~Lucian’s POV

I led one of the search teams myself, my eyes scanning every shadow, every crevice, every possible hiding spot as we moved through the dense forest surrounding the palace grounds. The night had fallen, the once vibrant sunlight now replaced by an oppressive darkness, with only the faint glow of the moon to guide us. My senses were sharp, heightened by desperation, but with each passing hour, my frustration grew.

“Spread out!” I commanded, my voice echoing through the silent woods. The team obeyed immediately, fanning out in different directions as I stayed in the center, my eyes darting in every direction. Every rustle of the leaves made...