Breaking the Circle

I sank into the nearest chair, my hands still shaking from the call. Talon crouched beside me, placing a steadying hand on my shoulder and another on my leg.

“We’ll get her back, Chloe,” he said quietly. “She won’t stay away for that long. We'll bring her home."

I shook my head. “I don’t care. I just want my daughter back.”

Talon didn’t argue. He stayed silent, letting me sit there, frozen and angry and scared all at once.

I didn’t sleep that night. When morning came, I was already dressed, ready to move. I slipped into my car and drove toward Jessica’s school, checking every street, every corner. My eyes searched for any clue.

I parked a few blocks away and sat, scanning the school grounds. Nothing. Suddenly, my phone rang again. The number was the same.

I answered, trying to keep my voice calm. "Hello?"

“You’re looking for her?” The voice was mocking. “You won’t find her here. Don’t even think about telling the school. I’m watching.”

“What do you want?"” I demande