Zander's POV
The study door shut, cutting off the world between me and Elena. I let out a long breath, but my head was quickly crowded with much more anxious thoughts.
Liana hadn't replied to my messages all day. I was sure something had happened.
It was already late—she was probably sleeping—and I knew I should control myself. I shouldn't be bothering her at this hour.
But going a whole day without talking to her left me feeling hollow, like my heart was being clawed at from the inside.
I couldn't help myself. I picked up the comm-stone.
Z: "You up?"
The minutes ticked by. Still no reply.
Z: "I'm really worried about you."
I was so worried that if I didn't hear back, I wouldn't sleep a wink. I'd spend the whole night howling at the moon.
A dark thought even crossed my mind—maybe
