The tension was thick as we began the investigation, every one of us restless but determined to find Aeliana. Ciara, Seraphine, Lydia, and I quickly regrouped in the grand hall, where Ciara's soldiers awaited orders.
Her intense gaze swept over them before she began to bark out commands, assigning specific teams to search the castle and grounds. The rest of us fanned out to speak with anyone who might've seen or heard something suspicious.
The first stop was the kitchen. I pushed open the heavy oak doors, met with the aroma of spices and the faint warmth from the still-glowing ovens.
The head cook, a stout demoness with a flour-streaked face, looked up in surprise, and she quickly dipped into a curtsy.
"Apologies, we're interrupting," I said, my voice steady. "Have you noticed anything unusual this morning? Perhaps seen anyone acting suspiciously around Lady Aeliana?"
