Chapter 33

  Serena's POV.

  I sped to Richard's house, my heart racing with every passing moment. I couldn't wait for dawn to break, I had to see him now.

  I screeched to a halt, leapt out of the car, and sprinted to his front door. I pounded on it, my fists clenched in desperation.

  "Richard!" I screamed, but the only response was silence.

  I dashed to his window, banging on it with all my might. Still, no response. I tore around to the back door, but it was locked.

  Frustration boiled over, and I kicked the door with a loud thud.

  A terrifying thought gripped me: what if they'd already left for war? No, no, no, no!

  I frantically grabbed my phone and dialed Richard's number, but it went straight to voicemail. I tried again, my fingers shaking with anxiety, but the result was the same.

  I swiftly texted Richard as I rushed back to my car, trying to reassure myself that he must have just stepped out or was still asleep.