Lacey didn't know what to say or how to respond to Abeles. This sudden encounter was overwhelming, to say the least. "I haven't been here very long, if that's what you are thinking," Abeles reassured her, sensing her unease.
"Well, I guess that does answer one question I had. If you're here, then where is Elowen?" Lacey asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Abeles looked bewildered. "She's not here with you?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"The last I've heard or seen of her was the first night I got sucked into this place. She was being super cryptic, saying things like 'be ready for whatever comes my way,' and then she was gone," Lacey explained, a tiny hint of frustration creeping into her voice.
"Interesting," Abeles mused, his expression thoughtful as he processed this
