The world went still after Gage vanished. The forest’s sounds faded, the air heavy. Even the trees seemed to lean closer, watching.
No one spoke. The faint shimmer where he’d disappeared glowed, then faded.
My mark burned, pulsing like a heartbeat that wasn’t mine. I pressed my hand against it, but it felt alive—reaching through me, searching for him.
Asher moved beside me, his face tight. “He’s gone.”
Arlo clutched the Codex. “That wasn’t teleportation. The guardian took him.”
I turned to him. “Then we find him. We can’t leave him.”
Asher’s jaw tightened. “He’s dangerous now. Whatever the guardian did—it wasn’t mercy. He’s part of it.”
“He’s still Gage.” I said, voice trembling. “I can still feel him. No matter what, he’s still my best friend.”
Arlo frowned. “Feel him?”
I nodded.
