Chapter 33: Relentless Pursuit

Nyxpanther and Havvaris scoured every corner of the Central Continent in their desperate search for Melinoe. Days had passed since her disappearance, and neither of them had found a single trace. The empire's vast network of scouts and spies had been mobilized, their resources stretched thin as they pursued every lead, interrogated every merchant, and overturned every stone in their quest.

Nyxpanther paced in his private quarters, his golden eyes sharp with exhaustion. "There has to be something we missed. We've searched the entire empire, but there's still no sign of her!" He slammed a fist against the map table, causing the neatly arranged reports to scatter. His tail flicked anxiously behind him.

Havvaris, equally drained, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his expression grim. "We won't stop until we find her," he vowed. "No matter where she is, I'll tear apart every kingdom if I have to."

Their right-hand men, worried about their commanders, stepped forward hesitantly. "My lords," one of them spoke, "if you continue without rest, you'll collapse before we even find her. The lady would not want to see you in this state. You must eat, drink, and rest if you are to save her."

Havvaris let out a heavy breath, his muscles tense. "Melinoe is out there, alone and vulnerable. I can't waste time on my own needs."

"You're no good to her if you collapse before we reach her," the knight insisted. "Please, for her sake, take care of yourselves."

Nyxpanther clenched his jaw but relented. "Two hours of rest. No more. We eat, drink, and then continue the search."

It was on the ninth day of their relentless pursuit that an unexpected message arrived. A hooded figure, moving like a shadow, slipped into the war tent and handed a sealed letter to Nyxpanther before vanishing into the night. The emblem on the wax seal was unfamiliar, but the contents inside left both him and Havvaris froze in shock.

Melinoe is being held prisoner at the estate of the Hissandale family in the Eastern Continent.

Nyxpanther's claws dug into the parchment. "The Eastern Continent?! How did she end up there?" His mind raced with possibilities—had she been kidnapped? Trafficked? Or was there another force at play?

Havvaris, his grip tightening on his sword, growled. "We leave at once."

But travel to the Eastern Continent was not simple. They needed magic—intercontinental teleportation magic. And the only place to find that was at the imperial court of Nyxaris.

With no hesitation, they stormed the imperial palace, requesting an immediate audience with the Empress. The moment they stepped into the grand hall, Nyxpanther wasted no time. "Your Majesty, we need access to the teleportation array. Melinoe has been taken to the Eastern Continent."

The Empress, seated on her throne, regarded them with a measured gaze. "That is a heavy request. The teleportation array is rarely used, and only under dire circumstances. Tell me, why should I grant this to you?"

Nyxpanther's voice was firm, unwavering. "Because she is my mate. And I will burn down the entire Eastern Continent if I must bring her back."

Havvaris, standing at his side, nodded. "I do not speak lightly when I say this: we will owe you a debt for life if you grant us this chance."

The Empress considered their words, then finally gave a nod. "Very well. You have my permission. But be warned—the Eastern Continent is treacherous. If you fall into their web, even I may not be able to retrieve you."

Nyxpanther and Havvaris exchanged a look of understanding. They had no choice. They had come too far to stop now.

With the teleportation spell prepared, the magic circle glowed with a radiant light. As the energy swirled around them, the last thought that crossed Nyxpanther's mind was simple:

Hold on, Melinoe. We're coming for you.