Karl’s POV

She was gone.

I stood at the edge of the war table. Her message replayed in my hand. I’m safe. But not alright. Don’t follow. I folded it. Crushed it. Threw it. Too late. I had already started searching.

“Find her,” I ordered. “Quietly. No mistakes.”

Three scouts bowed. I turned to Bastian. “Use the link. Tap into what’s left.” Bastian hesitated. “You’ll burn yourself again.”

“I’m already burned.” He nodded. Left without another word. I pressed fingers ...