Agnes had been gone for two days. It wasn't a long time yet somehow the pack felt quieter without her.
The little cottage near the eastern gardens remained empty each time I found myself wandering past it, almost by habit now. I would slow my steps, glance toward the chimney, and hope—despite knowing better—that I would see smoke curling into the sky.
There never was, only silence. It made me angry more than I cared to admit.
Agnes had arrived unexpectedly, turned my entire world upside down, and then disappeared just as suddenly, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions. By the third morning, I had reached my limit.
I wasn't going to stare at empty cottages anymore. I wanted answers and there was only one person left who might have them.
