The special handcuffs clamped onto Rosebelle's wrists. She let out a guttural scream of pain. The energy sapping process began, and Juliana carefully monitored the data readings on her device. The room filled with an otherworldly hum as Rosebelle's suppressed magical energy was drawn out.

  Juliana studied the data closely, her brows furrowing in concentration. "Interesting," she muttered to herself. "Your magical energy is supressed, but the cap has been removed. It's like a controlled release, allowing you some subtle magical abilities. It explains why some people have experienced enhanced healing or predictive skills, but nothing too extraordinary. Shadowcroft's goal must be to stir up chaos and unsuppress magic on a grand scale, likely to gain new power and control over the world."

  Rosebelle, still panting from the energy drain, glared at Juliana through narrowed eyes. "What do you care about their plans? You're just using me for your own agenda."

  Juliana, unfazed by Rosebelle's accusation, replied, "I care because my daughter is connected to this mess, and I want to put an end to it. Now, let's move on to the memory removal device. I suggest you cooperate if you don't want to experience more pain."

  Rosebelle reluctantly nodded.

  Juliana, with a stern gaze, locked eyes with Rosebelle. "Where is Shadowcroft's base located?" she demanded, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

  Rosebelle hesitated, weighing the consequences. Finally, she spoke, "It's... it's right behind your lab. The base is cloaked using the same devices from here. Hidden in plain sight."

  Juliana's eyes widened in shock. "Behind my lab? How is that possible?" she muttered, processing the revelation. Rosebelle seized the opportunity to drop a hint. "Maybe you have a traitor among your ranks," she suggested with a sly smile.

  Juliana's mind raced, processing the information.

  Rosebelle continued, "The base is heavily guarded at 4 pm. No one would dare try to infiltrate it at that time. But early mornings are the best chance for an attack."

  Juliana placed her hands behind her back. "You've just given me a piece of valuable information, but there's more I need to know," Juliana declared, with her eyes locked onto Rosebelle's. "Who among my associates is working for Shadowcroft? Give me a name."

  Rosebelle hesitated. She contemplated within her mind about the identity of the traitor. After a moment of silence, she uttered, "I don't know a name, but they wear a silver locket with a crescent moon emblem. That's all I've seen. I swear."

  Juliana’s face darkened . "Behind my lab, right under my nose," she muttered to herself.

  Rosebelle, now growing impatient, demanded

  "I've told you everything you wanted to know. Let me go!"

  Juliana, however, remained steadfast. "Not yet. There's one more thing I need to do." She reached for the memory removal device, holding it up for Rosebelle to see. "This will ensure you won't be a threat anymore."

  Rosebelle's fear intensified, she pleaded desperately, “No! No Please, I don't want to forget who I am! I like who I am! I'm sorry for all of this, for causing trouble, but I don't want to lose myself! No! Don’t do it!"

  Juliana, with a heavy heart, responded, "I'm sorry, Rosebelle. But if you're going to be my daughter again, we have to do this. It's the only way."

  Just as Juliana prepared to activate the memory removal device, Runebelle stepped forward, interrupting the process. "Wait," Runebelle urged. “There's one more thing we can use Rosebelle for. If we erase her memories now, we might lose a crucial piece of information about Shadowcroft."

  Juliana considered Runebelle's words, contemplating the risk and potential reward. After a moment of silence, she reluctantly lowered the memory removal device. "Fine, but we can't afford to keep her in this condition for too long."

  Runebelle nodded, taking the Memory removal device and turned to Rosebelle. "There's something else you can do for us. Something important. Will you cooperate?"

  Rosebelle , overwhelmed by the events, simply nodded.

  Runebelle, with the memory removal device in hand, looked at Rosebelle coldly. "It'll have to wait until tomorrow. After we take down Shadowcroft, then we'll use that device on you; however, if you prove yourself to be useful, we won't use it on you. You'll have to follow my orders at all times."

  Rosebelle, still overwhelmed by the turn of events nodded in agreement.

  Risebelle, still groggy from her recent coma, sat up in her hospital bed, her eyes adjusting to the light. Beside her stood Jess, a flirtatious and vibrant presence, her attire exuding confidence. Runebelle, known to Risebelle as Sadie, the Sleuth of Shadows in Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows, entered the room with a purpose.

  "Hey, Risebelle, long time no see," Runebelle greeted with a nod.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Risebelle, trying to piece together the events leading to her hospitalization, replied, "Sadie, right? What brings you here?"

  "Got some business to attend to," Runebelle replied cryptically. She glanced at Jess and then back at Risebelle. "Mind if I have a word with you alone?"

  Risebelle, intrigued but still recovering, nodded. "Sure, Jess, I'll catch up with you later. Sadie, what's going on?"

  As Jess left the room, giving Runebelle a playful wink, Risebelle shot her a stern look. Once they were alone, Runebelle cut straight to the point.

  "I need Roselle's address. Can you help me out?"

  Risebelle, surprised by the request, hesitated for a moment before responding, "Why do you need her address? What's going on?"

  Runebelle kept her tone steady, "I've got some unfinished business to take care of."

  Risebelle squinted her eyes. "You better not be causing trouble for Roselle. She's been through enough."

  Runebelle met Risebelle's gaze. "I'm just tying up loose ends. Nothing more. So, do you know it?"

  Risebelle shook her head.

  "Sorry, I don't know where Roselle lives. We're not that close."

