21. En’zal

Ienter my quarters, my thoughts racing. I never thought the Council would be so callous. There are men there I have a lot of respect for, but not anymore.

I will protect Stella no matter what. In fact, I will do more than that.

I will make her my wife.

"Stella?"

No response. She must be in the bath again. A great idea — I could use a hot soak right now, especially with my little human in my arms. We can finish what we started last time..

I open the bathroom door and freeze in place. It's empty. Instantly my fangs elongate as worry grips my heart. I will myself to stay calm: There is no reason to panic.

Yet.

I rush towards the guard just outside. "Has Stella left?" I growl, my voice shaking.

His eyes grow wide. Not a good sign.

"N-no, Your Majesty! She's in the bathroom, I think!"

My eyes narrow. "You think?"

"That's what she said! Sir! Your Highness!"

"What do you mean? Be very specific, warrior, for your life may depend on it."

He swallows the lump in his throat. The young guy is quaking in his boots now. "S-she asked me to grab you some wine, sir, and then told me she was going to take a bath! I placed the wine on the table like she asked, Your Highness!"

Unbelievable.

She snuck out.

Does she not realize the danger she's in? Does she think I keep her in my room for fun?

I mean, it is fun… but I do it for her safety.

Worry grips my heart. My pupils dilate, my muscles bulge, and every sense I possess is sharpened to a knife's edge. My Erullian mating frenzy is kicking in hard.

I pick up her scent. It lingers in the hallway, ever so faint, but enough for me to follow.

With a deep roar I chase it.

If anything has happened to her…

I'll burn this world down.