Alex's footsteps faltered mid-stride as Sophie's panicked words echoed through their bond. His sharp eyes narrowed, and for a split second, his composed mask cracked, revealing a flicker of dread.
'What did you say?' he asked for confirmation.
[Z-Zahara... she fell for a trap!] Sophie repeated, panic still audible in her voice, making Alex clench his fists, his body tensed.
'Where is she?' He demanded, his mental voice steely.
[She was in your room. She triggered a magic circle. I-It was supposed to activate when the door was opened, I think. And... and she wasn't even aware of it—] Sophie's voice was laced with guilt and panic, an uncommon state for her; she didn't even know what she was saying, so Alex, gritting his teeth, cut her off.
'Sophie. Calm down,' he closed his eyes as he felt her silence and ordered, 'Tell me everything from the start.'