Aldric's heart was a storm of panic and dread as he continued to search the ruined arena, his eyes wild and frantic. Every passing second without finding Islinda's body felt like a knife twisting deeper into his chest.
He was a Fae, not a human, and his reputation was one of cold ruthlessness, but at this moment, even he was close to breaking. If he were anyone else, he might have collapsed in tears. But the only thing that kept him going was the mate bond. He could feel its faint pulse still tethering him to Islinda. She was alive. Somewhere.
The problem was: where? Where had she gone?
A disturbing thought crossed his mind, and his stomach twisted with fear. What if Azula had taken Islinda's body to the demon realm from which she originated? After all, he had once made a bargain with her where he had promised to let go if she stayed quietly in the palace. Could this be it? Could Azula collected the favor he owed?
