ELLIOT

I followed Katherine’s trail, a creeping fear settling in as I realized she was heading deeper into the forest.

A thousand conspiracies ran through my mind. Had someone captured her? Taken her away by force?

But there were no other scents. Still, I didn’t trust it.

I was so anxious I imagined every possible scenario—except the one I actually found.

Shielded by the darkness, I reached the outskirts of the commoners’ celebration.

Lively music filled the air, nothing like the refined melodi