Zane~
The moment Natalie vanished, the room seemed to exhale—finally letting go of the tension that had nearly shattered the walls. The silence she left behind was deafening. I stared at the spot where she'd stood just moments ago, her scent still lingering in the air, her words echoing in my ears. My fingers curled around the phantom shape of hers, remembering the heat of her grip, the fire in her voice.
Red was pacing in the corner of my mind, restless and angry. He wanted to chase her, to find her, to apologize. But I knew better. She needed space… and I needed to clarify somethings with my hotheaded father.
I turned slowly to Abel and Roland. They stood quietly near the arched doorway, both looking equally stunned and unsure of whether to speak.
"Thank you," I said finally, my voice still rough with emotion. "For backing me up… and for helping with the investigation."
Abel nodded. "You sure you're alright?"
