Theron's face turned pale. "That is impossible!" His knuckles gripped the phone so hard veins stood out sharp and blue. "Search again!"
Corin's voice came, heavy with urgency. "We have searched the school burial grounds. Only one plot has fresh earth. That is the one."
Silence stretched. A daring thought took root in Theron's mind.
Then Corin spoke, quiet and hesitant. "Sir, is it possible that she is not... gone?"
At those words, Theron's heart seemed to stop beating. His throat tightened.
His voice came rough and low. "Send more men. Search thoroughly. And the police trusted guards to watch Caedryn wherever he goes. It shall be done."
Theron ended the call. Then he looked back. Maerith and the child had been pulled to safety.
Maerith stood shivering, eyes red and swollen.
Theron
