Kael's POV
The moment Hood and Garrick returned to me again after the second search in the elders chambers, their faces grim and dust-streaked, my heart plunged into an abyss so deep I could barely stand.
“No sign of her, my King,” Hood rasped, his voice heavy with regret. “We searched every elder’s chamber. Every hidden corner.”
Garrick shook his head solemnly beside him. “No trace of Lyria. Nothing.”
I staggered where I stood, my knees weakening against the onslaught of despair crashing through me. I didn’t care anymore that I stood before the very people I ruled, didn’t care about the several curious, half-mocking eyes watching me. The weight in my chest was too much. My legs buckled, and I almost sank to the ground like a broken man.
But before I could fall, strong hands gripped my arms — Garrick on one side, Hood on the other.
“My King—!” Hood hissed urgently under his breath, steadying me. “Don’t do this—don't show them weakness.”
“Please, sire,” Garrick whispered, his voice th
