Willow’s POV

As dawn broke over the horizon, a soft golden light spilled into my small bedroom, rousing me from a restless sleep. I lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, my heart heavy with worry.

It had been days since I last saw my kids, and the emptiness in my chest felt like a gaping wound that refused to heal. I could still hear their laughter echoing in my mind, see their faces in my dreams. But now, they were gone, and I had no idea where to find them.

The moment I swung ...