Save II

Kael, Ryder, and Asher were already circling the area, their movements synchronized as they continued the search.

But I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Every minute that passed felt like an eternity.

"Lucius, she's out there," Elena said, her voice surprisingly softer than usual. "We'll find her. We have to."

I nodded, but inside, the storm raged on. Every second felt like we were losing ground.

"Keep looking!" I barked, more forcefully than I meant to. But it didn't matter. We needed answers. And if I had to tear apart the entire forest to get them, then I would.

The moonlight barely reached through the thick canopy above us as we pushed deeper into the woods. Time was running out, and I couldn't afford to fail her.