Power Ajd Conceding

Alaric didn't answer immediately. His mind was working too fast, his body too tense. Then, slowly, his gaze snapped to Samion.

His eyes were tight, cold, deadly.

"Tell them to lock down the castle."

Samion stiffened. "Your Grace—"

"No one leaves."

Lucius inhaled sharply. Jean's eyes widened.

The guards shifted uneasily.

Alaric barely noticed any of it. His heartbeat was too loud, thudding violently in his ears, his mind already racing through the worst possibilities.

Where was she?

Where had she gone?

Who had taken her?

A new kind of rage burned in his chest. He had been a fool to let her go alone. A fool to trust that she'd be safe in his own castle.

His castle.

And yet—

She was gone.

Or she's been taken and that cannot happen.

Meanwhile,

No one leaves until she is found.

The command had left his lips like iron, leaving no room for disobedience.