Zane’s POV
The sun was already beginning to set as I returned to the packhouse, my mind racing. Scarlett’s disappearance haunted me, and after looking for her in the cursed forest until I was near collapse, I had no choice but to return to gather the pack. I needed everyone out there searching so she could be hurt, alone, somewhere deep in that cursed land.
As I approached, one of the guards stepped forward, his eyes widening as he bowed, when he saw me. “Alpha,” he greeted, then hesitated, his voice a mix of relief and worry. “Scarlett… She's back. Your beta brought her in earlier. He found her unconscious and carried her straight to the witches’ chambers.”
I stopped short, a mixture of relief and anger boiling through me. She was back. She was here. But Kent had found her first? The idea sent a sharp pang through my chest. Gritting my teeth, I pushed past the guard, making my way to the witches’ chambers as fast as I could.
The corridor outside the chamber was empty, save for one fi
