"We've sent out thirty-four search teams in a month," Kael murmured, quieter now. "Fifteen went down the cliffside. The others scattered through the bordering forest and river basin. Nothing. Not even a scent trail. It's like she was erased."
"She wasn't," Aeron said.
His eyes finally opened.
And when they did, they were glowing, but not with power. But pain...pure, unfiltered, soul-ripping pain.
"She's still out there. I know it."
"Then where is she?" Aeron? he asked, voice breaking. "If she's alive—why hasn't she come back? Why hasn't she tried to reach us?"
Aeron didn't answer.
Because he already knew.
She hadn't come back because she didn't want to. Because she would rather face death alone than fall into their arms again.
And gods, they couldn't even blame her.
"I'll send another team tomorrow," Kael said quietly.
But the words had barely left his mouth when a knock filled with urgency echoed at the door.
