“Proceed,” I ordered as I glanced around. The area around was filled with narrow trees, stones, and uneven terrain. And it was too vast to find her. But she was here. Alone. She was here in an abandoned place, all due to me. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. I just hoped I would find her soon.

From seconds to minutes to hours passed just like that. But I didn’t find Valerie anywhere. The terrain got tougher. My men kept looking around to search for her, but we didn’t even see ...