CHAPTER 72: Isabelle’s mystery.

　　The next morning dawned in a dull gray light, filtering through the cracks of the run-down house where Isabelle and Ella had taken refuge. The air inside was stale, and the cold from the hard ground seeped into their bones. Ella had barely slept, her mind had been racing all night with worry for Isabelle. She glanced over at her, who lay huddled against the wall, shivering uncontrollably.

　　Isabelle's face was pale, almost ghostly, and her lips trembled as she struggled to breathe. Her voice was faint, almost a whisper and every word seemed to cost her enormous effort. She kept murmuring John's name, her thoughts still consumed by the man she had loved so deeply and who had now turned against her.

　　“John... John... Why did you leave me? Why didn’t you believe me?” she whispered, her voice cracking with pain.