~Alaric's POV~
After my question, the air in the waiting hall froze. Luna Rhiannon's eyes widened, her hands clutched at her chest as though I had struck her. Kaelan's gaze snapped to me, unreadable yet stiff. Neither spoke or breathed.
"Why is no one answering me?" I demanded. "I asked a simple question. Where is she?"
Suddenly, images tore through my mind... flashes of her, the last time, the fights with Sylion and endless search that had driven me into restless nights.
That was what I remembered.
Kaelan stepped forward at last, bowed his head with that respectful calm that only made my impatience flare hotter.
"Alpha…" his tone was careful, cautious. "…come with me, please."
He tilted his head toward the far corridor, away from Rhiannon and curious ears. For a heartbeat, I considered refusing but his steady eyes forced my feet to move.
We walked until the murmur of voices dimmed. He stopped, turned, and looked at me like a man staring into fire.
