"Seal every road leading north," Elena commanded, her voice carrying absolute authority as guards scattered throughout the throne hall to carry out her orders. "No one crosses the border checkpoints without explicit inspection. I want Garrick found before he reaches Lustblood territory."
"The checkpoints will slow him," Finnian said, already moving to coordinate the effort, "but three hours represents considerable advantage, Princess. He may already be beyond our reach."
"Then we try regardless," Elena snapped, frustration bleeding through her controlled exterior now. "I will not simply allow him to vanish into Damon's protection without exhausting every available option first."
Logan watched her work with quiet admiration despite the mounting crisis, understanding clearly how much this
