527 The Specter of Fear - Part 1

ELIA

Elia rolled over in the bed and for a moment she smiled. She was laying on fur. Reth's scent was strong, and though only one lantern was lit, she could see clearly, her Anima-sharpened eyes not needing even that small light to—

She'd stretched out a hand and begun to roll back, to reach for Reth, but he wasn't there. The furs were cold where he should have been, and when she rolled all the way over, there was no sign of him at all. No leathers tossed over the dresser, no drawers left open, no little note or gift on the pillow.

It was as if he'd never been there.

Elia sucked in a breath. "Reth?" she whispered. Then again, louder. "Reth?!"

Hands shaking and heart pounding, Elia threw the furs back and scooted herself awkwardly to the edge of the sleeping platform. Internally, her mind screamed.

He's not here.

He's not here.

HE'S NOT HERE.