Elysia's POVMy heartbeat was fast like I was being chased as I moved from tree to tree in order not to get noticed. I had to be very careful because there were people close by that wished I was dead.The tall stone buildings loomed like silent sentinels in the night, dimly lit by flickering lanterns along gravel paths. I had one goal—find Lila.A pair of guards stood by one of the back entrances, lazily chatting and kicking at pebbles. I ducked behind a hedge and waited for them to move. After some minutes passed, I could hear their low murmurs, their laughter and the occasional sound of their boots against the ground.And then, finally, one of them walked toward the far end, disappearing into the thin air while the other was alone. I couldn't wait any longer, I had to move.I moved silently around the edge of the stone wall, He turned just in time to see me leap from the darkness. He opened his mouth in shock, His mouth opened in shock, but no sound escaped. My hand was already ov
Elysia's POVI could barely sleep throughout the night. I sat on the bed watching my aunt. Her breath was slow and steady, she was still asleep anyways.Her arms curled around the blanket. My mind had been churning all night—turning to Sarah’s words, Alicia’s possible involvement, and my own determination into a plan.Lila was somewhere in the Emerald Pack . I had a feeling the little girl was Lila. I could feel it in my bones, that instinct humming in my blood like a wire pulled tight. I couldn't wait for the Moon Goodness to bring Lila home. I couldn't wait any longer hoping I would get more information. I had to go.I eased out of bed and dressed quickly, choosing simple clothes—lightweight black pants, boots and a deep green jacket that hugged my frame. I braided my hair tightly, then tied it off with a ribbon to hold it.I looked at myself in the full length mirror, I was determined to find Lila even though I didn't have any plan at that moment. But Lila needed me.I stepped out
Elysia's POVI sat on the edge of the bed in the room Adrian had escorted me back to the guest room and had gone back to his chamber. When I got to the guest room, Aunt Liora had finally fallen asleep after another round of sobbing, she had been worn down by grief and exhaustion. I sat on the bed slowly, trying not to wake her up, wrapping a blanket around my body. Where was Lila? The thoughts of everything that had happened lately flashed through my mind again. My legs curled up and my arms wrapped around it, maybe if I had trained even more harder I would have been able to save her.But instead, here I am sitting here while she is out there and the moon knows where. I stared at the window in the corner of the room, its curtains slightly parted. My chest tightened, she was still a child and asides that she was carrying a child. She is a strong, sweet girl. But how long could strength carry a child when surrounded by monsters?I rubbed my palms down my thighs, trying to stop mys
Adrain’s POVI stood in front of the guest room, I hesitated for a moment before knocking. All I could think of was how to tell Elysia that I couldn’t find Lila.The door opened before I could knock twice. She was already awake and dressed. She smelled like fresh jasmine, her scent filling the air.But she was still looking like she hadn’t slept for days. Her hair was tied back loosely, and her eyes immediately searched mine like she was waiting for me to say something.“Why do you have bruises all over you? Did you go looking for her? Did you find her?” She asked, talking like she had hot food in her mouth.I didn’t know how I was going to give her a response. I exhaled, “No, Rogues attacked us and Kyle got injured. He was taken to the infirmary.”Her eyes widened, lips parting slightly in shock. “Wait, what? Is he okay?”“He will be,” I said quickly. “I came to tell you and to check up on you. How is your Aunt doing?”Behind her, I heard a sound, quiet sniffles. Liora stood behind E
Adrain’s POVI knew how urgent Elysia wanted me to find Lila, couldn’t figure out where she could be when Jason has refused to give the answer we needed.Kyle and I decided step out of the pack to the forest maybe we could luckily find her there.I could only hear the birds chrip and the trees still like they were holding themselves from breathing.I crouched near a cluster of rocks, scanning around between the pines. Kyle knelt beside me, his breath steady. “I don’t see anyone yet.” he muttered. “But I think some people passed here. These prints are recent—probably three or four hours old.” Pointing to the ground.I nodded, rising to my feet. “Could be Lila. Or one of them.let’s see.We walked even deep into the woods, it felt like there was no end.Kyle brushed his dusty hands clean on his pants. “We have checked the old hunter’s trail, the creek and all the hidden places we know of. If they are keeping her nearby, they will need access to water and some kind of shelter.”“How abou
Elysia’s POVAdrian and I didn’t exchange another word as we stepped out of his office. The hallways were getting dark already, I hurried quickly to the guest room where I left Aunt Liora as an uneasy feeling curled up in my chest.When we got to the guest room, we heard her sobbing, the sound echoed faintly through the corridor.We broke into a run, the door to the guest room was slightly opened.I met her on the floor. Clutching the scarf Lila had been wearing the day before, Aunt Liora rolled back and forth on the floor in the middle of the room, crying out her daughter’s name like it could bring her home.“Lila! Lila! Please, no, not my baby. Not my baby girl!” Hearing the pain and hurt in her voice.I rushed to her, falling to my knees beside her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders to comfort her.“Auntie, please, I’m here. I’m here.” I said, worried.“She’s gone, Elysia! My daughter is gone!” she screamed, struggling in my arms like a little child.Adrian stepped in quiet