Charlotte and Vagatha haven't stopped pestering me since that fool Angel disappeared, urging me to take steps to find him... It's out of the question for me to stoop to worrying about that depraved individual!

However, since lunch, a lingering sensation grips my stomach... Melody is gone. When I didn't see her in the dining room during lunchtime, I checked her room. Finding her absence, I didn't linger, convinced she was probably with Nifty... Yet strangely, it deeply disturbs me...

Why? Why did I flee as soon as I saw her earlier? She was radiant in that dress... I couldn't meet her gaze... Why? My heart raced the moment I glimpsed her... Why am I like this in her presence?

After this morning's events, a multitude of questions swirl in my mind, but one in particular now haunts me.

Where have you gone, Melody?... I must admit it to myself... I believe that... I'm worried about her... I must find her... Now!

Me: - Husker, have you seen Melody?

Husker: - No, not since this morning. Why?

He responds with a mischievous air, which displeases me, and I threaten to repeat what happened this morning... What could he possibly still imagine? Don't I have the right to worry about her?

Husker: - She must have gone out, her cape isn't here...

So, she went out... Why does that worry me even more? Where did she go? Why hasn't she returned yet? Why didn't she tell anyone about leaving?

I feel growing anxiety... My chest tightens like in a vice... Will she come back? So many clients have already left... Why would she be any different? I... I want her to come back!

I am snapped out of my thoughts by the animated conversation between Vagatha and Charlotte.

Charlotte: - Oh no!

Vagatha: - Babe, what's wrong?

Charlotte: - It's Mel... She has...

She has what? I leap off the stool where I'm sitting and stride quickly over to Charlotte, who holds a piece of paper in her hand.

I motion for her to pass it to me. Charlotte complies, her worried look saying it all, and I understand why after reading the message.

"I went to find Angel, I'll be back soon, promise. Signed, Melody"

What has she undertaken? My heart and my whole being race, plunging me into a nameless turmoil... May fate ensure she didn't encounter Valentino, Velvet, or Vox...

I must go look for her! She's in danger, I refuse to let anything happen to her...

With quick steps towards the front door, I notice the handle move and the door open slowly...