I stared at the gift hamper Willow had brought, my hands trembling slightly as I lifted the lid. Inside were my favorite chocolates, scented candles, a soft throw blanket, and even a small teddy bear wearing a "World's Best Mom" t-shirt. Any other time, this thoughtful gesture would have warmed my heart, but right now, anxiety gnawed at my insides, consuming any potential for joy.
"Thank you," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Willow's face fell slightly. "You hate it."
"No, no," I reached out to squeeze her hand. "It's perfect, really. I just can't—" My voice cracked, and I gestured helplessly at the hamper. "How can I enjoy anything when they're—when they might be—"
The words caught in my throat, impossible to voice. My mind kept replaying Kaelen's explanation of the Void, how it fed on fear and created illusions from your deepest anxieties. What horrors were Silas and Ronan facing right now? Were they still together, or had they been separated? Were they even still—