I woke up feeling strangely heavy, as if the remnants of last night's thoughts were pressing down on my chest. Slowly, I blinked myself awake, my vision adjusting to the soft morning light seeping through the curtains.
My brows knitted the moment I realized the space beside me was empty—cold.
Aldus was already gone.
I turned my head fully this time, just to be sure, but his side of the bed was untouched since he had risen. I pushed myself up. He usually waited for me, or at least left some trace of where he went.
But today felt different.
I stood and quickly fixed myself before stepping out of the bedroom. Maybe he was in the dining room. Maybe he was waiting for me like always. Maybe I was just overthinking.
But when I reached the dining room, only two pack warriors were there, preparing breakfast. They immediately straightened when they noticed me.
"Good morning, Luna," one of them greeted me respectfully.
"Good morning," I replied softly. "Have you seen Aldus?"
