Eiravyne's heart pounded as she rushed through the castle halls, her breath uneven, her steps quick and frantic.
"He's not here."
The words echoed in her head, hollow and impossible.
It didn't make sense. How could he just leave? He was the only one she knew in this place, the only thing tethering her to any sense of familiarity.
He had been here last night—had carried her to her room, had held her too tightly, had whispered things she still didn't fully understand.
But now, he was simply gone?
Her hands clenched into fists as she moved through the corridors, searching for him, not quite grasping the idea that she might not find him.
Her mind refused to accept it, so she searched.
First, the main hall. Empty.
Then, the dining chamber. The table was already set, but there was no sign he had eaten here.
She turned sharply on her heel, ignoring the glances from the servants as she moved toward the study—anywhere he could be.
