ADAM

I paced the common room until the floor beneath my boots felt worn thin by my steps. Back and forth. Back and forth.

The space was large, meant for councils and celebrations, for laughter and raised cups and the easy noise of a pack at rest. Now it felt too open, too empty, every sound echoing back at me like an accusation.

Three days. Three days since Sage had vanished into thin air.

I dragged a hand through my hair, breath coming harder than it should have. Confusion sat heavy in my chest, tangled tightly with anger, worry, and a fear I refused to name aloud.

I had sent...