Page 67 of Monster in Disguise

"I'm glad you're fine," Catalina says, while Assisi snorts.

"So what did I miss?" Vlad has the gall to ask, coming around to examine the teeth.

"Are you sure you want to do that,again?" I raise an eyebrow, but he ignores me.

"We need to find out why Chimera is targeting a convent. Maybe it's..." He turns and looks at Assisi and Catalina, squinting his eyes.

"We'll talk about that later," I tell him tensely. The last thing we need is for them to think a serial killer is after them.

"Did... did you just say Chimera?" Catalina pales, her voice a mere whisper.

"Indeed," Vlad replies and folds his arms across his chest, observing.

Catalina sways on her feet, and Assisi takes her hand, stabilizing her.

"Why?" my sister asks her.

"Nothing..." Catalina shakes her head, but I'm still skeptical. Is it possible she knows about Chimera? But that would be impossible, unless...

"Can we go back?" Catalina doesn't look too well, so I immediately agree.

"What about me?" Sisi asks, as we exit the chapel.

"You're coming with us too."

"But Mother Superior..."

"I'll settle everything with Mother Superior. Go with Catalina to the car and I'll meet you there."

She doesn't look too convinced, but she nods.

"Your sister was right. It's too much of a coincidence that Chimera would show up here," Vlad mentions after they walk away.

"Whoever it is, it's getting too close. And I don't like it."

"Between the Guerras, Chimera, and your own family, I'd say you have your hands full," he chuckles.

"You forgot the Irish," I add drily.

"Right... we'll see about that."

Catalina

Restlessness consumes me, causing my body to shift and twist in my bed. I've been trying to fall asleep for what feels like hours, but my mind refuses to let go of today's events. The mere mention ofthatname, after all this time, sends a shiver down my spine.

I shake my head vigorously, trying to dispel the intrusive thoughts that threaten to overwhelm me. I can't allow myself to be consumed by the past again. I've worked too hard to move on.

But still, I can't help but wonder why now...

Why did he resurface after all these years? Sisi was right; it can't be a coincidence that these events have occurred so closely together. My mind races with possibilities and questions, but I push them aside, refusing to give in to their tempting pull.

There is one silver lining in all of this chaos—Sisi is finally able to live with us. For years, I had known deep down that she didn't want that type of life. But back then she had no choice.

Now, her freedom brings me immense joy and relief. We had stayed in touch after I left Sacre Coeur, and through our conversations, I could sense her sadness at being alone there.

But now, she has her family with her. Venezia's behavior towards Sisi—and even towards me—has surprised me. Shegreeted her long-lost sister with overwhelming happiness, and they immediately hit it off as if they had never been apart.

Perhaps our heart-to-heart conversation from the other day had an impact on her after all.

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