  Before Runebelle could respond, Jess, who had been lingering near the door, piped up with a mischievous smile. "Hey, I happen to know where Roselle lives. We've chatted a bit, and, you know, girl talk and all."

  Risebelle looked at Jess with shock. "You know where Roselle lives? Since when?"

  Jess strolled into the room, her playful demeanor unchanged. "Well, we became fast friends in the past few days. Girls connect on a different level, you know?"

  Runebelle raised an eyebrow, " If you know the address, just tell me."

  Jess leaned against the wall, her eyes on Runebelle. "Sure thing, Sadie. Roselle's place is on Color Street, number 23. You can't miss it."

  Runebelle nodded, acknowledging the information. "Thanks. I appreciate it. Risebelle, take care of yourself. I've got things to handle."

  As Runebelle exited the room, Jess turned her attention to Risebelle with a smirk. "So, Risebelle, how about a little celebration now that you're out of the hospital? I know this cool spot downtown."

  Risebelle, still processing the recent events and Runebelle's unexpected visit, replied with a stern tone, "Not today, Jess. I need some time to figure things out."

  Jess shrugged. "Alright, I’ll atleast walk you home, Risey.”

  Runebelle prepared to retire for the night. Runebelle, alone in her room found a moment of solitude to connect with her inner selves. Closing her eyes, she focused her thoughts on both her mother, Rune, and her sister, Sadie, in a mental invocation.

  "Mother, Sadie, tomorrow is the final battle. We've come a long way, and I need the strength of all three of us. Our fusion is our greatest asset, and I believe in what we can achieve together. We will be launching an all-out attack on Shadowcroft. I need both of you to be with me. Mother, your strength and wisdom, Sadie, your detective skills and insights into things. We've faced so much, and now it's time to end it."

  In the depths of her mind, Rune responded, "Runebelle , honey, we've been through a lot. I'll be there with you, guiding you with the wisdom I've gained. We'll face shadowcroft together as one, just like we always have. You've grown into a remarkable young woman, and I'm proud to be part of you."

  Sadie's echoed in Runebelle's mind, "Runebelle, you know I'm always ready for action. I wouldn't miss it for the world, not like I actually can miss, since were fused and all. Anyhow, I believe in us, sister. We’ll come out on top. Let’s kick their ass, together."

  Suddenly, as Runebelle was about to Doze off, she heard a sound from her computer. She checked it out and opened her email to find a message from an unexpected sender: Shadowcroft, or rather, Harty's hacked Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows account. The ominous message contained just a few chilling lines:

  "Dear Runebelle,

  I’ve seen your every move. You might think you have the upper hand, but remember, shadows linger where you least expect them. Tomorrow will be your last day in this world. But not just yours, Roselle and Risebelle's as well. No matter what you do, you cannot avoid your fates.

  Sincerely,

  Shadowcroft"

  The ominous message lingered on Runebelle's screen, its chilling tone echoing in the silent room. A sense of foreboding filled the air as she processed the implications of Shadowcroft's words. The mention of shadows and the claim of constant surveillance left Runebelle unsettled.

  Runebelle took a deep breath, centering herself. After closing the email, Runebelle whispered to herself, "I won't let Shadowcroft's mind games affect me. Tomorrow, we end this."

  Runebelle settled into her bed. The final battle awaited for them tomorrow.

  The early morning sun cast a gentle glow over Roselle's house as Runebelle approached. She knocked on the door, and after a moment, Mrs. Magenta opened it.

  "Hello, Mrs. Magenta," Runebelle greeted with a smile. "I need to talk to you about something important."

  Mrs. Magenta looked at Runebelle with confusion. “Oh my, you’re pretty tall! Are you one of Roselle’s friends?"

  Runebelle hesitated for a moment before giving a response. "I'm…I’m Sadie, The Sleuth of Shadows from Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. I know about your visionary powers, and I need your help."

  The mention of the game seemed to catch Mrs. Magenta off guard. She blinked, processing the information. "You play that game too?"

  Runebelle nodded. "Yes, and I know about your unique ability. It allows you to see future events before they happen. I've come here because we're facing a serious threat in a group known as Shadowcroft. I need all the help I can get."

  Mrs. Magenta’s shifted from suspicion to a look of surprise. “Wait…Did you say you were Sadie? The one who gave advice about dealing with shadows in the game?"

  Runebelle smiled. "That's me. I never thought explaining it that way would work, but I'm glad you played attention."

  Mrs. Magenta chuckled nervously. "Well, I took the advice to heart. But what's this about a threat?"

  Runebelle proceeded to explain the situation, detailing the events involving Shadowcroft, the Doppelgangers, and the impending final battle. Mrs. Magenta listened intently. The visions she gained through her powers of future sight was becoming more clearer in her mind.

  When Runebelle finished her explanation, Mrs. Magenta sighed. "I've been having unsettling visions lately, mostly about Roselle. I can feel that something big is about to happen."

  Runebelle nodded. "That's why we need your help. Your powers might be the key to understanding and countering the threats we face. Will you join us?"

  Mrs. Magenta hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I'll do whatever I can to protect Roselle and help you all. Let's face this together."

  Afer Mrs. Magenta expressed her willingness to help, she added, "There's just one problem, dear. Today is a school day. How are you going to manage all of this with school in the way?"

  Runebelle's eyes widened, and she suddenly felt a wave of panic. "School! Oh no! I completely forgot about school. What am I going to do?!?”