Elena was gone. Her absence hit Damian like a physical blow. He woke in their apartment, the morning sunlight cutting through the blinds, and immediately noticed the emptiness of the bed beside him. Panic surged - a cold, raw wave that left his chest tight. His phone vibrated relentlessly on the nightstand, dozens of unanswered messages flashing across the screen. But Elena hadn't responded to a single one.

He ran his hands through his hair, pacing the room, muttering under his breath. The ...