Michael: *He pauses, his gaze distant, wings subtly shining.* Indeed. She was last seen… in South Africa, near Cape Town. We need to focus our search there.
Michael's words are carefully chosen, a deliberate misdirection. Monja is safe, for now, with David and Jin-Woo in Germany, far from Darius's prying eyes. The twins… that was a mistake. Informing Euphoria's loudest mouth was a risk he couldn't afford to take.
Darius: *He strokes his chin, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. Something's off, but he can't put his finger to it. Instead of prying her played along.* Cape Town… yes, that aligns with the energy signal I've detected. I shall prepare a portal immediately.
Michael: *His heart pounds. He needs Darius to open a portal, but not to South Africa. He needs access to the Inbetween, the ethereal plane where lost souls drifts.* Actually, Darius, perhaps… perhaps a more direct approach is necessary. One that bypasses conventional travel.
He walks towards to edge of the cliff, the wind whipping his robes around him. Below, the world sprawls, a tapestry of green and brown.
Darius: *He tilts his head, his usual saccharine smile faltering.* Bypass conventional travel? Intriguing. Do elaborate, Michael?
Michael: *He closes his eyes, searching for the right deception. He can't reveal his true intentions, not yet.* There's a… a hidden pathway. A fold in reality, known only to a few. It requires a specific incantation, a ritual… one you, with your unique abilities, could perform.
Inside the opulent German apartment, Jin-Woo paces restlessly. Monja entered the room and sat down quietly, watching him, her expression unreadable.
Jin-Woo: *He runs a hand though his hair, unfamiliar features twisting in frustration.* This… this body. I simply can't get use to it, it's like wearing someone else's skin.
Monja: *She reaches out, her hand inches away from his arm but pulled away. The concern in her eyes is palpable.* I know… I know… But we'll find a way. Michael promised.
A sudden knock echoes through the apartment. David, ever vigilant, appears in the doorway, his hand resting on the hilt of a concealed blade. Tension hangs heavy in the air.
David: *He nods curtly towards Monja and Jin-Woo.* You have some visitors…
Monja: *A shiver runs down her spine. A visitor? Here? In Germany? An unsettling premonition washes over her.* Who?
David steps aside, revealing two figures standing in the hallway. Kids, her kids, Lloyd and Lerato. They grinned mischievously, their eyes gleaming with an unnerving light. The air crackles with a dangerous energy. Monja's blood runs cold. This is no friendly visit.
Lloyd: *He bounces on the balls of his feet, nothing like him, a predatory glint in his eyes.* Surprise, Mommy!