Anthony’s POV
The moment I stepped back onto the familiar grounds of the pack, a knot tightened in my stomach. A sense of unease settled over me like a dark cloud as I moved through the sprawling estate, scanning the grounds for any sign of Elara. She had been on my mind during the entire trip, her laughter echoing in the corners of my thoughts like a haunting melody I couldn’t shake.
“Where is she?” I demanded of the first pack member I encountered, my voice laced with urgency. They flinched at my tone, and I could see the concern reflected in their eyes.
“I... I haven’t seen her since you left, Alpha,” he stammered, looking away as if the very thought of Elara's absence was a weight too heavy to bear.
My heart raced. I had entrusted her safety to the pack while I was gone, confident
