Dusk was about to turn into night, the sky outside growing darker as the city lights flickered on one by one. Nathan sat in his study, staring at the clock on the wall that already showed seven in the evening. Elena still hadn’t returned to their residence.

He tapped his fingers on the desk, his face tense. His breathing was heavy, his jaw clenched. “Where is she now? It’s already this late!” he muttered angrily.

Finally, Nathan grabbed his phone and dialed Damian’s number. The call rang only once before Damian’s voice came through.

“Hello, Nathan?”

“Damian, is Elena there?” Nathan asked directly, without any small talk.

Damian sounded a...