Page 122 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“Nothing good,” Emilien mutters.

“And what exactly?”

None of us has the heart to tell her what we think happened.

“What are you not telling me?” Zoé asks. “Am I not a member of this team? How can I work properly if you hide things from me?”

“If the auction was canceled it can either mean they detected someone was watching them,” I say. “Which we just excluded. They would close the chatroom if they knew we were inside.”

“And the second option?”

“That Annette and Denis are dead,” Emilien says honestly. “Seeing how the chat is still running, and they haven’t closed it or given their bidders any warning, I assume it’s the likeliest option. And I think Arden agrees.”

“I do,” I say sadly. “But while this is a likely option, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other reasons. They could have been interrupted by someone or something, maybe were forced to move, or had someone buy them directly and not through the chatroom. We still don’t know much about our culprits.”

Zoé is quiet for a moment, obviously battling with her emotions. Then, she swallows thickly. “I see,” she says, trying to sound composed. “I need to think of a new plan, then. We cannot take any breaks.”

“I agree.” Emilien sits down next to her. “Let’s roam the chat together and see if we find a hint for another auction. I’m sure they are not going to stay quiet for long.”

“Especially since they have Juliet, now,” I mutter.

“The woman from your pack?”

“Yes.” I shake my head. “It doesn’t make sense, but one of them abducted her. Her kidnapper made a lot of mistakes.”

“Let’s hope they won’t try to get rid of her,” Emilien says.

“Is that an option?” Zoé asks, sounding horrified.

“It could be an option for them, but I doubt they will kill or sell her immediately,” I say. “It’s too risky. So, we have a chance to find her.”

“Let’s give it our all,” Zoé exclaims, turning back to her computer.

I decide to let her and Emilien work on their own and return to Nox, Gustave, and Vander, filling them in on what happened. Then, I dive into work with them, sorting through every snippet of Meg’s life. Unfortunately, the day doesn’t have endless hours, the minutes dripping by as if they are nothing but sand. Eventually, Aurelia and Leila return, not having much to report. The director told them that the gems were indeed gifts. Meg got them for her birthday and for Christmas—probably from one of their donors. He is going to send us a list of all the donations from the last ten to twenty years.

Even more data to go through.

I’m also starting to revisit the theory I had a while ago that whoever chased Meg’s mom might be the one who got Meg herself. These incidents have to be related somehow.

I feel exhausted. We are so close, so close, but still so far away. Why can’t I find the solution!?

“Arden?” I feel Aurelia’s warm hands on my head, her touch pulling me out of my trance. I gaze around, noticing that it’s pitch-black outside already, and the room is empty aside from the both of us.

“I sent Gustave home,” she says quietly. “Leila made sure that Zoé got home, too. And I told Vander to get some rest.”

“I didn’t even notice,” I say.

“I know.” She leans against my body. “I figured you were in your own world and didn’t want to be interrupted, but I think you need a break.”

“I feel like I’m failing them, Aurelia.”

“I feel the same,” she admits. “All this work and it feels like we are taking a step forward and two back. But it’s not true, is it? We know much more today than we knew yesterday. But if we overwork ourselves, we won’t help anyone.”

I rub my head. My brain feels foggy and tired. Seems like I have reached my limits without even noticing it. “You’re right, I’m no use to anyone like this.”

“I have an idea,” she says. “How about we go on a run, let our wolves out? Maxima and Cato haven’t met each other in their lycan forms, yet. Let’s spend a couple of hours outside, free our minds from this, and then tomorrow, we will return with newfound energy.”

I take her hands, moving them away from my head and towards my lips, kissing them. “Let’s go,” I say.