Chapter 45
Xavier
The tension in the air was palpable as I paced in front of the gate, my mind racing with worry. Kyle stood beside me, flanked by a couple of guards. I needed to know where Zara had gone, and time was slipping through my fingers like sand.
"Have you seen her?" I asked the gate guards, my voice sharper than I intended. The frustration was mounting, and I couldn't afford to show weakness.
They exchanged glances before one of them finally spoke up. "Yes, Alpha. She showed us a letter with your stamp. We couldn't stop her from leaving."
A sinking feeling washed over me. I glanced down at my body instinctively, checking for the familiar weight of the stamp. It wasn't there. Panic surged through me as the realization struck—I had been careless. Zara had taken it from me when she pretended to faint in the infirmary. I felt my anger flare, but it quickly dissipated, replaced by concern.
"How long ago did she leave?" I demanded, already preparing my next steps.
