The Bags Under His Eyes

On the day Lucia vanished before Gastone. He waited in the forest for an hour, ensuring she wouldn't accidentally return. 

"Ah, I guess… this is it," Gastone muttered to himself before returning to his house. Navin and Jorge were waiting for him with a tight smile. 

"My Lord, welcome back," the two greeted softly. They were concerned about Gastone's reaction, knowing his mate was gone. 

Gastone gave them a nod before entering the house and locked the doors. He wanted to be alone and not talk to anybody. Even though he had plans after Lucia was gone, he had no energy to do it. 

Gastone spent two days in the house, sulking alone. That made Navin and Jorge concerned since they hadn't seen his shadow for days.

"Should we force ourselves inside?" Navin whispered to Jorge after knocking multiple times, but no reply. 

"Do you want to be punished?" Jorge shook his head in disbelief.