Ever since Steven joined their team, Hellion had become invisible. He stopped contacting Elena about further clues and faded from her radar. Miranda made theories about his next move, but none of them connected with the previous events. Unfortunately for them, proof against Hellion and his reign of terror had gone without a trace. When explaining why the video of Isabella's Dad was no longer on her computer, Elena reasoned that a glitch had accidentally erased it. However, it was impossible to deny that someone they trusted had secretly deleted the footage. Betrayal had damaged their bonds with each other more than anyone wanted to admit. The last thing they wanted to do was gravitate towards their daily lives when suspicions were high. Elena promised a breakthrough soon, but how quick was she willing to throw information together to fabricate his plan? Miranda and Isabella chose to go back to school while Oliver continued stealing art.

Weeks passed as they went their separate ways. The two girls were studying in Bridgeside's library when Isabella's eyes lit up.

"I know that look. Did you figure out the answer to number five in geometry?" Miranda asked, looking up from her textbook.

"What if Hellion wanted us to stop tracking him?" Isabella responded.

"Not this again."

"Please, hear me out."

"The test is in two days and I'm still trying to do problems in chapter one. Your theory better not ruin my chances."

"Everything collapsed after we got our final member. Hellion removed himself from our radar because he's scared."

"How can an immortal demon be scared of people like us?" Miranda questioned.

"Remember what Elena said? We have more power together than apart. I bet he sees our group as a threat."

"I find that hard to believe. He could kill us easily. Why prolong the inevitable?"

"The ending is not as fun as the chase."

Miranda stared back at her textbook and mumbled, "I'm sorry. We used to be in this adventure for the long run, but I can't do it anymore. My grades are slipping every time we investigate another dead end."

"We promised to not give up. Promises must mean less to you than I thought they did."

Tears formed at the corners of Isabella's eyes as she grabbed her backpack and exited into the hallway.

"If Elena hadn't told me I possessed special powers then one of my best friends would continue to be by my side. People in ignorance are set free. The truth was made to cage anybody who challenged it," she thought.

Isabella went outside to clear her head for a moment. She laid down on the grass, submitting to the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind.

Suddenly, a new text message appeared on her phone, "Can you meet me at the old Moonshire Milkshakes Factory tonight? I understand if you don't wish to speak with me, but it's about your Mom. She's been keeping a secret from you for over ten years.

Love,

Dad."