Chapter 196

I placed my hand over Maisie’s, trying to offer some comfort. I could feel her trembling under my touch, her fear and sorrow almost palpable.

“We did escape together. We were chased. We ran together,” Maisie began, her voice slow, like she was trying to piece together what happened, but it was hard. “Then, what went wrong? Luca was ordered to protect you. He would never abandon the post,” Xavier’s voice broke through, filled with a mix of confusion and concern.

“For a couple of days, everything was quiet. We were staying at one of your safe houses up North. And then, one night he left to get some firewood.” Maisie paused, her face tightening, like she was reliving that moment. She took a shaky breath before continuing, “He never came back.”

“What do you mean, he never came back? Did you go looking for him? Where did he go?” Xavier pressed, his voice more insistent now.

“I waited for him until dawn,” Maisie replied, her eyes looking distant. “I swear I have no idea where he went or why