Three days passed, and there was still no sign of them.
Nathan stood in the war room of the palace, staring at the map spread across the table. Red pins marked every reported sighting of Amelia and Kenji—every rumor, every whisper, every false alarm. There were dozens of them, scattered across the kingdom. None of them had led anywhere.
"She's definitely gone" the First Prince said, his voice tight with frustration. He stood across from Nathan, his silver hair disheveled, his eyes ringed with dark circles. He hadn't slept much in the past three days. "She knows every hidden passage, every secret route, every blind spot in our patrols. She could be anywhere. I hate to admit it, but she knows this kingdom better than I and father do."
Nathan studied the map. "She won't leave the kingdom. She's too proud. She'll regroup, find allies, and try again."
"Allies? Who would ally with her now?"
"Anyone who sees an opportunity. Valdris. Solara.... The Demon King."
