Damon's POV
The study smelled of broken wood and shattered trust.
I ran my fingers through my hair, the strands slipping through my grasp like the control I was desperately trying to maintain. Across from me, Sailas leaned against the bookshelf, his usual smirk in place, while Aurelia stood stiffly by the window, her fingers tapping an anxious rhythm against the glass.
"That little mate of yours is quite a charmer," Sailas mocked, twirling a dagger between his fingers.
I ignored him, my gaze locked on Aurelia. "Have you located the rogues?"
"No, Your Highness. There's... nothing."
The words slithered through the room like poison.
"Nothing?" My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
Sailas sighed, pushing off the shelf. "Nothing as in vanished. No trace, no scent, no
