*Jared*
I sent scouting party after scouting party into the dark forest to look for Hestia or her lair.
Every single one came back empty-handed.
Pacing my office, I waited for Archer and Brandt to report back from their most recent scouting missions.
“Knock, knock,” a soft voice said. Zoe poked her head into my office.
I stopped pacing and smiled at her.
“What brings you here at this hour?” I motioned for her to come in.
She grinned and found a chair, easing herself into it.
She wasn’t that far along in her pregnancy, but far enough that she had a nice bump growing. Sometimes, when I looked at Zoe, I tried to imagine Eliza with a baby bump like that, and it made me miss her all the more.
“I was feeling a little lonely and wanted to see if you were around.”
“I’m here… waiting.” I sighed and sat down at my desk.