[Thorenvald Estate—Nick's POV]
THUD! THUD!
Boots echoed through the marble halls as knights scrambled in every direction. The air inside the mansion was heavy—too heavy, like even the walls were holding their breath.
One of the knights burst into the hall, panting. "We've searched every wing, Sir Roland! The stables, the gardens, the outer posts—Lord Leif is nowhere to be found!"
Sir Roland's jaw tightened, the lines on his face deepening as he slammed a fist against the table. "Damn it! It was my fault… I should've stayed with him. I should've never left his side."
"It was my fault too…" I said quietly, stepping forward. My throat felt tight. "Because of me—Lord Leif—"
"Enough," Baron Sigurd cut me off sharply.
