The lingering scent of Elaine’s perfume was already fading from the air, replaced by the sterile neutrality of absence.
Lucas stormed out of the room, calling out sharply. “Where did she go?”
The butler flinched at his tone, wringing his hands nervously. “I’m not sure, Alpha. Luna didn’t say. She packed quietly and left before sundown yesterday.”
Lucas’s jaw ticked. “Why didn’t anyone stop her?”
“She seemed resolute, sir. I assumed she would return later in the evening…” His voice trailed off.
Lucas’s eyes swept the room again, landing on his coat, still rumpled and hanging where he’d left it after the summit. No one had ironed it. His suit trousers were still folded awkwardly over the edge of the chair. The evening tea was missing entirely. These were all part of Elain
