~ Lucian’s POV

I returned to the palace with heavy steps, my heart feeling like it was weighed down by a thousand stones. The search for Bella had been fruitless. Despite leading a team myself and scouring every corner of the forest and beyond, there was no sign of her. Every lead ended in frustration, and the more time passed, the harder it became to keep hope alive.

As I entered my chambers, I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment. The room felt suffocating, filled with ...