Chapter 274: Chapter 274

When I walked back into the room, the air felt heavy and quiet.

The healer was still there, mixing something in a clay bowl while Rowan and Kael lay on their beds. Both were groaning in pain, their faces pale and sweaty.

The healer saw me and bowed. "Alpha Damon," he said softly. "You are back."

I nodded, my eyes moving between my brothers. "How are they?"

"They’re still in pain," the healer said. "The herbs helped a bit yesterday, but it won’t hold much longer."

"Then give them more," I said quickly. "Whatever you gave them before, make it stronger."

He hesitated, shaking his head. "It will only numb the pain for a short time, Alpha. Unless Lady Lisa is found to mend the bond, their suffering will continue. You know this."

My jaw tightened. "Just give it to them," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "They’re not dying today."

He nodded and poured the dark mixture into two small cups, walking to Rowan first. Rowan groaned and sat up halfway, his breath shallow.

When the healer handed him the cup, Rowan’s eyes lifted weakly to me. "You’re back," he said, his voice rough.

"Yes," I said flatly. "I came as soon as I finished in the dungeon."

Kael scoffed from his bed. "The dungeon? Torturing another fool won’t bring her back."

I ignored him. "Drink your medicine," I said.

Rowan obeyed, grimacing as the bitter liquid burned down his throat. Kael hesitated until I walked closer and handed him his cup myself. "Drink it, Kael," I said.

"Damon," Rowan muttered weakly, lifting his head, "it’s getting worse."

I walked closer, my heart tightening at the sight of them.

Kael clenched his teeth. "Then find her!" he yelled, though his voice cracked from the pain. "Damon, please...do something!"

"I am," I said sharply. "But the guards are completely useless."

Rowan groaned again, his eyes pleading. "Brother, please... we can’t take this any longer. If you ever cared for us, find her."

"If you had treated her better, she wouldn’t have left," I said quietly.

They both went silent. The air grew heavier. Rowan looked away, ashamed. Kael closed his eyes.

"Now’s not the time to blame us," Kael hissed. "We’re dying here, Damon!"

I turned away, hiding my anger. "You won’t die," I said.

" I’ll find her," I said. "Even if I have to tear through the whole land myself. The guards are useless, so I’ll lead the search."

Rowan’s voice broke. "You? Alone?"

Kael clenched his jaw. "You can’t go out there in your condition..."

"It’s fine," I cut in, my voice deep.

Without waiting for an answer, I turned and stormed out of the chamber.

Outside, the sun was high already. The guards bowed when they saw me, surprised to see me dressed in my riding cloak.

"Alpha," one said, "should we prepare the horses?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "And gather the best trackers. We search for Lisa now."

They looked at each other nervously, then hurried away.

In less than ten minutes, ten of my best men stood ready in the courtyard. Horses saddled. Weapons sharp.

I mounted my horse and looked at them. "We start from her house," I said. "And we don’t stop until we find something."

"Yes, Alpha!" they chorused.

I kicked my horse forward. The wind rushed against my face as we rode through the forest road, the morning sun following us through the trees. My heart was racing. My hands were shaking.

When we reached her little abode, I jumped down from the horse before it even stopped. The front door was open, hanging off one hinge.

Inside, the place was a mess. Chairs knocked over. Books on the floor. A broken plate by the bed.

"She was here," I whispered, my throat tightening.

Einar, my lead tracker, crouched beside a fallen cloth. "Alpha, this is hers," he said, lifting it gently.

I took the cloth from him and held it to my nose. The smell hit me hard, sweet, soft, familiar. Lisa.

"She left in a hurry," I said quietly. "But there’s no sign of a fight."

"Should we check the woods, Alpha?"

"Yes. Check everywhere. Every trail, every stream, every hidden path. Move!"

The men scattered quickly.

I stayed behind, walking slowly through the house. My eyes moved over everything she left behind.

"I should have protected you better," I murmured.

After some time, I stepped outside again. The men were returning, one by one, their heads down.

"Nothing, Alpha," Einar said. "No footprints. It’s like she disappeared."

I frowned. "That’s not possible. No one disappears without a trace."

"We checked the riverbank," another added. "Nothing there either."

I ran my hand through my hair, frustrated. My wolf inside me was restless, growling, demanding I run and search myself.

"Keep searching!" I shouted. "We’ll search until the sun sets if we have to!"

The men nodded and split up again. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novᴇlfire.net

Hours passed. The sun grew hotter, burning down on us. My throat was dry, my muscles aching, but I didn’t stop. I searched through bushes, crossed shallow streams, and climbed rocky hills like a madman.

By late afternoon, the guards began to slow down.

"Alpha," one of them said quietly, "we’ve been at it since morning. There’s no sign of her anywhere. Maybe she..."

"Don’t you dare finish that sentence," I warned sharply. My eyes burned into his.

He bowed his head. "Forgive me, Alpha."

Einar stepped forward carefully. "Alpha... maybe we can rest for a few hours and start again at dawn. The men are tired, and the horses too."

I looked at them. Sweat covered their faces. Their breaths were heavy. Still, I couldn’t accept defeat.

I stood silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Fine. We’ll head back for now."

The men let out quiet sighs of relief.

We mounted our horses again. As we rode back, I kept glancing over my shoulder, staring into the forest as if she might suddenly appear from the trees.

But there was nothing. Just the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind.

By the time we reached the palace, the sky was painted orange and purple. The guards at the gate opened it silently, watching us ride in.

"Dismissed," I said quietly. "Rest for a few hours. At first light, we continue."

They all bowed deeply and left.

Then, it wasn’t even up to two minutes after I sat down when another guard rushed in, breathing heavily. I could tell from the look on his face that something was wrong.

"What is it this time?" I asked, standing up immediately. "Why are you breathing like that? Speak!"

The guard bowed quickly, still catching his breath. "My lord... someone has lit the war signal. We just saw the smoke rising from the mountain."

I froze for a second, staring at him as his words sank in. "What did you just say?"