”

  Runebelle’s heart warmed at the thought. “I’d like that. Thank you, Mica.”

  Sadie’s words from the previous night resurfaced in her mind momentarily. The message from “Shadowcroft” had hi a potential meeting, and the possibility of their presen the school was not something she could dismiss.

  The was in a state of chaos, with students talking loudly, some pying around, and causing mischief. Papers flew through the air, and hushed giggles and whispers filled the room. Runebelle, as usual, sat in her quiet er, away from the otion.

  When the noise reached its peak, the door swung open, and a man with spiky bck hair, dressed in a crisply pressed dress shirt and pants, ehe room. His gsses sat perched on the bridge of his nose. He had the at of an Englishman.

  “Settle down, css,” he announced calm yet stern.

  Students quickly rushed to their seats. The teacher’s presence alone was enough to restore order.

  The teacher addressed the css. “I trust you all had an enjoyable summer break, but now it’s time to get back to work. I have a small annouo make. We will have a test this Friday.”

  A collective groan echoed through the . The sudent’s all wore frowns as well.The teacher raised one hand. “Now, now, it won’t be a lengthy exam. I expect all of you to pass with flying colors. The material is as straightforward as it gets, and I’m here to ensure you succeed. I believe in your abilities.”

  With a subtle nod, he began the day’s lesson, guiding the students through the subject matter. His teag style was both engaging and effective, and soon, the initial groans transformed into focused attention.

  The final bell of the school day rang, signaling the end of css. The teacher said, “Remember, everyohe test is just three days away. I have every fidehat you’ll excel. Now, don’t fet to review your notes and prepare well.”

  Amidst the shuffling of books and chatter, the teacher gently approached Runebelle. “Runebelle, a moment, if you will.”

  Runebelle stopped and turo the teacher. “Yes, sir?”

  The teacher spoke in a measured tone, “I noticed that you’re often alone in the and that yrades have remai an average level. Runebelle, have you sidered joining any clubs aging iracurricur activities?”

  Runebelle was taken aback by the question but replied, “I did join a club this year, the ‘Artisans of Imagination.’”

  The teacher nodded. “That’s a positive step. Being part of a club help you ect with others and improve your overall experience here. By the way, have you ever pyed ‘Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows’? It’s bee quite popur tely.”

  Runebelle’s i iqued. “Yes, I’ve pyed it before. Why do you ask?”

  The teacher smiled and remained in a casual tone. “”I couldn’t help but overhear some students discussing the game Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. It seems to be quite the topic of versation tely, especially among ye group.”

  Runebelle, intrigued by the mention of the game, nodded. “Yes, it’s gained a lot of popurity retly.”

  The teacher tinued, “Ah, I see. Well, I wao mention that I’m the head of the chess club here at the school. We hur meetings, and it be intellectually stimuting. I thought you might be ied in joining.”

  Runebelle sidered her itments to the Artisans of Imagination club and politely said. “Thank you for the offer, sir, but like I said, I’m already a member of the ‘Artisans of Imagination’ club. I appreciate it, though.”

  The teacher nodded. “Of course, Runebelle. Should you ever ge your mind, the invitation remains open. Have a good day, and do your best in preparing for the test.”

  The park was bathed in the soft, golden hues of the te afternoon sun as Runebelle stood by the designated meeting spot assigned by Shadowcroft. The time on her wristwatch read 4:01 pm., Sadie and her Mother, ever present ihoughts, were ready to assist Runebelle in any way they could.

  As the miicked by, Runebelle sed the area, but there was no sign of anyone from Shadowcroft yet. The park was filled with people going about their business. Runebelle couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, and her heightened senses were on high alert.

  Runebelle soon focused her gaze on the bushes, she spotted a faint rustling among the leaves and branches. It was a subtle movement, easily missed by the casual observer. Without hesitation, Runebelle called out with a firm yet calm voice, “I see you. e out.”

  The seds that followed felt like ay as the rustling in the bushes ceased, and Runebelle, her heart pounding with anticipation, waited for the members of Shadowcroft to reveal themselves.

  The figure emerged from the bushes, revealing a delicate yet captivating charm. His short, ly bed hair framed his face perfectly, and his features had a certaihereal quality. Striking clear green eyes held a spark of curiosity, and his slender frame and graceful posture added to his unique allure.

  With a hint of shyness, he introduced himself, “Hi… I’m Harty, from the chess club.”

  Runebelle, though initially on edge, sensed a different energy from this person, not the foreboding presence she had expected from Shadowcroft. She responded, “Runebelle, o meet you.”

  Harty’s demeanor suddenly shifted. He seemed to transform into a different person in just a single heartbeat. “You should be more careful with revealing your name, Runebelle,” he advised. “The truth is, I’m the one who sent that message. I’ve been trying to uhe identity of the Sleuth of Shadows, and now I know.”

  Runebelle’s heart raced. Her true identity as the Sleuth of Shadows was exposed to Shadowcroft!

  Runebelle growled. “So, what do you pn to do now that you know? Are you going to reveal my identity to the world?”

  Harty, shook his head. “No, Runebelle. The identity of the Sleuth of Shadows should remain a secret until the time is right. I’m not here to expose you. In fact, I could use someoh your skills and knowledge in a certain iigation. But first, you have to promise me ohing.”

  Runebelle was intrigued by his proposal. “What do you wao promise?”

  Harty’s green eyes bore into hers. “Promise me that you’ll assist me in solving a case, ohat’s ected to the doppelgangers and the mysterious events you’ve been iigating. If we work together, we uhe truth and protect our fellow students from these strange occurrences.”

  Runebelle pted Harty’s offer, tapping her head. “Wait a minute, aren’t you from Shadowcroft? Why would you –“

  Harty quickly interrupted, “No, no, no! I wasn’t part of Shadowcroft, Runebelle. I’m a detective in training, and I have a detective’s club at school. I’ve heard rumors about Shadowcroft, but I’m not ected to them in any way. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Runebelle’s face darkened. She had been ready to face her greatest fear, and now she realized it was just a game to this stranger.

  “You tricked me,” Runebelle hissed with rising fury. “Shadowcroft is responsible for the doppelganger is that ruined my life. You think this is a game to me?”

  Harty’s eyes widened in shock at the raw emotion emanating from Runebelle. “I... I didn’t mean to—”

  Runebelle didn’t let him finish. She took a step forward”You don’t get it, do you? Shadowcroft is not just some rumor or a name whispered in the dark. They destroyed everything I cared about. They took away my family, my peaind, and you... you think it’s funny to py detective and use their name!?”

  Without thinking, Runebelle raised her hand and delivered a swift, stinging sp to Harty’s cheek. He fell to the ground and appeared to have lost sciousness after the sp. His gsses flew off of his face.

  Runebelle’s Mother, who had been a silent observer in her mind, spoke with .“Runebelle, you khe puy right out. I’ve never seen you so angry before… in fact, iv’e never seen you angry at all!”

  With her chest heaving from anger, Runebelle decred, “I will not be toyed with by the likes of you!”