Elias POV

I turned quickly, my heart hammering against my ribs, a smile already tugging at the corners of my mouth—a smile I hadn't worn in weeks. But the terrace was empty.

The cold wind whipped at my hair. There was no one there. No scent of her perfume, no lingering warmth. I stood paralyzed, the silence of the city mocking me.

"Mara?" I called out, my voice cracking. I stepped back inside the suite, my eyes darting to every shadow. "I know you’re here. Stop playing with me."

I swear I had seen her.

I checked everywhere, even the bathroom. Nothing.

“You’re losing it,” I muttered to myself.

I...