Perry's POV
"What do you mean by 'was'?" I asked, my jaw locked tight. I already knew the answer, but I needed confirmation that my worst fears were correct. Something had happened to my mate while I was gone.
Something terrible, devastating even. I stared at Marcela, demanding the explanation that would likely destroy my world.
Marcela's guilt was written all over her face. She had to break this news to me without speaking to Phoebe first. Her mind was clearly in chaos—Elder Tricia was dead and Phoebe had been taken. The weight of responsibility crushed her because she'd been the one to suggest Phoebe leave.
If something had happened to Phoebe, the blame would fall on her shoulders. And if Phoebe had died...
Thank whatever gods existed that a miracle had occurred and she was still here. Otherwise, no one could have predicted what I might have done in my grief.
