Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 127

Aubrey

The Next Day

The sun is barely up when I wake to an empty bed, the sheets are cold on his side, so I know Soren never came to bed last night since his scent in the room is so faint. Soren never came back to dinner last night, and he didn’t return to bed. A gnawing worry settles in my stomach as I think about how strange he’s been acting since his meeting with the council yesterday.

I can’t help but wonder what was discussed in that meeting to make him so distant. The council has always been secretive, and their agendas often lead to decisions that impact. everyone in the community. Did they pressure him into something, or is there a new threat on the horizon that he’s struggling to handle on his own? Whatever it was, I can’t shake the feeling that it has something to do with the way he‘ s been avoiding me since.

Determined to find some answers, I head downstairs to the dining hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Soren at breakfast. The room is bustling with the usual morning chatter, but his familiar presence is nowhere to be found. I approach Maribel, who is busy setting the table. When I ask about Soren, she looks concerned.

“He didn’t come to bed again last night?” she asks, and I shake my head.

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when I went to bed because I saw him then. Something must have come

him this morning, though,” she adds, setting the last plate out just as Max bounces through the door excitedly.

play dragons and knights again?” Max asks and I

like a balloon. “But we can play after that, I promise.” Max nods, his face lighting up again. I give him a quick hug before heading out of the

of Soren. As I approach

I greet him with a hopeful

with Damian. They seemed

say when he’d be back?” I ask, trying to mask my

concern.

ma’am, just that it was urgent,” Gregor replies, a hint of sympathy in

of fresh bread and warm porridge greets me, and I see Max waving excitedly for

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Chapter 127

despite worry gnawing at my mind.

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