Chapter Twenty

Catamount's eyes snapped open to the emptiness beside him. He bolted out of bed, his senses immediately alert. He scanned the room, finding no remnants of another presence—no indentation on the pillow next to him, or the faint scent of Juliette's hair lingering in the air.

"Juliette?" he called out, the room echoing with the sharpness of his voice. Panic gripped him as he searched every corner of his flat, his steps quick and purposeful. The kitten, startled by the sudden commotion, darted across his path, causing Catamount to stumble. "Cursed furball," he muttered. He continued his search, calling out her name at intervals, the silence that followed each call amplifying the growing unease within him. "The maid said she'd probably stay the night. I shouldn't panic."

He stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room for any clues. There was no note, no explanation for her continued absence. His unease deepened, twisting into a knot of worry that tightened with each passing moment.

Catamount's mind raced, considering the possibilities. Then his broad shoulders slumped, and he found himself muttering aloud, a raw vulnerability in his usually steady voice. Bare-chested, he moved through the room, his barefoot steps slapping against the wood floors. "Where are you, Juliette?"

The room, bathed in the soft glow of early morning light, seemed to amplify the silence that surrounded him. Catamount's eyes darted from corner to corner, searching for a trace of her, as if he were willing Juliette to reappear before him.

A creak in the floorboards drew his attention, and he turned abruptly, half expecting to find Juliette standing there, a teasing smile on her lips. But the room remained empty, and the reality of her absence settled in. "Damn it, Juliette," he said. The ache in his chest tightened, and he sank onto the edge of the bed. "Why are you always disappearing?" One would think an experienced Runner would be better at keeping track of someone.

Odette, sensing his distress, padded over and nudged his leg. Catamount absent-mindedly stroked her fur, his mind still racing through the possibilities. Where could Juliette have gone? What danger might she be facing? Christ, did the Revivalists get to her?

"No, you fool. She's just resting at Tipton House. Stop imagining the worst."

The sudden pounding on the front door reverberated through the room. Catamount swore and moved swiftly, swinging the door open to reveal one of his Runners, a young man with a disheveled appearance, panting and wide-eyed. "Captain, you've got to hear this!" the Runner blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in his excitement.

Catamount's instincts went on high alert. "What is it, Simmons? Speak quickly. I think Juliette's missing."

Simmons took a moment to catch his breath before launching into his report. "Word's spread like wildfire, sir. The Revivalists have been spotted near Bond Street. They're up to something, and the whole headquarters is buzzing with it." They'd never ventured outside the rookeries and Docklands before. This was new.

"What exactly did the sources say?"

Simmons stammered for a moment before regaining his composure. "There've been whispers of a gathering, sir. Some say they're planning a retaliation for the recent investigations."

Dread crept over Catamount at the Revivalists being spotted near Bond Street. A cold fear gripped his heart, and he grabbed the young Runner's sleeve, his mind belatedly connecting the dots. "Bond Street," he muttered, realization hitting him like a blow. "Juliette's shop is on Bond Street, and she wanted to go there despite my warnings. Shite, I bet that's where she is now." Catamount's sense of urgency intensified, and he barked orders to his man. "We're heading to Bond Street. Now!" The urgency in his voice spurred the Runner into immediate action, and Simmons moved with purpose.

Catamount's mind raced with worry for Juliette. He cursed himself under his breath as he hastily threw on his clothes. "Should've stuck by her side. Bloody fool," he muttered.

Cold dread ran down his spine as he imagined Juliette alone in her shop, unaware of the looming danger. The Revivalists were a threat he couldn't underestimate, especially when it came to someone he held dear. He rushed to gather his belongings and head to Bond Street.

Just when he was about to leave, the door to his flat swung open, and in burst Carenza and Sadie, a whirlwind of skirts and noise. Their presence filled the room with a swirl of energy.

"Catamount, she's baiting the Revivalists into a trap!" Carenza's eyes blazed with concern.

Catamount's heart roared within him, a cacophony of love and fear colliding. The conflicting emotions manifested in a guttural growl as he cursed under his breath. "She's what?"

Sadie stepped forward. "She believes she can draw them out, catch them in the act. It's risky, but she's determined to end this and believes she can."

"Is she insane? Dammit, Juliette," he muttered.

Carenza laid a hand on his arm. "We need to help her, Catamount. She's not alone. We're all in this together."

"Of course we are." He looked at Sadie and Carenza, torn between his instinct to protect and the reality of Juliette's courage. With fierce resolve, he nodded. "Let's move. We don't have time to waste."