The Discovery.

The dim glow of the evening sun cast a warm orange hue over the room. Maureen and Ariel lounged in the sitting room, clad in comfortable pajamas. Maureen sat on the couch, her laptop open in front of her, while Ariel stood by the wall, her phone in hand.

A knot of anxiety tightened in Ariel's stomach. "Yesterday, Ciara had, shall we say, indirectly hinted to Alpha about my feelings . And _bam_, today, his mom was in an accident. Seriously? It felt… ominous, like a bad omen hanging in the air. Poor Alpha. I wonder how he'd feel when he hears the news, that's if he hasn't already." The thought of everything made a wave of empathy wash over Ariel.

The living room was a tableau of pajama-clad calm – or so it seemed. It was around 7 pm, a cozy domestic scene that felt jarringly at odds with the storm brewing in their guts.

"Stop it," Maureen said, her voice laced with gentle exasperation, "You're always saying you're cursed or something. One bad thing doesn't mean your life is jinxed, okay? And I'm sure his mom will be alright. Ciara'll be back any minute to fill us in."

"Yeah, but she texted she was getting groceries ages ago, and she hasn't answered my calls," Ariel replied, a tremor in her voice.

Just then, Maureen's phone chirped. "Hi Babe" she answered, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You're almost here? Wow, that was fast! Just come in when you arrive, the door's open. Bye!"

Ariel teased, "Lovebirds!" Maureen chuckled, trying to deflect the worry.

The door swung open, and Ben stood in the doorway, a bright smile on his face. "Look who's here!" Maureen exclaimed, closing her laptop and rushing to greet him. She wrapped her arms around Ben, and he reciprocated with a warm hug. He gently pecked her on the forehead, his eyes locked on hers. "I've missed you, babe," he whispered, his voice filled with affection.

Ariel raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "You guys were practically inseparable yesterday, and you're already missing each other?"

Maureen chuckled, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Don't be ridiculous, Ariel." Ben and Ariel exchanged warm smiles, and the tension in the room dissipated.

Ciara walked in, carrying two overflowing grocery bags. Her exhaustion was palpable, her voice flat, devoid of her usual energy. "Hi, everyone," she mumbled.

Relief washed over everyone in the room. Ariel practically pounced on her, grabbing a bag. Maureen did the same, both trying to ease the palpable tension.

"Darling, you look completely wiped out," Maureen said gently, concern etched on her face. "How's Alpha's mom?"

They all leaned in, their faces a picture of concern.

Ciara sank onto the couch, letting out a weary sigh. "Actually," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "I don't think we need to worry about Alpha's mom so much, but Alpha."

Ariel's eyebrows shot up. "What on earth do you mean?"

"Alpha's mom is fine," Ciara clarified. "Just some bruises and a dislocated arm. She'll be okay."

Ben, ever the optimist, chimed in, "Well, that's great news! We should celebrate!"

The room responded with a chorus of skeptical stares that quickly silenced him.

"Okay, okay, what was that about?" he asked, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

"You heard her mention Alpha, didn't you?" Maureen asked, her voice low.

"Spill it, Ciara," Ariel demanded, her voice laced with a mix of concern and frustration. "What's going on with Alpha?"

Ciara took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room before settling on her friends. "Alpha's missing."

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken dread.

"He's been missing since yesterday night," Ciara added, her voice cracking.

Ariel's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of stark disbelief. "You're kidding me," she whispered. "I heard his voice over the phone yesterday! Remember? When you guys met last night. What are you saying?"

Ciara's exhaustion flared into irritation. "I'm telling you what I know. If you want more information, go find him yourself!"

Ariel's face reddened, her voice rising. "Don't you talk to me like that!"

Ben jumped in, "Whoa, ladies! Let's dial it back a notch. This isn't helping anyone."

Maureen added, "This is serious, Alpha's our friend. Instead of fighting, let's figure out how to find him, or at least call the police. Please, calm down!"

Ciara's voice cracked. "I'm sorry," she said, tears threatening to spill. "I've called him repeatedly, but no answer. I'm exhausted."

Ariel's anger dissipated, replaced by concern. "Give me his number," she offered. "We'll try to reach him."

Maureen nodded in agreement. Reluctantly, remembering their shared kiss and everything else, Ciara gave up Alpha's number.

They all tried to reach him, but to no avail. The night ended with unanswered calls, a heavy silence, and Ben sleeping over, a silent testament to their collective worry. The air was thick with unspoken fear, a chilling contrast to the otherwise comforting domestic scene.

The small student apartment, boasting just a room, housed a quiet scene: Ciara and Ariel slept in their individual bed while Maureen and Ben slept on Maureen's bed.

The next morning, a jarring 6:30 AM alarm ripped Ciara from sleep. "Oh, for crying out loud!" she groaned, silencing the insistent ringing. She glanced over to see Ariel, still fast asleep, cocooned in her duvet – a true kindred spirit in the realm of slumber. Ben and Maureen - also fast asleep.

A sudden jolt of memory, however, sent a shiver down Ciara's spine: Alpha's disappearance. "Alpha, where are you?" she whispered, a knot forming in her stomach.

Thirst propelled her to the kitchen. Just as she reached for a glass of water, her phone buzzed – a text message. Her heart leaped into her throat. It was from Alpha. The water sprayed across the counter as she read his message: "I know everyone's probably looking for me, I'm so sorry, Ciara. Please forgive me. Let's start over. I can't face you while you're still upset."

Ciara's brow furrowed. "Alpha! Are you kidding me? Everyone's been frantic! Does he even have any idea what his mom went through?" Ciara said to herself.

"We're meeting today!" She replied as she paced, a whirlwind of worry, then she typed back again: "Alpha, please calm down. I understand how you feel, but let's talk this through, okay? I'll come to your place later."

Her frantic pacing was abruptly interrupted by Maureen's voice. "Girl, what's with all the pacing? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Ciara nearly jumped out of her skin. "How long have you been there?" she blurted out, fearing Maureen had overheard her exchange with Alpha.

Maureen, arms crossed and eyebrow arched, replied dryly, "That doesn't answer my question. Ciara."

Stammering, Ciara explained, "Well, let's just say I'm trying to track down Alpha. It sounds crazy, I know, but he's a really close friend, and I'm worried sick."

A wave of empathy washed over Maureen's face. "Come here, darling," she said, pulling Ciara into a comforting hug. Relief flooded Ciara; Maureen suspected nothing. "I'm sure he's fine," Maureen reassured her. "He probably just needs some space." The hug ended, and they retreated to their room, leaving the mystery of Alpha's whereabouts hanging in the air.