The first slivers of dawn crept through the high-arched windows of Nightshade Castle, painting streaks of pale gold across the stone walls. Heiko stirred awake, reaching instinctively for the warmth of his mate. His arm fell on nothing but cool sheets.
His eyes snapped open.
The bed was empty. The faint imprint of River’s body and scent lingered on the mattress, but she was gone. Heiko sat up, scanning the chamber in growing unease. She would never leave without a word. Not after everything that had happened.
“River?” His voice cut the silence, but no answer came.
A prickle of dread slid down his spine. He forced his breathing steady and reached out through their bond, mind linking her.
“Where are you, little alpha?”
A pause. Then her soft, calm reply: “I’m in the royal library.”
He
