The rain had stopped by morning, leaving the university lawns glistening under the pale light.
The campus that usually buzzed with students felt strangely quiet.
Whispers moved faster than classes — everyone had heard what happened yesterday.
Ria Linford, one of the most sociable students in the art department, had been taken away by the police.
Beatrice walked past the corridor, clutching her sketch folder.
Her friends tried to talk, but all she could think of was Clara — her quiet smile, her habit of staying late in the studio.
It had been three days since Clara disappeared, and now… things felt darker.
The security room was sealed, and rumors circled about detectives reviewing old footage.
None of them knew the full truth — only that the investigation had reached deeper than anyone expected.
---
Police Investigation Division – Three Days Later
Detective Mira Solen sat at her desk, her fingers tapping softly against a stack of papers. The room smelled faintly of coffee and damp paper.
"Ma'am," an officer said, entering with a folder, "we've compiled the background check on Ria Linford."
Mira nodded. "Let's hear it."
The officer opened the file.
"Ria Linford. Age twenty-one. Comes from a decent middle-class family. No prior criminal record. But her recent activity… it's concerning."
He handed over a few printed photos — Ria laughing with friends in bars, standing near casino entrances, and posing in expensive hotels.
"She's been living far above her means. Frequent visits to bars, casinos, and weekend trips with friends.
She rents an apartment off-campus, even though she has access to the university hostel. No steady income source."
Mira frowned. "And Clara?"
"They met about four months ago. Ria approached her first. They became close quickly. Clara often visited Ria's apartment — seems like Ria was her only close friend here."
Mira leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "And the day Clara disappeared?"
The officer turned a page, revealing CCTV stills.
"That morning, Clara left her dorm with Ria. They were seen entering Ria's apartment complex. She was never seen leaving."
The room fell silent. Mira exhaled slowly.
"So… it began there."
---
August 26 — Ria's Apartment
The afternoon sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Ria's apartment. It was neat but filled with designer items that didn't quite fit her supposed lifestyle — branded handbags, perfume bottles, and a small bar counter by the window.
As they both entered the room, Ria's thoughts wandered while Looking secretly toward her mobile screen.
> "Tonight's meeting confirmed. We'll arrange the pickup. Be ready."
She typed back quickly:
> "I'll have her ready. I want full payment."
"Come, sit here. I'll bring you some coffee," Ria said brightly.
At the door stood Clara Mendez, holding a small paper bag filled with paints and brushes. Her usual shy smile made her look younger than she was.
"Hey, you said we could practice together today," Clara said cheerfully.
"Of course!" Ria replied, hugging her lightly.
"Come in, I will just make something for you. You look tired."
"You've got a beautiful place. Whenever I come here, I think being independent must be exciting — no one to tell you what to do or what not to do," she said with a smile.
"Thanks," Ria replied, walking to the kitchen. "You want coffee, right? I'll bring it for you."
She sat on the couch. The room smelled faintly of caramel and coffee beans. Clara placed her bag on the table and looked around curiously.
Ria tone was soft and friendly — but as soon as she turned her back, the warmth vanished from her eyes.
Her reflection in the kitchen window looked different — colder, focused. She reached for a small brown vial from the cabinet, uncapped it, and poured a few drops into one of the mugs.
"Just a little sleep," she whispered to herself.
When she returned, she was smiling again.
"Here. Drink this, it'll wake you up."
Clara took the cup, still unaware.
"Thanks, Ria."
Ria sat across from her, pretending to scroll on her phone. The seconds stretched.
Then, Clara blinked rapidly, her hand trembling slightly.
"Ria… what… what's happening to me?"
Her voice was faint, her words slurring. The mug slipped from her grip, spilling across the carpet.
"Ria, what have you… given me?"
She tried to stand but stumbled forward, her vision spinning.
Ria looked at her quietly for a moment before speaking in a chillingly calm tone.
"You realized too late, my friend."
Clara's knees buckled. Her body hit the floor softly.
Ria stood, brushing her hair aside as she whispered almost apologetically:
"I'm really sorry, Clara… but I need money. And you—" she paused, smiling faintly, "you're my source."
A soft knock echoed at the door. Ria opened it.
Two men entered — both wearing casual jackets, their faces expressionless. One of them, a tall man with a scar near his eye, grinned unpleasantly.
"What a pretty girl. We'll get good money from the party."
Ria's tone turned sharp. "Where's my money?"
"Don't worry," the man replied coldly. "You'll have it by evening."
They lifted Clara's limp form carefully. Ria stepped aside, watching as they carried her out through the back door.
For a moment, her hands trembled. She bit her lip, then exhaled sharply.
"It's just business," she whispered, convincing herself. "Only this once…"
---
Back to Present – Police Headquarters
Detective Mira closed the case file slowly. The images, the statements, the footage — everything aligned with brutal clarity.
"We found traces of sedatives in her kitchen," said the forensic officer. "Same compound detected in Clara's belongings recovered near the abandoned property we raided last week."
Mira's jaw tightened.
"And the men?"
"Still missing. But we've got partial prints from a vehicle registered under a fake name. We're cross-checking now."
Mira stood, walking toward the window. The city outside looked calm, but she could feel the unease beneath the surface.
"We'll find them," she said quietly. "And Clara."
The officer hesitated.
"Ma'am… if Clara's still alive."
Mira didn't turn. Her reflection in the glass looked determined.
"Until I see proof otherwise, she's alive."
---
Later That Night – Beatrice's Apartment
Beatrice sat by her desk, staring at a newspaper headline:
> "University Student Arrested in Missing Case – Investigation Expands."
Her hands shook slightly.
Ria Linford. She remembered her — sitting in the same classroom, laughing, borrowing brushes, complimenting everyone's work. It didn't feel real.
She whispered softly to herself,
> "Clara… where are you?"
Outside, thunder rumbled again — as if the storm that began with Clara's disappearance hadn't truly ended.