She curled up tighter, as if trying to disappear, and covered her mouth to stifle her sobs.

If they found her crying, she would have to explain, and the last thing she wanted right now was to see them. But, as usual, her wishes went unfulfilled.

"I can smell her trail here, but it’s faint and inconsistent. Too strange."

"Rose, sweetheart!" Maell’s worried voice called out.

They were trying to reestablish the bond with their mate that she had closed during the conversation with Lucian. But she w